| It is too easy to rant and rave about the
album, Freedom’s Journal “Righteousness Exalteth a Nation”
[Skank Productions]. Ossie Dellimore, together with the Soldiers of
Justice, create a powerful ambience of love and unfaltering consciousness
as well as a superb contribution to world of roots rock reggae. From
St. Vincent, Ossie Dellimore’s tenor voice is strong and confident
as it delivers the conscious messages within his lyrics. Several tracks
on his album that are worth mention, and the bass lines on this CD
are bold, driving the music at a rock-steady pace. It is surprising
to see what talented artistes are out there if care enough to look.
This is not one of those CDs that you buy for just one song. Almost
every track is a concrete example of what modern roots rock reggae
is at its best. The disc
starts off with “The System,” introduced with grinding
keyboards and funky guitar that set the standard of musicianship
the Soldiers of Justice bring to every song on this album. The lyrics
bring up many very crucial questions like, “Is it a part of
the plan?” After having I consciousness raised by the first
track, Ossie follows with the uplifting reminder that divine justice
will never fail I N I in “Fire Man.”
Now, behold the beauty of “Time Has
Come,” a song calling for Jah truth to be handed on to the
youths in abundance. “Solomon Dub” follows with a first-rate
mix of the instrumental of the prior track, allowing for continued
meditations on the lyrics of “Time Has Come.” Fast forward
a track, and you will find that it is not all seriousness. “Rocker
Reggae” is fun track that shows the carefree side of Ossie.
For those imprisoned spiritually, mentally, and or physically, lend
an ear to “Got to Be Free.” If you enjoyed Peter Tosh’s
version you will also apprecilove Ossie’s “Downpressor
Man.” Once again, Ossie blesses the mic with the lyrics of
“A Better Way,” a song about what most are looking for,
and even an answer to finding a better way. “We got show it
in the lives we lead.” Another uplifting reminder of what
is to come is explored in the sounds of “Justice.” On
the rougher side of the spectrum, the album finishes off “Sharp
as a Razor” and “Razor Dub,” a warning unto those
who cross this Rastaman. Yeah man, this album is not for the slight
of heart soldiers of Babylon.
By Aldo Fonticiella |
