 With a strong message, and an even stronger voice, Etana's debut album "The Strong One", is proving what a powerful force this woman is within the Reggae music scene.
Born Shauna McKenzie, in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in August Town in the Parrish of St. Andrew. Etana has put her all her experience, hard work, and ability into a nicely arranged, well crafted album.
"The Strong One" was released June 24, 2008 on the VP record label, and was executively produced by Chris and Joel Chin. This album contains some brand new material in addition to her current singles that are already in heavy rotation in Jamaica, North America, and Europe.
In listening to her music you can feel the various influences she has taken from outside the of the Reggae genre, with Soul, R & B, Hip-Hop, Pop, and Jazz all contributing to her extraordinary vocal proficiency.
The first track "Don't Forget is an enduring message, about personal identity, and not forgetting about all the blessings Jah has bestowed unto you. Produced by Dean Fraser for Free Mind's Music. Harmonies provided by Duane Stephenson, Chris Smith, Sherida Lewis, and Althea-Lane Hamilton.
The next track is a beautiful tune that has elevated Etana into the arena of prolific Reggae songwriters. "Roots" is another song that touches on the subject of personal identity, and reclaiming the rich heritage and traditions that many Caribbean youths are seeking. "You can't water down and dilute, you can't hide the truth from the youth" sings Etana.
Like a hand reaching out to help the weak and downpressed this next tune gives I an I great satisfaction in knowing just where this mindful singer's meditation is centered. Etana has been hand-picked by the all mighty to spread the message of Rastafari to those that have ears to hear. Get on board "Jah Chariot" and ascend spiritually with the guidance of the most high.
The hits keep coming as Etana shines even brighter on the song that is receiving much acclaim "I Am Not Afraid." Produced by Kemar Gregor for No-Doubt records, and recorded in the No-Doubt studio. A new anthem is bestowed upon Jamaica, and the rest of the world.
Etana's songwriting skills shine on songs like "Caltariba System" a rootsy tune with a new school sound, and "More & More" a song for di lovers with a nice easy-listening way about it.
"Blessing" is the one song that features a guest singer. The duet with Etana and Alborosie is a lovely acknowledgement to the male and female bond. "Loving you is like loving Jah the Almighty" sings Alborosie. "Like I love you, and you love me it's a blessing" sings Etana. Don't forget these words. When Jah give you such a blessing, you must give him thanks.
Another song that a video was recorded for is "Warrior Love" a song with the utmost royal vibes. What I value this song for is how Etana captures all the passion and sentiment of a loving relationship and it comes through in this heartical track. "The loving in our hearts it will lead us to Jah, Etana chants.
On the flipside is "Wasting My Time" which is a tune about the perils of a bad relationship "even when you give them your best, they will always put you through stress" yeah, been there before. Life is too short, don't get caught up in the drama, or you may be wasting YOUR time.
An uplifting song of encouragement, "Overcome" gives the listener a sense of security. "never too late to try, we can overcome" this message can be applied to whatever hill must be climbed.
The tune "Wrong Address" is a touching ballad dealing with what the ghetto youth face every day. If you come from Tivoli Garden, Greenwich Farm, Trench Town, August Town, or Cockburn Pen, you won't find much love in uptown for ya. Don't discriminate against the poor; help them build up their life.
The last track, titled "Nuclear" is a solemn warning about the effects of waging war. Let's not let another dollar get wasted on the futility of war. Use your power to vote out all war mongers. The time to act is now, so that we may bring peace back to the world and avoid catastrophe.
Etana's sound message is rooted in her faith and culture. There is not one song on this cd that has anything but pure and conscious lyrics. This is music that you can share with old and young alike. I rejoice in knowing that artists like Etana have the ability to penetrate the overly commercial music scene with truth and rights.
Jah Blessings and Itection,
M. Patton
Big Up Radio Staff Writer
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CD Review: Etana - The Strong One
