The seeds scattered by reggae's avatars seem to have flourished in Africa while heavy weeding is in order when it comes to contemporary Jamaican product. Platinum-dreadlocked, Ivory Coast reggae superstar Alpha Blondy re... more »turns from his long absence with a rich, impeccably-produced album (released by Tuff Gong, the label founded by Bob Marley and now owned by daughter Cedella), featuring a title track that transcends Black-Jewish and Arab-Israeli antagonism and is the subject of heated controversy in Israel. In the early '80s, Blondy used to bumrush NYC club stages to perform Bob Marley covers. Despite personal problems, a few years later, he was indeed hailed as the successor to Bob's throne. It could happen again. Blondy doesn't settle here for a retrospective glow; he rekindles reggae's fire. --Elena Oumano« less
The seeds scattered by reggae's avatars seem to have flourished in Africa while heavy weeding is in order when it comes to contemporary Jamaican product. Platinum-dreadlocked, Ivory Coast reggae superstar Alpha Blondy returns from his long absence with a rich, impeccably-produced album (released by Tuff Gong, the label founded by Bob Marley and now owned by daughter Cedella), featuring a title track that transcends Black-Jewish and Arab-Israeli antagonism and is the subject of heated controversy in Israel. In the early '80s, Blondy used to bumrush NYC club stages to perform Bob Marley covers. Despite personal problems, a few years later, he was indeed hailed as the successor to Bob's throne. It could happen again. Blondy doesn't settle here for a retrospective glow; he rekindles reggae's fire. --Elena Oumano
CD Reviews
Long live Alpha Blondy
09/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
""How extraordinary," you may wonder, "for a reggae artist to dedicate and name one of his albums after an assassinated Israeli prime minister." But this comes as no surprise if you are familiar with Alpha Blondy and the message he has been spreading for years through his music. He is truly one of reggae's greats, and throughout his entire career has been creating spiritual reggae that smites injustice in one lyric and promotes peace and brotherhood in another. One of his early songs, "Jerusalem," should be used as a blueprint for the Middle East situation or other zones of conflict. After singing a line of prayer in Hebrew and Arabic, Blondy intones, "We can see Christians, Jews and Muslims...living together and praying Amen...let's give thanks and praises!""Yitzhak Rabin" is infused with the same spirit as Blondy's other albums. It's great music with a message, delivered as only the power of righteous reggae can. This is Rasta spirit exemplified, but you don't have to be a Rasta to appreciate Blondy's beats and humanistic views."
Alpha has done it all again, Great album !
08/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is outstanding. Alpha Blondy is the greatest of a handful number of artists who keep Reggae music afloat and pure. For the past 15 years or so, Alpha Blondy has delivered this incredible and unique sound. This album is as good and refreshing as Alpha's Revolution with in addition the "Wailers' beat" that we enjoyed so much in the celebratory anthem "Cocody Rock". "Guerre civile" is my favorite on this album but all are great."
Eye of freedom
Bamba Daouda | Durango, colorado United States | 02/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a prophet, Alpha Blondy sees the world above the average person. Israel might be far from his homeland, but his desire to see the world in peace make his world bordeless. Yitzhak Rabin should revived our mighty heart with love,essence of life."
If you luv reggae this is for you
Bamba Daouda | 06/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I LOVE this Cd it is absolutely roots & its rhythm sets your soul free. All the CD is great but My most favorite songs are (4)Imbeciles and (5)Armee Francaise but (7) Guerre Civile (10)are really good too. 4 and 5 are in french (i understand a bit of the language) but i love them so much that i learned all the words by heart! I just loove reggae, by far i say the top living reggae artist.
-Pam"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1