Rastaboyz.com - The Voice of Reggae Dancehall (Vancouver, Canada)

June 27, 2011

Odel Johnson "Redemption" Album Review
Written by David Saba

Lyndon John X There is no doubt that Odel Johnson is an extremely talented reggae artist. He wouldn't have received a Juno for his drumming and contributions to Messenjah's Catch De Vibe if he wasn't. He also wouldn't have toured globally with Fully Fullwood, a member of Peter Tosh's band "Word, Sound, and Power", and probably the most popular and respected reggae bassist out there, had he not the skills. Were he not blessed with talent he wouldn't have toured with reggae greats such as Dennis Brown, Michael Rose, Mikey Dread, and the Mighty Diamonds, and in doing receive the inspiration and confidence to grow as an artist. These skills and his growth were recognized by the Canadian music industry when his debut solo album, 2005's Mind & Body Sold was nominated for a Juno award.

The talented Odel Johnson, no longer just a percussionist, but now an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer, released a new album, Redemption, last fall. Last I checked it was still in the top 5 on the Canadian reggae charts, and for good reason, it's a great listen. The live instrumentation alone on Redemption is fantastic, it had me skanking in my seat at work! I especially love the use of the horns on this album. But as good as the band is, Odel Johnson's singing voice is equally impressive. His voice has great depth and is capable of conveying complex emotions, and thankfully he doesn't shy away from using it. The lyrics are uplifting and hopeful; his songs speak of love and community, African identity, Marcus Garvey, and the desire for repatriation. The album has ten tracks, six are original songs, two are covers, and two are cover songs that are revamped or 'remained'.

Musically the album is diverse. Primarily it's classic roots rock reggae, but there are tracks that are more rock and roll than roots rock, and there are also generous doses of lover's rock, and even a hint of r&b. But though the sounds may differ the message is consistent - redemption comes to those who come to know His Majesty and Jah Love; with Love comes salvation.

The album is solid, notwithstanding a few misses that detract. Let's get those out of way first. As good as Loraine Reid's singing is on the duet "Into Forever", and she does a pretty decent Mary J. impression, the song misfires for me because the tempos are off balance. On that track Odel sings in a chill and romantic tone while Loraine's throws as much passion as possible into the lyrics. It doesn't jive right. Opposing flows can work, but not often when they're singing the same sort of lines. And Odel Johnson's covers of "The Harder They Come" by the great Jimmy Cliff, and "For the Love of You", by the still kicking, and great, Isley Brothers, I could have done without. My thoughts are that if you're not outdoing the original or bringing something new to a track (like Peter Tosh's version of "Johnny Be Goode" or Jimmy Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower") don't bother. But that's it, minor detractions on an otherwise excellent album. The other two cover songs work well, especially Odel's powerful and electrified version of Peter Tosh's "Testify". All the new energy, mostly guitar work, help the listener see Tosh's timeless lyrics in a new light. But by far the strongest tracks on Redemption are Odel's original solos.

"Natty Trod", "Chronicles", "Redemption", and "Dry Harbour Mountains" are all stand-outs in their own right! Redemption is a worthy purchase just for those four tracks alone. "Chronicles", an excellent choice to open the album, gives us a taste of the quality of Odel Johnson's songwriting with lines like: "We write the chronicles of this time/As we trod through Babylon". "Natty Trod" is probably my favourite song on the album, and it is without a doubt one of the best new roots rock reggae songs I've heard in some time. Lyrically and musically it is awesome, and Odel's voice! It's like he somehow channelled Winston Rodney of Burning Spear. "Redemption" is a feel good song with beautiful and nostalgic lyrics. And "Dry Harbour Mountains" is another classic sounding roots rock track that transports you to another place and another time - no easy feat.

Odel Johnson has produced a fine album with Redemption and created some beautiful music. He has gathered together some very talented musicians and singers and has truly established himself as a commanding singer and drummer. My only complaint is that the album could be more cohesive, likely benefiting from changes in song order and selection.