Artist: Desmond Dekker Album: Moving On

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Desmond Dekker's Album Moving On

Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican musician who was one of the pioneers of ska, rocksteady, and reggae music. The album we’re going to review today is Moving On, which was released in 1973 by Trojan Records. Moving On is a mixture of reggae, soul, and ska, which was the evolution of Dekker’s style. In this blog post, we'll give you a critical review of the album, discuss the artist's brief history, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and critique the album.

Desmond Dekker was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1941 and started performing in the mid-1960s. He was one of the leading figures behind the popularity of ska music. Moving On marked the transition of his style from ska to reggae. The album features nine original songs, and the songs' lyrics were about love, social struggles, and freedom.

The music genre of the Moving On album can be broadly classified under Reggae music. However, it wouldn't be justified to only label the album under one genre, as the album also features elements of Soul, Ska, and even Funk. One of the unique features of the album is its use of Brass instruments which adds a melodic, upbeat feel and helps to drive the tracks forward.

Speaking of the album's best songs, one can't ignore the catchy hit single, Israelites, released in 1968. It is a classic example of Desmond Dekker's earlier ska music and became his biggest commercial hit in the UK. As for Moving On, the title track is the standout track that stands out in the album. It is a groovy and upbeat tune that talks about moving forward, leaving behind old grudges and starting anew. Other great songs worth mentioning include Just You, Pretty Africa, and I Am Missing You.

The album's most innovative parts are its less popular and more experimental tracks such as Wise Man and It Mek. These tracks showcase how Desmond Dekker was venturing out of his comfort zone and trying to experiment with his sound. Wise Man, with its use of brass instruments and woodwinds in an instrumental jam, stands out as an innovative track in the album.

Now, let's talk about the album's criticism. Although Moving On featured strong melodies and catchy lyrics, it also had some weak and forgettable tracks. The album also suffered from inconsistent mixing and mastering, which often overshadowed the music. Despite its catchy tunes, some songs still lacked the same energy and enthusiasm as his earlier releases.

In conclusion, Moving On is a good album if you’re a fan of Desmond Dekker’s music. It represents the artist's transition from ska to reggae and showcases his versatility and experimentation with new sounds. Though it's not his best album, it still features a handful of unforgettable tracks worth listening to. Despite its flaws, it remains a historical classic in reggae music and a testament to Dekker's legacy.