Title - ‘World Peace’ (Heartbeat)
Artist - Culture
Joseph Hill is one of reggae's greatest living songwriters and survivors. When you think that most international recording artists able to deliver thirty albums in over a quarter of a century, might or should be millionaires - here comes Hill, still thriving on a large underground fan base and working the club circuit that extra hard with every passing year. If he has wealth, it's not related to silver or gold, but in wisdom and prophecy. A master at writing anthemic chants in a hymn-like manner, Hill's profound insights into poverty, war and injustice are all revealed on World Peace. From the cries of "Some of them a holler, some a ball" on 'Time Is Getting' to the persevering restraint shown on 'Never Get Weary,' Hill's hypnotic hooks grab your attention and never want to let go. Whether he's inviting George Bush to reason by his side (bible in hand) under a marijuana tree (as on the title track) or chanting alongside niyabinghi drums on the exceptional ’Babylon Falling,’ Hill captivates as well as he does communicate.
Reviewed by KK Barrett
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