Search - Luciano :: Jah Words

UNSWERVING DEVOTION

Locks Lion | Blue Mountain Peak | 05/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"JAH WORDS: A new Luciano album washes in with the tide, regular and predictable as always. In some ways, this is Luciano's biggest problem. Listeners know what to expect and when to expect it, and they're seldom disappointed; accordingly, Luciano's cutting edge is really rather dull. But at the same time, this is also his biggest asset. We've come to expect solid roots anthems, pious songs of faith, and that sweet, moving tenor voice, and that's exactly what we get, time after time. So it's no surprise that JAH WORDS is more of the same, and if you like Luciano, then that's probably a good thing. JAH WORDS is perhaps a little above the average, with some really solid, well-built rhythms, and excellent vocal backup from Shelene Thomas, which works very well, especially on the dancehall-pitched WHY SHOULD I?. Other highlights include a finely tuned attack on American imperialism, CRY FOR JUSTICE, and the romantic ANGEL HEART. There are also a couple of bonus cuts, both remakes of album tracks, as well as a fairly successful cover of Bob Dylan's KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR. Overall, this is another entry in a long history of strong if rather unspectacular album releases. While edgier artists like Sizzla veer wildly between fire-n-brimstone sermonizing and, perversely, hardcore guns-n-girls slackness, Luciano at least has the decency to maintain a clear and abiding standard, and it's his unswerving devotion to Jah which lifts an otherwise ordinary performance to those higher heights, and earns an extra star from me. Nice one, Luciano!"

Is This a Luciano Album?

Richard G. Heck | Canton MA, USA | 09/23/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of Luciano (see my other reviews), but I don't care much for this record. It's not terrible, but it's not nearly up to the standard of his best work. The problem, basically, is that he does nothing but sing here. Not one of the songs was written by him. The result is that the spiritual depth of the lyrics on his best records is mostly lacking here. The voice still rings true, but that's about it, really."

A Great Introduction

Mary Hetreed | Chicago | 06/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was recently introduced to dancehall reggae. Luciano's Jah Words is a great CD to share with friends who may have never even heard of dancehall reggae. It's smooth, has great melodies and is easy listening. "Angel Heart" should become a classic!"