Breaking News
Baco, 2022
8/10
The legendary reggae musician’s 13th album, Clinton Fearon penned Breaking News during the pandemic, when him and his wife would livestream from their home in order to stay positive despite all the bad news coming in daily.
“Breaking News” opens the listen with Fearon’s inimitable pipes alongside soulful backing vocals and no lack of rhythm in the timeless reggae climate, and “Don’t Dump It” follows with well timed brass and environmentally conscious wordplay in the very warm delivery.
Deeper into the listen, “Have Some Fun” is indeed an upbeat track with harmonic singing and a soothing melody, while “I Wanna Dance” recruits strategic organ and a cozy spirit that indeed will get you on the dancefloor.
Moving towards the end, “I Am Thankful” makes great use of the skilled drumming and intricate guitar playing for the album’s best selection, and “Unbeatable Dub” exits the listen with a hazy and mysterious instrumental that balances drums, brass and guitars superbly.
Fearon is joined by Xavier ‘Kubix’ Bègue (guitar), Julien ‘Manjul’ Souletie (vocals and percussions), Simon ‘Saymon’ Coutant (drums), Thomas ‘Mato’ Cirade (bass) and Muctaru Wurie (keyboards), who he cites as the best musicians he’s ever played with, and it sure sounds like it as they create a listen ideal for the mind, body and soul.
Travels well with: Gladiators- One Love; Artikal Sound System- Welcome To Florida