Whereas it might have dropped with little fanfare, Duane Stephenson’s new album Weekend Dude is way too wealthy to go below the radar. The 14-track challenge—produced by Donovan Germain (Penthouse Information)—is a superb fusion of roots reggae and lovers rock, with that signature Duane contact: considerate, clean, and all the time from the guts.
Duane Stephenson has lengthy been one in every of reggae’s most constant voices—seemingly by no means chasing traits, all the time delivering high quality in his tasks. His voice stays as soothing and sincere as ever, carrying an actual message and emotion.
What additionally units him aside is his capacity to take a basic and fully make it his personal. That ability is on full show right here, with covers like “Blessed Are the Meek” (Slim Smith & Dave Barker), “Jah Jah Give Us Life to Stay” (The Wailing Souls), and “The Final Factor on My Thoughts” (Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner). As a substitute of merely revisiting these tunes, he reshapes them—holding the soul intact however inhaling contemporary vibes and a contemporary contact.
He’s not alone both. Josey Wales jumps in on “Dancehall Broom”, and Exco Levi hyperlinks up on “That’s What She Loves”, a playful however polished tune about girls who know what they need—and the boys doing their finest to fulfill them there.
The album additionally encompasses a heavyweight lineup of musicians behind the scenes, together with Mitchum “Khan” Chin, Lamont Savory, Garth “Duckie” Forester, Wade Johnson, Robby Lyn, Bowie McLaughlin, Kirk Bennett, and Jason Welch, amongst others.
Reflecting on the challenge, Duane shares:
“I felt it was time for a contemporary begin with a contemporary sound. This album has been a very long time coming.”
Mild moments, heavy reflections, and actual emotion—Weekend Dude is a kind of albums which will come quiet, however speaks volumes.