Press Clipping
12/22/2015
Article
Review

After being delayed several times it seems like it's finally time for St. Lucian singer Taj Weekes and his band Adowa to drop their fifth album Love Herb & Reggae. The set is slated for release on February 12, 2016, and the title is a reference and an answer to the decades old mantra "sex, drugs and rock & roll".

The album carries 14 tracks and as usual with Taj Weekes it expounds on social themes with a progressive approach and calls to action for change. "The Rasta philosophy helped shape me. I've always spoken for what's right, but in my songs I held back a bit. Now I want to shout it out for everyone to hear. No more Taj the person and Taj the musician – after all, they are one," explains Taj Weekes in a press release.

For this set Taj Weekes has advanced his messaging and changed his creative process.

"For me this is very much a breakthrough. Previously I'd use a few chords, whatever sounded good, and sing over them; this time I carefully chose chords that not only fit the melody but would support the words. I jump from major to minor wherever necessary to get what I really want," he says.

Love Herb & Reggae was preceded by a critically acclaimed live outing – Pariah in Transit (2014) – and equally commended studio albums A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen (2010), Deidem (2008) and Hope & Doubt (2005).