Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of Talking Heads handled producing chores for this 1988 release, which happily coincided with the Melody Makers' "reggae period." The title track captures the true reggae spirit--serious phil... more »osophy, spliffs, sunshine, and plenty fun. The group had yet to reach full maturity, but Conscious Party, which spun off hit singles "Tumbling Down" and "Tomorrow People," still stands as one of their most successful. --Elena Oumano« less
Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of Talking Heads handled producing chores for this 1988 release, which happily coincided with the Melody Makers' "reggae period." The title track captures the true reggae spirit--serious philosophy, spliffs, sunshine, and plenty fun. The group had yet to reach full maturity, but Conscious Party, which spun off hit singles "Tumbling Down" and "Tomorrow People," still stands as one of their most successful. --Elena Oumano
Allison E. Faulkner | Glendale Heights, IL United States | 10/22/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I own this CD and One Bright Day as well. My fondness for each of these discs acknowledges the different tenor of the CDs. Conscious Party has an introspective flavor to it, whereas One Bright Day is more overtly political. That being said, this disc is filled with wonderful tracks. Tomorrow People is the excellent track that caught my attention prior to buying the disc. The songs "We Propose", "What's True", "Have You Ever Been To Hell", "A Who A Say", and "Conscious Party" all stand out, both lyrically and musically. Plus, I love how the CD leaves its listener on the mellow "Dreams Of Home". This disc is a wonderful choice."
Essential Reggae
stevp | Champaign, IL | 02/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is Ziggy Marley's best album. Nothing the Melody Makers have done compares to Conscious Party and One Bright Day. Incredible musicianship accompanies well written songs and beautiful lyrics sung by Ziggy and one sung by younger brother Stephen who is equally as talented as Ziggy but who has a distictive voice which is more like Bob's early singing. Crucial album. Get it now!"
Like father, like son.
H3@+h | VT | 12/09/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Much like "Julian Lennon" four years before, "Ziggy Marley" dared to make an album as good as one of his fathers, and just about did. "Conscious Party" is so catchy, and so easy to like, they could have called it "Contageous Party". It's pop-reggae. Every song here is good, but the better ones are the title track, "Tumblin' Down", "We Propose", and the hit "Tomorrow People". That song is so great, I almost get emotional when I hear it. "Dreams Of Home" is an excellent closer as well. I play this one just as much as "Peter Tosh", "H.R.", and his dad. Maybe that's because I have it on cd, cassette, and vinyl."
We a guh some weh...
Cindy F. Austin | Pratt, KS USA | 08/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As far as Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers go, this is about as good as they get (with the exception of maybe Live Vol. 1). There are a couple songs that may take some getting-used-to, but the overall album is very strong. If you've never heard ZM&MM, this is a good introduction to what they're all about (as is Live Vol. 1). The best songs are "We A Guh Some Weh," "Conscious Party," "Tomorrow People," and "A Who A Say" (featuring Stephen Marley on lead vocals). There aren't any filler tracks. As you can tell from most of the reviews, this is one of Ziggy's best. Before you get any Ziggy albums, though, you must realize that he and his siblings are not Bob Marley & The Wailers (even though a lot of the Wailers play on this record). There can only be one Bob Marley. ZM&MM have a more poppy, trendy sound than Bob did, but their music is still amazing in its own right. Don't be too quick to judge and let it grow on you. I bet you'll be satisfied. Good conscious music."
Serious reggae CD
R. Kyle | USA | 07/06/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is definitely the spirit. "Tumbling Down" and "Tomorrow People" are the two stars from this collection, but overall it's a very positive and enjoyable CD. I came late to Ziggy Marley fandom, so have worked my way back to this CD. I can tell the band's grown from here, but this is still a fresh and fun sound."