Awake is Julian Marley’s 3rd solo endeavor and it is a classical yet modern take on reggae for our time’standing true to its basic reggae rhythms and carrying with it captivating content that was so prominent in his father’s music. But this is Julian’s voice and he uses it well.

He speaks of love in ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Rosehall’. In ‘Oh girl’ there is a surprising appearance by rapper Mr. Cheeks as Julian croons in a falsetto voicing. And its not a bad attempt either. ‘Awake’, ‘Just In Time’ and ‘Jah Works’ each carries a strong yet diverse spiritual message. There are conscious records like ‘All I know’, ‘Sharp As a Razor’, and ‘Things Ain’t Cool’. What is not too much of a surprise is the presence of a marijuana song. But this time in ‘Boom Draw’,(as oppose to praising it) he simply justifies its spiritual and historical use and calls it ‘a sacrament’ in the process.

‘On the floor’ is a fun track that will surely be the record most played at clubs. And just in case you are wondering where the rest of the family is, he gets joined by his brothers in ‘A little too late’ with Stephen Marley and in ‘Violence in the streets’ featuring Damien Marley.

Awake is an album that is sure to keep you interested and touched at the same time and not because of his last name, but because of its truth, simplicity, and authentic vibe.

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