A classic rock album gone reggae
In their latest release, Ziggy Stardub, Easy Star All-Stars put a reggae flair on a classic David Bowie album from 1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. With this album being released over 50 years after the original, this cover record is a playful and summery version of the Bowie release, leaving the listener with a new way of viewing these songs. The album appears in the same order as the original with some of the same qualities. Bowie fans are in for a treat with this one.
The opening track of the album “Five Years,” sets the tone for the rest of the album almost perfectly. It features classic reggae flair and a violin in the back that gives the song a very soothing sound. The harmonies at the lyrics “five years” in the chorus make the song sound full and is influenced from the original Bowie version.
The third song on the album, “Moonage Daydream” is the first track on this album featuring female vocals by Naomi Cowan. Though the song keeps those reggae sounds with the drums and horns, the song ends the same way the original does, with a rock guitar solo. The solo is a nice way to tie in Bowie’s influence while also keeping the listener intrigued with the changing sounds.
“Starman,” the fourth song on the album and one of Bowie’s biggest hits, has one of the greatest reggae influences on the record. Bowie’s version, which has over 350 million Spotify streams, features a very classic ‘70s rock sound with rather hopeful lyrics. This version, sounding a bit slower than the original, is the perfect beach song. With its tropical instrumentation and clear vocals, it is the perfect mix of Bowie and reggae.
The two most playful and beachy songs on the album “Star” and “Suffragette City,” each have a very bouncing beat created by the horns, guitars and drums. Being the most upbeat tracks on the album, each of them make for a great and sunny summer song.
As the album continues, they surprise the listener with the track “Hang On To Yourself.” The beginning of the track features a clear rap influence which sets the song aside from the rest of the album. The reggae sounds are able to shine through at certain points throughout the song but the track more so sticks to a rock and rap rhythm.
The final track on the album “Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide,” features vocals by Macy Gray. Her vocals on this track perfectly match the lyrics and feel of the song. The song carries higher pitched instrumentation through it, which keeps the reggae theme going. The end of the song calls attention to the drums by making them the most prominent sounding instrument. The album is the perfect addition to any beach playlist this summer. This reggae take on a rock album makes it a very distinctive and special record.
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