Prince Malachi steps correct with his long awaited October 2015 release titled Third Rock.
Third Rock is a soulful roots album with a variety of unique styles and an abundance of excellent production and musical talent. Prince Malachi has a powerful voice which overflows with emotion and truth.Great Welcome starts off the album with a bang. A superb composition showcasing Prince Malachi’s singing abilities and the huge production which backs the album. A song about travels from a far away land and the hardships faced by so many, this tune also presents a look towards an unknown future.
“Strength and Hope, King Selassie I he fills my cup. Now it overflows, with his grace, yes and perfect Love, that never stops from grow. I could never ever get too much. I need H.I.M. more and more.”
The third track of the album, Building Walls highlights many problems of the world today, and tells everyone to stop building the metaphorical (and physical) walls that separate us all. With an interesting and well placed guitar, Prince Malachi sings verses like this with a spiritual truth:
“War been raging on, for much too long, those politicians keep on singing that same old song… For the betterment of everyone, we’ve got to unite. Stop building your walls, why you keep building your walls? Where can we ever find some peace?”
Fallacies with veteran roots singer, Luciano, is simply a stunning tune. Malachi & The Messenjah take turns expressing their energy through word sound, as there aren’t many musicians who can match this talent and style. Luciano incorporates a massive amount of emotion in his voice in this tune in verses like this one:
“Seasons come and seasons go, but the seeds I plant, like the tree they will grow. I live, just to see the Father’s face, and I’ll give anything to be in his grace. I know that the journey isn’t easy, and I’m sure that I’ll see the victory.”
The horns, guitar, bass, and drums are all also exceptional in this one – really the production overall builds and makes the vibe outstanding in this tune.I love the sound on this next tune as well. With perfect placement of the horns and guitar riffs, Open Book is really catchy. Overflowing with a kindness and good energy this tune reminded me to turn up the volume, yet again. Top notch lyrics in this tune, Malachi speaks many wise words and has such uniquely smooth sound.A real vibrant riddim comes forth on the tune If I Don’t Have You. With a big bass line and a combination of drums and horns to amaze, Prince Malachi expresses his true love. This tune’s got such a good vibe it keeps you moving after it ends.Don’t Turn Your Back brings a unique digital twist to a classic sound as Malachi sings the chorus. This tune reminds us to never forget the needy and the unfortunate. An upbeat tune, it seems to be a good buildup for the next tune, Better Days. This one’s a relaxing, drum focused, and meditative song that encourages people to do the right thing, especially in times of trouble. Reminding us that there will be Better Days to come. Expect some unique syncopation on this one.Gideon Rough featuring legendary saxophone player, Dean Fraser, incorporates the extraordinary saxophone riffs into an epic tune. Prince Malachi emphasizes the hardships that we all face in this song, reminding us to take control of our destinies and remember our roots. Malachi sings deep lyrics in the tune, such as his first verse, where he brings a likeness to a fairy tale story:
“Once upon a time, when we were small, we had no fears at all, just you and me. Then suddenly I came to realize, I opened up my eyes, faced reality. Judgment is approaching fast – I’m wondering if we’ll last. Children, don’t forget your past, wake up and take your chance – the Gideon Rough.”
“Remember… in the beginning – no there was no hate, everything create with Love. And while atoms were splitting – the journey of mankind, it had just begun. And from way deep in Africa, you and I came – the first to behold the glory. Long before Able and Cain, and some guy and them story. So what you see today, it was never meant to be this way…”
The 13th tune, Wait Too Long, motivates us to act on our visions and ambitions now, as there is no time to waste. As Malachi sings:
“Don’t wait too long, I’ve got 12 likkle hours before the sun goes down… As I ah rise up early, I know that I will have to do Jah work today. I’m meditating on his glory, and all the things that he has done for me.”
With a nice addition of a variety of drumming styles, the rhythm and detail in this tune make it one to play again.Next up, a roots love tune, No Other, is a thanks to love. Malachi drops some wise verses throughout the tune, as his voice and the bass line are what make this tune.The album is wrapped up with the almost symphonic, Ups and Downs. With a melodic piano and a catchy, big, saxophone riff, Prince Malachi reminds us that life has its Ups and Downs.
“I know there are some of you out there, that feel the same. I’m hearing distant cries, of ancient lullabies. We’ve got to realize, life has it’s Ups and Downs, but we must go on. You know we all are brothers, sisters, of one race.”
Just one more of many exquisite tunes on this album, each possessing its own unique expression of talents. All of them are complimented by Prince Malachi’s enchanting singing along with exceptional musicians and careful arrangement.Don’t sleep on this one, it won’t be one to collect dust on a shelf!Tracklist:
- Great Welcome
- Strength and Hope
- Building Walls
- Fallacies (Ft. Luciano)
- Open Book
- If I Don’t Have You
- Don’t Turn Your Back
- Better Days
- Justice
- Music
- Gideon Rough (Ft. Dean Fraser)
- Third Rock
- Wait Too Long
- No Other
- Ups and Downs