Shaggy - Boombastic

Shaggy is so hot

I like Shaggy because he is one of the one of the singer
that enjoys singing November 17, 2002

i luv shaggy

this cd is the best and shaggy is amazing i just love him, doesn't everyone!! May 30, 2001

AWSOME

Shaggy is the Main MAN. no doubt! he is the bestest April 18, 2001

Trying to Run Before You Can Walk

On the surface, Shaggy should be the best dancehall performer around at the moment - he has the right image and seems to have the right lyrics. The only problem is that he is not as good as he could be.

The main reason for this unfulfilled potential is shown here on this disc. Shaggy is able to create very good singles, however his musical vision - such as it is - doesn't lend itself well to the album format. On "Boombastic", we begin with the Rayvon collaboration "Summertime" - this is quite a good partnership as songs of this nature go (although Chaka Demus And Pliers have perfected the art) but is slightly lighter weight than it should be.

The song which really sums up the album is "Boombastic". Here we have a great hit - worldwide number 1 etc - which should set the tone for the album. Certainly it is a standout but really only because the rest of the album doesn't fulfill the promise of the title cut.

Don't think that I'm saying that Shaggy is nothing when it comes to dancehall - quite the contrary. Three songs on this album ("Heartbreak Susie", "Finger Smith" and "Forgive Them Father") demonstrate a solid understanding of the attitudes and requirements of the proper toasting DJ.

Shaggy falls short here because his net is cast too broadly (a problem with many of the younger dancehall artists). He tries to integrate elements of hip-hop ("Why You Treat Me So Bad") and gospel ("Train Is Coming") among other styles on this album - reggae is not meant to do this.

By all means buy this album - it makes a great soundtrack for parties and the like. Just don't claim any great knowledge of reggae or dancehall having listened to it. For a more comprehensive dancehall education, try Chaka and Pliers, Buju Banton or Beenie Man.

In short, an artist with great potential who needs to work on keeping things simple before trying new things. From the potential he shows here - I hope he takes this on board because he could be very good. April 6, 2001

this CD blows1

I thought I would really love this CD, because of his "It wasn't me" song, I love that, but I hated it, I really should have followed other's advice. but if you like reggae, like real reggae, you will definately like this. March 1, 2001

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