Search - Capleton :: Reign of Fire

Don't Fear The Fire

Jabari Adisa | Chicago, IL United States | 03/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a great appreciator of Capleton's fire and power. I don't agree with his occasional highlighting of homosexuals as the prevailing sign of human corruption. For the record, I see unfettered capitalism with it's corollary greed and exploitation of human/mineral/animal resources as infinitely more harmful than how people choose to express their gender/sexuality. I'm pleased to hear Capleton, on Reign of Fire, focus on global matters and cease his indictment of people who are, for the most part, unable to defend themselves from prejudice and abuse. It's important to note that his latest VP release, "Reign of Fire" avoids any mention of that subject that has some attempting to silence him. There's no coded language, no blatant reference. Nothing at all. Relax the repression of Capleton and enjoy the vibes as he chants down babylon.



Capleton is one of the most vibrant artists of any musical style performing today. I often wonder what a collaboration between Capleton and Angelique Kidjo, Carlinhos Brown, Femi Kuti or, better yet, Immortal Technique might sound like. I can imagine a musical incendiary device that the could reach rabble-rousing proportions. When King Shango says "That Day Will Come" you know he means it. And it's easy to feel inspired to join Capleton's Army. He's right when he says "They will never share" which is why he has to bun dem. Yes Iyah!



Reign of Fire is a brilliant album but I fear that most listeners don't really want Capleton to grow. If you want pure Fyah tracks I think that More Fire and Still Blazin' are more effective demonstrations of Capleton in that style. You can even look to "The People Dem" for the incessant fyah blazing. On Reign of Fire, you'll find 7 recent hits and 15 brand new tracks! This is not another singles compilation. This is a focused effort to speak directly to the audience that he understands so well.



Reign of Fire has no shortage of brilliant moments ranging from hardcore Ragga to Dancehall Roots ("Real Hot", "Jah Is My Everything", "Remember The Days"). Almighty also ventures occasionally into a delivery that you'd more likely expect from Luciano or Bushman, with the mellow roots tracks. Capleton lacks the vocal depth/range of Luciano or Bushman but appreciators can quickly get past that to feel that righteous Rasta spirit that the subject matter needs to push into the proper zone of righteous upliftment. Capleton means every word he says, he's the ideological heir to Peter Tosh's legacy. You'd be wise to buy it today."

Okay I Get It. . .

Achis | Kingston, JA/Philipsburg, SxM | 10/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A new Capleton album is like an event in reggae music, even his recently released underground album Da People Them is making waves and getting tons of attention. Unlike his 2 previous VP albums More Fire and Still Blazin', Reign of Fire doesn't quite hit you as hard, thus it takes a while to get to the real vibe, but when you sight it up, you REALLY sight it up.



The opener, the massive Jah Is My Everything is probably the best song on the album and a great example of the huge sounding anthemic style songs Capleton is notorious for absolutely destroying, and having seen him perform it live recently I can say that it retains much of its power in the studio version. RoF is literally loaded with such songs Ton Load is an excellent tune which is honestly one of the best ganja anthems in a good while. Love Undeniable, he just breaks down this history copletely on that one, Steppin Up, Wise Up People, Jah By My Side, Leaders Let the People Down and Sunshine Girl with the genius Stephen Marley as well. On the dancehall side, gotta love In Her Heart and Real Hot, the wild Who Yuh Callin' Nigga is completely different. Also, buried on the album is a really good romantic song called Remember the Days, if Jah is My Everything isnt the best tune on RoF then its easily Remember the Days, despite its cheesy intro, the tune really gets going and is truly massive.



Overall, I dont even think its necessary to reccommend a Capleton album, if you're reading this you'll probably buy it anyway, its fairly the same the same vibes you've come to expect from the Prophet with Bobby Digital a good number of the songs, and I was happy to see him touch down at Tuff Gong to record at least one tune on the album (Number One Song) Capleton's style fits pretty much inside of their studios like a glove. Also biggup VP for the style of the album very attractive album cover and everything which might attract fans that dont typically buy off the reggae rack.

Its a big album, don't listen to me, go get it!

"

Reigning and Still Blazing Fire

mgogo | Dodoma, Tanzania | 12/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like he always chants, big riddim for big tunez..Then if that is what you are looking for then Reign of Fire is the album. Big conscious riddims in this CD, like Ton Load (One For The Road Riddim) and The Leader Let The People Down, Jah Is Everything, That Day Will Come (Hard Times Riddim), Never Share - Burn Dem (Forever Loving Jah Riddim). He also included some dancehall tunez, Who You calling Nigga; a very interesting and unique tune, Or Wah ( Renaissance Riddim) and one of the biggest summer dancehall tune, In her Heart (Chrome Riddim).Also got some for the ladies or let's say romantic, Sunshine Girl and Remember the Days, RtD is Wicked.



If you are looking for Dangerzone,Bun Dung Dreddie, or Couyah Couyah type of songs you won't find them in this CD.



Conscious vibes from the Fire Man himself, The prophet is reigning and still blazing more fire..Great CD. The Prophet still keeps the fire burning."