Album: Mind Control Acoustic

Artiste: Stephen Marley

Genre: Reggae

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

It says a lot about an artiste when he can release a 'simpler' version of a Grammy award-winning album and it sounds even more soulful than the original. Musician Stephen Marley has done just that with the release of Mind Control Acoustic.

In today's world, there are few musicians who record albums acoustically. Mind Control Acoustic blows the listener away with its simple use of instruments that draw you into a private world of reggae music. Tracks like Traffic Jam feel almost like a guilty pleasure, as the listener gets the feeling that they've wandered into a private studio session with the artiste and his fellow musicians.

Bonus single

Unlike its predecessor, Mind Control Acoustic has fewer tracks, keeping eight from the original album and adding a bonus single, The Mission, which features Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley. Released exclusively on iTunes in December, the album weaves a sound that keeps to the pattern of the original tracks, but is at the same time different and enticing. For a track like Traffic Jam, the thudding bass beats of the original is lost and is replaced by the 'baa-by-baa-by' of Stephen Marley's melodious voice.

In Fed Up, a song about a relationship going sour, the sound of the wind instrument in the background is entrancing. While on Iron Bars, the harmonica goes hand-in-hand with the theme, giving the impression of being locked up behind bars with the sound of the harmonica as the only comfort in a lonely cell. On Lonely Avenue, the Spanish feel is not lost as Marley's cry of "I try, I try, I cry, I cry, someone hear me Lord" sounds even more plaintive.

Mind Control Acoustic is definitely a keepsake album that reggae lovers will appreciate. For non-reggae listeners, this album is definitely worth trying as it provides a soothing listen.

- Krista Henry

Track listing

1) Chase Dem, featuring Capleton

2) Iron Bars, featuring Julian Marley and Spragga Benz

3) Lonely Avenue

4) Mind Control

5) You're Gonna Leave

6) The Mission Acoustic, featuring Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley

7) The Traffic Jam, featuring Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley

8) Fed Up

9) Hey Baby