Get Wiser (SOJA, 2005)
With the release of Get Wiser, it’s safe to include Soldiers of Jah Army among the very best American reggae bands today. Not that their previous work didn’t warrant this distinction, but it’s just hard to judge an act on a body of work that includes only one EP and one LP. Now that they have “more body,” though, you’ve got to rank them up there with Groundation and John Brown’s Body as far as US groups go. Comparing Get Wiser to Peace in a Time of War, there’s a sense of evolution. The melodies are a bit more distinct, the structure a bit more rock-like, and the music a bit fuller and more diverse, incorporating elements of rock, pop, dancehall, and even go-go. While some reggae purists may initially scoff at this mix of styles, a quick listen should prove that Get Wiser is not only well-rooted in the reggae sound, but it’s just as good (probably slightly better than) their first album. Apart from the straightforward pop/rock finale “Devils” (still an effective tune), every track resonates with rootsy goodness, occasionally spiced up with DJ chats from bassist Robert Jefferson (as on “Faith Works” and “Be Aware”), electric guitar riffs (”My Life Alone,” “911″), and the brilliant use of local go-go icon Go-Go Mickey on the kinetic “Sorry.” As a whole, the album is an emotional powerhouse driven by tight music and Jacob Hemphill’s vocals, with tracks ranging from melancholy ruminations (”My Life Alone,” “I’ve Got Time”) to fiery exhortations (”What Would,” “Be Aware”) to tender love songs (”Can’t Tell Me”) to funky, classic roots jams (”Strong for Them,” “Bring Back Truth”). Get Wiser could be the album that gets SOJA the national exposure they deserve.
Rating- 5 Stars
