★★★★★
A roots reggae vocal trio, Israel Vibration is modeled in the tradition of Culture, whom they recall in both their harmonies and their politically-charged Rasta lyrical concerns. On Praises, the group is backed by the crack reggae rhythm unit the Roots Radics as well as the RAS Brass; lead vocals and songwriting duties are spread out among the core unit. The subject matter is a laundry list of Rasta issues, including social injustice, Jah, the threat of war and positive vibrations.
- music.aol.com
2008-08-28
★★★★★
For nearly 25 years now, Israel Vibration has been one of the most beloved bands in reggae, not only for their conscious lyrics and heavenly harmonies, but also for their strength in remaining positive in the face of adversity after being stricken with polio as children...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-28
★★★★★
Mixed under the direction of Jim Fox, Dub the Rock is the dub version of Israel Vibration's hit album, On the Rock.
- music.aol.com
2008-08-28
★★★★★
After two albums together, it was obvious that a vibrant musical relationship had developed between Israel Vibration and the trio's backing band, the Roots Radics. The Radics' blend of powerful beats with an easygoing, swaying style provided perfect backdrops for the Vibes' vocals, adding strength to the more forceful numbers, while giving the quieter songs a delightfully breezy atmosphere. This relationship reaches an epiphany on Forever, an album vividly shaded in mood and emotion...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-28
★★★★★
Is Israel Vibration even capable of making a mediocre album? While a number of their contemporaries found their groove long ago and have plowed it on auto-pilot ever since, the Vibes continue to explore, experiment, and excite. It's a path their label, RAS, obviously encourages, and the trio's backing band, the Roots Radics, revel in, always eager to mix it up musically...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-28
★★★★★
Backed with a stellar cast of reggae musicians such as Augustus Pablo, Aston Barrett, and Michael Ras Starr, this vocal trio offers some nice harmonies over a stone solid skanking rhythm. While some of the tunes are rather run of the mill, such as the devotional "Give I Grace" and the title track, "Friday Evening" and the slow groove of "Survive" are quite pleasing.
- music.aol.com
2008-08-28
★★★★★
Reggae is a genre that works best stripped-down and pure; whether it's simple harmonies with drum or bass or unaccompanied vocals, the essence of the music lies in its earthy spirit. Live Again! expertly captures this spirit, with Israel Vibration performing with inspired emotion. The power of the trio's lyrics is showcased here without overdubs or any other technical tricks clouding their effect...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-28