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| Better Days (Fifth Element, 2004) *GUEST REVIEW* Chuck Fenda (AKA Chuck Fender) is a solid, if obscure, singjay in the vein of Anthony B. or Sizzla. In fact, if I were to describe his singing voice and the style of his music, I would say he sounds like a mix of exactly those two influences, perhaps with more of the former than the latter. In fact, this is the only real problem with Chuck and his album -- it's a bit too derivative to be very memorable. Frequently throughout the album you'll find yourself thinking that Anthony B.'s had finer moments, and then you'll remember that this isn't Anthony B. This is a serviceable (and at times better than that) singjay album, but it doesn't mark out much territory for itself that you haven't visited before. That said, the album kicks off in fine style with the catchy but serious hook of "Ruff Out Deh" and then the slower, boisterous "Better Days." These tracks establish Mr. Fenda as a charismatic singer with a strong social conscience, and give you reasonably high hopes for the rest of the material. Sadly, these hopes are not always met. Track 3, the very Sizzla-ish "Haffi Win," is a bit generic and suffers from a weaker backing track than the two that preceded it. "No More Sufferin" is even more Sizzla-like (check out those high-pitched trills in the opening seconds), and marries a heartfelt, interesting hook to an overwrought production and a sluggish hip hop beat. "Serious Time" is rather tossed off, but "The Prayer" brings back fond memories of landmark albums like Black Woman & Child. It's not quite that good, but it's good enough. Most of this release is quality while rarely reaching the upper echelon of rootsy dancehall. A few tracks don't live up to this mark, such as the weak ballads "Show Love" and "Oh My Lord" with their generic melodies and chord changes strummed in decidedly non-reggae acoustic guitar rhythms. But for the most part, Better Days is a decent album that hints that its maker might eventually do better still. -Dale Cooper |
| Track Listing 1. Ruff Out Deh 2. Better Days 3. Haffi Win 4. No More Suffering 5. Serious Time 6. The Prayer 7. Survival Is the Key 8. Show Love 9. See Love 10. Mama 11. Oh My Lord 12. Hurt My Soul 13. Jah Sight 14. Poor People Cry 15. I Swear |
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The Living Fire (Greensleeves, 2007)
If you're not yet familiar with Chuck Fenda's "Gash Dem," you really owe it to yourself to check out one of the best tunes of 2006. And what better place to do it than on Fenda's eagerly anticipated album The Living Fire? It's an especially great deal considering you also get a pair of other hits: his follow-up "Freedom of Speech" (featured on Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2006), which addresses the controversy surrounding the banning of his song from radio stations in Jamaica, and the tender duet "Coming Over," featured on Strictly the Best 36. (All three have videos that are included on the CD as well.) Although it's his vitriolic fire-and-brimstone DJ style that helped him rise into the limelight of the reggae scene after years of toiling in relative anonymity, Fenda shows off his soft side on more than one occasion, adapting nicely to the lovers style on "Coming Over," performing a remarkably effective rock guitar ballad (!) with Tanya Stephens on "Child of the Universe," and meditating to the Nyabinghi track "I'm Praying." But who are we kidding? We want to hear the living fire! And does he ever deliver. In fact, I don't think fire codes allow Chuck Fenda and Capleton to be in the same building without sprinklers and fire-retardant clothing handy. The Living Fire is a treat throughout for fans of modern roots reggae, but if you happen to have only a couple of minutes to listen to it in a store, fast-forward to track 7 and bask in the powerhouse threesome the environmentally conscious "Mother Earth," the edgy ganja anthem "Gwaan Plant," and the vengeful "Nah Laugh," then try to resist buying it. Resistance is futile! Fenda's energy is contagious, and his commitment to being "the Poor People's Defender" comes across in the sincerity of his performance. Granted, his signature vocal twitter can get a bit annoying, but you'll be too busy grooving to this triumphant album to care.
| Track Listing 1. Interview 2. Gash Dem 3. Freedom of Speech 4. Long Road 5. Child of the Universe with Tanya Stephens 6. Change Your Ways 7. Mother Earth 8. Gwaan Plant 9. Nah Laugh 10. Coming Over with Cherine Anderson 11. Hold It 12. I'm Praying 13. Judgement 14. World Need Love 15. Put It on Me 16. Working For with Richie Spice |
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