RiddimJamaica Review - Richie Spice Gideon Boot

If Reggae was a classroom, Richie Spice would be the under achiever that made it to the top of the class.

His latest full length album release “Gideon Boot”, proves the point that this artist possesses the potential to become one of the biggest names in the business of Reggae.

A welcomed exception to the stock of albums in VP Records 2008 catalog, the disc embraces the warm live sound that is associated with authentic roots reggae by the international community.

A conscious musical trod through Babylon, Richie Spice carries us through the “Gideon” with such overcoming humility and subtle wisdom, the strength of his message is felt, not just heard.

With a beat of nyabinghi and raw acoustics, he welcomes listeners with the prophetic “Babylon falling”. A strong town cry of the times, delivered in literal lyrical poetry.

The title track follows, with sweet organs and a strong live band presence, carrying the message of his quest to empower the people through music.

German Reggae sensation Gentleman, joins Richie Spice on the journey with the track “Lets Go”. A well worked collab, it is the only one on the 14 track album.

“Wrap up a draw” is a catchy weed tune, however by the time the album rolls in to track 5 the riddims seem slightly the same, drawing an impending feeling of monotony.

A breath of fresh air blows by with “World Crisis”. The haunting horns summoned by drums roll along with bass guitar as Richie delivers a solid single on oil, war, money, hunger, and peace.

Track 7 encompasses his valedictorian speech “Why”, speaking about perseverance, tolerance, talent and focus being his tools towards success.

Spice has drawn on his Rastafarian principles to confidently exhibit his creativity.
The mega single “The World is a Cycle” paces the album, giving way to the thought provoking “Make Up You Mind”. The current chart topper, “The Plane Land”, is the only real rocker on the disc, followed by the retro-sampled “Bad Lamp”.

The empathic “Rise” comes and goes without much of a crescendo, and the final track, “Hang On” brings a somewhat anemic and anti-climatic ending to a potentially strong album.

All in all Richie Spice holds true to his distinctive sound, but the presentation of this effort is strained by a slight sense of monotony which speckles an otherwise balanced album.

I would dare to say, Richie Spice does have the ability to deliver a Grammy acclaimed album.

But it’s not this one.

rated 3/5

The Reggae News Agency

www,riddimja.com