Rating: NNNN
Based on the strength of Gyptian’s ubiquitous piano-driven lead single, Hold You, his fourth album has the potential to become a crossover smash. The Jamaican reggae musician injects his classic songs with North American R&B flair, and the album’s production values are consistent and varied.
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Dubby drums and calypso horns come together on Where You Belong. A dancehall riddim that echoes 16-bit video games pumps through Nah Let Go. The unusual bedfellows of acoustic guitar and Auto-Tune weave through Drive Me Crazy. Gyptian rolls the various sub-genres of reggae into a cohesive package guaranteed to win over new fans. What’s more, his voice rivals the lovers’ rock crooners of yesteryear.
Top track: Nah Let Go
Catch Gyptian at Lamport Stadium Saturday (July 31) and at Queen’s Park and XS Nightclub Sunday (August 1).
