Immediately into the first song of Born in Babylon, it’s evident that the musicianship and art form from SOJA is beyond the run-of-the-mill reggae sound. SOJA takes reggae’s foundation – of solid percussion and cadence—and transforms its sound to a collection of American-rock sounding pieces.
SOJA is a band with a strong foundation of friendship and artists; as a listener it’s obvious to hear that the tightness of this band is toned and still evolving. At times lyrics on the album can be simplistic, but as in a pop song, they become catchy. Each song is a celebration.
The title track, which also happens to be the first song, is at first long-winded. An inner-struggle is perceived through the lyrics, and the chance to overcome. But saving this world just comes with a cost…notes the Jacob Hemphill-penned lyrics.
Band's Roots
Hemphill shares vocals (and plays guitar) with childhood friend, Bob Jefferson (bass). The two remained friends, and then throughout middle school and their high school years, they teamed up with Patrick O’Shea (keyboards), Ryan Berty (drums) and Ken Brownell (percussion).
Following its first effort Soldiers of Jah Army EP in 2000, the band established itself as credible artists in the reggae community. Produced by Jim Fox, what made the album so important was that Fox had not planned to work with American artists.
SOJA released Peace in a Time of War in 2002, but it was the breakthrough Get Wiser that turned heads. Get Wiser debuted in the Top 10 Reggae Albums on iTunes and has remained in the top 100 since its release.
Government Saturated Community
I Don’t Wanna Wait feels to be the most political of the tracks besides the title track. Words like We had our choices, but time is a luxury we as a people might no longer afford. Mentioning environmental issues in a previous verse, this song pushes discussion and social conscience. It’s also another example of SOJA’s obvious point of reference – they grew up the government-saturated community of Arlington, Virginia.
Album Standouts
The hauntingly beautiful You & Me is like a dance between two lovers, as the percussion and underlying horns have a subtle tug-of-war. It’s the sexiest song on the album in terms of mood and orchestration. Guest vocalist Chris Boomer lends his captivating voice.
I Tried stands out for its potent guitar bridge. The song feels as though it starts out as a droplet of water, before it channels to a downpour of emotion and orchestration, just to turn around again and again. It’s a roller coaster of voices and sounds.
What’s most enjoyable about Born in Babylon is the story telling. Hemphill’s lyrics never waver from being an open-diary. As a non-reggae fan, it’s still probable to connect with the compelling mood and flow of each song.
Available August 25
Born in Babylon is released exclusively through iTunes on August 25. SOJA has a full tour schedule, hitting the east coast as it saunters its way through the Midwest and West Coast cities. The album is on DMV Records and was produced by SOJA and Jim Fox.
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