Old Soul

Stephen Marley 5作目のアルバム『Old Soul』発売!!

Eric Clapton、Buju Banton、Ziggy Marley、Jack Johnsonほか、特別ゲストを連れてレゲエというカテゴリーを超えた幅広い楽曲を収録したニューアルバム。2LP仕様。

The storied reggae artist (and heir to the throne as Bob Marleys second son) Stephen Marley takes a new turn on his fifth solo album Old Soul. After years as a supporting player and behind-the-scenes producer, Marley emerged with solo work in the late 2000s as a powerful hybrid of roots reggae and modernized hip-hop, sometimes speckled with moments of dancehall fun for good measure. Born from nightly acoustic jams at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Old Soul is considerably mellower, matching soft sentiments on love, family, and the circle of life with spare arrangements that float out of the speakers like a gentle breeze. Tunes like the autobiographical title track and the lovers rock-influenced "Standing in Love" (which features a cameo from Slightly Stoopids Kyle McDonald) keep the percussion and electric instruments to a minimum, making acoustic guitar melodies and sweet vocal harmonies the main focus. Buju Banton contributes to the perky ska number "Thanks We Get (Do Fi Dem)" and theres a reggae foundation to the brooding "Cast the First Stone" (aided by brother Damian Marley), but even these tracks are lighter readings of traditional reggae and reggae-adjacent sounds. Elsewhere, Marley curiously explores whatever style he feels, drifting through jazz standards like "Georgia on My Mind" and "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" and covering the Beatles "Dont Let Me Down" before inviting Eric Clapton to join in on lead guitar as they revisit a cover of Marleys fathers 1973 hit "I Shot the Sheriff." The lazy ramble of "Winding Roads" closes Old Soul out, sounding more like a folksy, amber-hued jam band tune than anything reggae related. Assistance from the Grateful Deads Bob Weir and the perpetually affable Jack Johnson enhance the songs laid-back essence, and its a lovely way to let the thoughtful, even-keeled album naturally decompress. Marley maintains a relaxed energy and a light touch throughout Old Soul, but the songs are built well enough that they feel refreshing and never sleepy. Its a pendulum swing from some of his more intense moments, but the strong material shows his depth as an artist, regardless of the muse hes pursuing. ~ Fred Thomas

7年ぶりのソロ5作目では作風を大きく変化。アコギ主体の演奏にノスタルジーも交えて愛や人生を穏やかに歌っている。ブジュ・バントンとの軽妙なスカ"Thanks We Get(Do Fi Dem)"、スタンダードやビートルズのカヴァー、ジャック・ジョンソンとの終曲まで、全体を満たすのはリラックスした爽やかさだ。エリック・クラプトンをギターに招いた"I Shot The Sheriff"も重要。
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