(Hardwax/Central Station)

The record that gave us the riddim and rhyme of Sean Paul

Sean Paul has gone on to become a major dancehall star, but his early sound can now be relived through this re-release of 2000 debut album Stage One. The record firmly establishes the style which made him famous –hard, minimalist rhythms and Sean Paul’s solid but unremarkable toasting. Time hasn’t been entirely kind to Stage One.  Many of the arrangements are sparse and computerised to the point that they frequently resemble synthetic ring tones more than music of genuine substance – tinny and deprived when it should be bassy and proud.  Like most reggae/R&B releases of the last 10 or 15 years, the futuristic production occasionally hits the target, such as the Six Million Dollar Man sound effects in Strategy, while hits Infiltrate and Hot Gal Today are justifiably dancehall anthems. But the occasional burst of unpalatable misogyny (Deport Them) and the over abundance of unmemorable cuts ultimately works against the album.

**½

MATT THROWER

Comments (1)

1. Written by I m gizem, on 22-05-2008 13:24 I love you sean paul

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