Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley - Stony Hill

The Guardian 60

(Island/Republic)

Reggae royalty Damian Marley’s fourth solo album comes 12 years after its predecessor but Stony Hill remains in largely familiar territory. Polished production, rich brass and uplifting ensemble vocals bring to life insightful, often potent social commentary about the power of people, love, and medical marijuana. It’s not groundbreaking, nor is there anything as immediate as on 2005’s Welcome to Jamrock - but be it laidback classic reggae as on Medication, intricate, delectable floor-fillers (Upholstery), or smooth, bossa nova-infused jams (Grown & Sexy), Stony Hill is testament to the timeless consistency of Marley’s work.