Keeping the flame alive

Thanks to bands and musical acts such as SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Armay), Bob Marley should be smiling from up there. SOJA continues to make reggae a relevant musical force today and deserves a listen. And Maroon 5 checks in with a new album that’s all shiny and sparkling, keeping the candle burning for its brand of quality pop music.

SOJA — Amid the Noise and Hassle (ATO Records, available on Amazon.com). Formed in 1997, SOJA has been plying its updated version of reggae and dub for over a decade now. The sudden resurgence of its kind of music thanks to new acts such as Magic! must amuse the band, for it is the genuine thing, mixing rap and pop elements to its sunny music. Damian Marley, Michael Franti, Collie Buddz and Anuhea are among the guest artists, but it’s SOJA main man Jacob Hemphill driving the music’s direction. Tear It Down, Your Song. and Easier are immediate favorites, while Promises and Pills is its “harder” tune with its rap intro. She Still Loves Me is SOJA’s mid-tempo gem. A lot of great music here. My version of Marley and Me! 

Maroon 5 — V (Interscope Records). With multi-platinum albums, and frontman Adam Levine’s stint on The Voice (let’s forget his awkward film debut), it would seem there’s no stopping Maroon 5 from being one of the most in-demand music acts globally. The band’s new studio album would seem to be an extension of the kind of broad market bonanza it hit with Moves Like Jagger, and therein lies my problem.

Yes, Maps, Animals, the naughty Sugar are all fine, but where is the maturity, musical growth and so on that we should be expecting from a band of 30-somethings? Adding synthesizers, electronica influences and club-friendly tunes can make sense, but only if you’re currying favor from the teen set. Its first album Songs About Jane held the promise of Maroon 5 being so much more than a mere pop band.