U.S. reggae band Natty Nation – fronted by vocalist and bass player Jah Boogie – recently dropped their fifth studio album Divine Spark, their first album in eight years. It collects twelve tracks – including two dub versions – mixed by the legendary Errol Brown, who has previously worked with a who’s who in the world of reggae, including Bob Marley and Burning Spear.
The press release states a number of musical influences and interestingly none is a reggae act. Natty Nation rather cites influences like Michael Jackson and Earth Wind & Fire as well as eclectic rock bands like Living Colour, Fishbone and Bad Brains.
But Divine Spark is definitely not a soul or funk album not is it a rock set, even though a cut like Suffice has its fair share of rock guitars. Divine Spark is roots reggae in the early UK tradition, but with a contemporary flair.
Highlights include Prophecy, powered by strong backing vocals, the dreamy Meditation and the soulful title track. The U.S. reggae scene continues to grow and put forward talented acts.
Reggaemani 