★★★★★
Strength To Survive is the eighth release from Virginia-based reggae band Soldiers Of Jah Army (SOJA), it comes 12 years after their self titled debut EP. Listening to the opening track is comfortable, it's all there, the same rhythms and progressions as before; there is no need to work to enjoy this album. Mentality starts the album with telling horns and a flowing chorus, then it's straight into the title track, making obvious the overall direction of the album...
- www.beat.com.au
2013-04-04
★★★★★
This album, produced by John Alagia (Dave Matthews, John Mayer, O.A.R.), packs a dozen modern reggae, well-crafted tunes filled with positive lyrics that precah unity and change through universal themes such as love and hope. Opener "Mentality" has a couple of cool, dub-style effects. "Strength to Survive" starts with a harmonized horn section, which adds finesse and musicianship to the album...
- exclaim.ca
2012-06-28
★★★★★
Roots reggae is a form that lends itself to socio-political commentary. Whether this is because the genre was pioneered by Bob Marley--no stranger to using the song as a platform for political statements--or for some other reason, few listeners would blink at a reggae band that used its reach to deliver "conscious" lyrics, i.e., to preach. What might be less palatable in a pop song or a metal tune becomes almost de rigeur for the descendents of Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear and Third World...
- www.popmatters.com
2012-04-09
★★★★★
ATO On their latest release, the reggae septet makes a stand for endurance in a turbulent world. Signed to Dave Matthews' label, the outfit writes passionate and wellcrafted songs, too, with a charismatic frontman in lead singer/guitarist, Jacob Hemphill...
- www.relix.com
2012-02-06