Positive Energy

by Alpha Blondy, Alpha Blondy & the Solar System

Overview

Positive Energy is a title that would have fit many of Alpha Blondy's previous albums, but the West African reggae vocalist's 16th LP does just what it says on the tin, even when it is rebelling. Case in point is the key cut and Tarrus Riley feature "Freedom," which is stern yet smooth as it argues that freedom is a human right. The anthemic call-and-response number "No Brain, No Headache" may wail with "no one understands me" in its lyrics, but it is really a cathartic cry out to console others who are highly empathetic; then "Ingratitude" attacks its namesake attitude with stately horns and angelic background vocals. As usual, Blondy's band, the Solar System, drives the music into more jam-like structures than studio albums usually allow, and the man up front is in fine voice, still able to drive home his emotional moments in full-bodied, Beres Hammond style while softly gliding over the more poignant bits in a way that influenced his earlier guest, Tarrus. If there's any complaint to be made, it's that there's nothing really "new" here -- just more fine songwriting, more spot-on singing, and more positive energy to add to the discography. Start with the Riley cut for a taste, and also check "Rainbow in the Sky" with Ijahman Levi plus the driving and punchy "Madiba M'a Dit," which captures the kinetic energy of the man in concert. ~ David Jeffries

Product Details

Release Date:	05/19/2015
Label:	Imports
UPC:	0762184461922

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Alpha Blondy   Primary Artist,Vocals
Alpha Blondy & the Solar System   Primary Artist
Astride Danielson   Vocals (Background)
Jocelyne Sozaya   Vocals (Background)
Naoufel   Guest Artist,Featured Artist
Veron "Koxx" Dinnall   Bass
Eddy Delomenie   Horn
Vincent Aubert   Horn
Kone Alpha Soukeina   Vocals (Background)
Gneba Melissa   Vocals (Background)
Hallany Michelle   Vocals (Background)
Issam   Guest Artist,Featured Artist
Charles Laube   Drums
Guillaume Dutrieux   Horn
Ijahman Levi   Featured Artist,Guest Artist
Issam Kamal   Featured Artist
Jacob Desvarieux   Featured Artist,Guest Artist
Ismael Isaac   Featured Artist,Guest Artist
Paco Sery   Drums
Allen Hoist   Violin
Julien Lacharme   Guitar
Loran Romain   Keyboards
Pierrette Adams   Guest Artist,Featured Artist
Tarrus Riley   Guest Artist,Featured Artist
T-Issam   Featured Artist
Julie Mourillon   Guitar

Technical Credits

Alexandre Jovanovic   Photography
Allegbe Serge   Engineer
Fofana Youssouf   Assistant
Roch Armando   Photography
Supercinq   Artwork
Laurent Dupuy   Engineer
Alpha Blondy   Producer
Evariste Yace   Arranger