Search - Sizzla :: Jah Knows Best

Same Ole, Same Ole

Achis | Kingston, JA/Philipsburg, SxM | 06/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Of course anytime Ras Records jumps up and releases an album by a quality artist like Sizzla Kalonji its worth a listen. Last year they shouted out with The Truth by Kalonji protege Turbulence, and the material on that one was very high, Jah Knows Best is no different.
The strangest thing about this album, is of course, track 3 Subterranean Homesick Blues which by virtue of its recording becomes Sizzla's first and only cover tune, here of a Bob Dylan track and its listenable, the flow on it is pretty different for a Sizzla track, but its entertaining nontheless. Interestingly enough however, my favorite track here, besides the (truly massive) title cut I Myself Know, which rides a classic hip-hop/r&b riddim, but the wording of the song is soooo powerful that it might have even been better as an accapella. The finisher here (literally) Jah Is Love is the typical Sizzla falsetto offering with the heavy nyah drum backing him, but its honestly one of the reasons that most of his fans fell in love with him, he sort of loses himself in his wording and seems at times to just speak from the heart, heavy Rasta tune, of course. Of course there's the obligatory dancehall portion of the album, the best of which is probably You World Leaders, but I like Move Up as well.
Overall, I might actually give this one the nod over his earlier effort from this year Speak of Jah. Its your typically high level offering from one of the best artists around and only he himself can top that."

Not the best intro to sizzla.Still...

steveez3 | 07/06/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not the best introduction to the man,but a fair to middle album by the ever prolific Sizzla.Seriously he churns out around 3 albums a year (on various labels) and ever since 'Words of Tryth' he's trod a rougher lyrical line and delivery.There are some quality roots rhythms present throughout and the version of 'Subterranean' is a highlight,however the more experimental musical aspects of the album (whilst interesting) don't do it for me and Sizzlas' gruff vocal can get a bit much after a while.One for collectors.If you're really keen to hear something fresh from Sizzla, full of inspired Roots,Reggae,Rightiousness and creative use of his vocal range... I'd recommend 'Speak of Jah'"