Jahmekya | melodymakers.com

Jahmekya (1991, Virgin)

1991's Jahmekya saw the Melody Makers stretching themselves artistically and producing a leaner, tougher sound than on the previous albums.

This new direction is evident right away in "Raw Riddim", the propulsive, hip-hop tinged track that leads off the album. Up next is the classic "Kozmik", a deliriously infectious number co-penned by Ziggy and Cedella. Can you feel it? The pace then slows with a cover of Bob's "Rainbow Country". Not unlike his classic "Sun Is Shining", this track combines positive, optimistic lyrics with a somewhat darker melody. "Drastic" then asks over a wicked groove if revolution is going to be the solution. Track five is one of the band's signature singles: "Good Time" extols the virtues of liberation and education. For many fans, this song was their finest moment to date. Stephen's composition "Problem With My Woman", "Jah Is True and Perfect", and the anthemic "Small People" are among the other standout tracks. The Melody Makers close the set with the declaration that "this generation will make the change".

If, as drummer Ginger Baker once suggested, music can effect change more than politics, this recording is an excellent start.

Click on any song title to go to its description page. Songs with sound icons have downloadable sound samples.

1. Raw Riddim
2. Kozmik
3. Rainbow Country * (Bob Marley)
4. Drastic
5. Good Time
6. What Conquers Defeat
7. First Night
8. Wrong Right Wrong
9. Herbs An' Spices
10. Problem With My Woman *
11. Jah Is True And Perfect *
12. Small People
13. So Good, So Right
14. Namibia
15. New Time And Age *
16. Generation

* CD only

Produced by the Melody Makers and Glenn Rosenstein

WARS AND POLITICANS COME AND GO, BUT MUSIC IS FOREVER
We give thanks and praise to the almighty father who makes all things possible.

Rastafari H.I.M.

-- The Melody Makers

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