...and still my favorite. I remember purchasing it when it first came out, never having heard a note of it. I was a devoted roots lover, and somehow knew the album wouldn't disappoint. It didn't. I savored every simple drop. Over and over and over.
Don't get me wrong: I love their other work. The dub is pure love, and I-Vibe is never to be missed live. It's an unbeatable experience. But soulful, heartical songs like "Don't Want Apartheid" and "Strength of My Life" sealed my devotion to this album.
August 9, 2005 |  | Vibes are flowing with this great IV album |  |
IV always is great for me. They may borrow a bit lyric-wise from Bob but they are always irie and always make me smile. These guys have been making records since they met in a polio rehab and had first success with Same Song which is also a must have. They are really great though and their vibes are always positive and their music is mellow and they have interestingly haunting voices. While some of their lyrics are reminisant of Bob, they bring an originality that is new and fresh, and a sound that is different than other Jamaican groups. I enjoy this album a lot.
July 11, 2005I love reggae, and I think this is one of my favorite albums of all time. It gets you in the island mood. I am giving this to my friends as a present, it's that crucial!
I cannot believe anyone could say anything negative about Strength of My Life. It is uplifting, spiritual, and every song is good.
April 10, 200580's synth reggae people. There are only two albums worth buying by IV.
Same Song and Unconquered People
Save your money and don't allow yourselves to be convinced that this music is the real roots. Peace!
November 9, 2004 | | Israel Vibration: First offering for Ras Records | |
"Strength of My Life" brings Israel Vibration to Ras Records on a very strong note. After their break-up in the 1980's, the three members tried to approach solo careers. Only Wiss made progress, with the rare "Mr. Sunshine" album. In 1988, "Strength of My Life" was recorded by the reunited Israel Vibration members. Every track on this album is worth a listen, but one of the standouts is COOL AND CALM. COOL AND CALM is indeed cool and calm, but at the same time possesses energy through the horns, which echo at certain points in the song. Another standout track is DON'T WANT ARARTHEID. If you have never heard pure roots and culture, listen to that track and you will experience pure roots and culture, as the track has a typical reggae beat, with Nyahbinghi drums, and a driving bass line. GREEDY DOG, LIVE AND GIVE, PERFECT LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING, and MIDDLE EAST are also strong tracks, as each of them serve up positive messages and vibes under driving reggae rythms. If you've never heard Israel Vibration, this would be a perfect place to start, as this album offers a lot of their well-known songs. "Strength of My Life" is indeed a great effort by Israel Vibration.
September 20, 2004More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(8 reviews)