Search - Lukie D :: Deliver Me

Taking a Nice Chance. . .

Achis | Kingston, JA/Philipsburg, SxM | 10/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Meet Lukie D. One of several somewhat overlooked and forgotten singers who fit into a pack of not outstanding, but not bad singers (I didn't want to sum him up completely as MEDIOCRE) in dancehall. He, along with singers such as Tony Curtis, Nitty Kutchie (who interestingly enough released an album named Jah Deliver Me just last year) and Singing Melody have for years made up that pack. They are all very very good singers, have had hits of varying sizes and record consistently but seem to lack the extra. . . something which sets peers of theres such as Wayne Wonder and Sanchez apart from that pack.



Lukie D would be much more successful as an American r&b singer. His style of vocal's is much more gospel and less roots oriented sounding, which is the type of big vocals which are more popular there. But, playing with the card dealt him, he has released Deliver Me, his 6th (with #5, Shelter Me, being released just 2 weeks before) and definitely most interesting set to date. Lukie's been very busy, releasing 4 albums in the last 2 years.



What's most interesting about this set, Deliver Me, is that it was recorded for Frenchie at Maximum Sounds in the UK. The young producer is working on establishing a big name for himself, and first he releases an Anthony B album, loads a Jah Mason album, does a big riddim and releases a Lukie D album. The Lukie D album doesn't seem to fit in there too well, however, as somewhat lukewarm fan of Lukie D, Deliver Me is easily his most accessible and complete long player to date.



Lukie, not surprisingly because of the label, comes armed with 3 big combinations on Deliver Me. The best of which being the best tune on the album, Back a Me Yard, the nice nice nice repatriation vibe with Junior Kelly. Why Junior Kelly? I have no idea but with Kelly playing the dj role completely, blending with Lukie D's toned down vocals, Back a Me Yard is a great great and emotional song.



The other combinations also comprise some of the best material here. Be Wise with Anthony B is a big tune might even have a bigger vibe to it than Back a Me Yard and is definitely more bouncy and the first 2 artists to release for Maximum Sound do a very very fine combination on the tune. The 3rd is a with the Warlord Bounty Killer, Kill Another Sound. Again, very very big vibe and I love those type of songs, paricularly in combination form, very effective tune.



Also check the gospel sound of the title track, which somewhat shows Lukie D at his best and worse, it doesn't really distinguish itself on the album, particularly with it being the title track, but its still a very nice song. Also love Hear Me Out over the Dis Ya Time riddim, big song; and Stand Firm, Lukie's effort of the World Jam (also known as the Jamrock) riddim redone for Frenchie.



And lastly, check the opening track. Which is simply the professional singer singing a well done version of the Jamaican National Anthem, and of course is one of the best songs on the entire album.



Overall, I don't know if I can blindly recommend this one to just about anyone. However, be you a fan caught up in the Wayne Wonder vibe you should give this one try, or if you have heard a song from the artist and are looking for an album. Definitely pick up Deliver Me in either situation, Deliver Me is without a doubt the biggest album of Lukie D's career."