Wonders of the World

by

Long Beach Dub Allstars

Edit

There seem to be a lot of negative reviews for this album. I don't see why, So it's not Sublime. Big deal.

Wonders Dub I- good intro, but could've been longer. A

Sunny Hours- the radio hit from this album, featuring Will.I.Am. Great happy summer song. A+

Listen to DJs- great reggae track. Pays tribute to the greats of dancehall, such as Johnny Osbourne, Mad Cobra, Josey Wales, and Admiral Bailey. A+

Rolled Up- title sounds like a weed song, but isnt. catchy and radio-friendly with a light ska-pop vibe. A

Every Mother's Dream- high-energy punk song, i think its a cover. somewhat reminiscent of "paddle out" from Sublime's self-titled. B+

Life Goes On- great hip-hop/reggae song with 3 guest vocalists including Chali2na from Jurassic 5 and Tippa Irie. A

It Ain't Easy- another solid song with upbeat ska rhythms. A-

Luke- great slow reggae tune with cool story. A

Wonders Dub II- an improvement on WDI mainly because it's longer. A

No Way- more of an edgy ska-metal vibe. not that great. B-

Lonely End- back to the smooth reggae. great lyrics. A

Talkin tha Truth- my favorite on the second half of the album. the closest they'll come to an anti-drug song ("Stick to da weed!) anti-heroin lyrics no doubt inspired by brad nowell's untimely death A+

Free Love- the album kinda weakens for a few tracks here. good reggae song about having a 3-way. C

Lies- "Lies wont set you free-- so why do foolish things?" B-

Kablammin It- VERY sexual song about, well, kablammin it. the music sounds like a "caress me down" retread. kinda funny though. B-

Grass Cloud- a 6+ minute long instrumental encompassing evry style implemented by LBDAS from quasi-dub turntablism at the start to heavy punk guitars at the end. B+

Sunny Hours (Reprise)- the original without the rap or loud guitar. its just as good or better than the original. A+

The genius of Nowell slips further and further into memory as LBDA encores with a disappointing follow to RIGHT BACK. With the exception of Sunny Hours, which is earily similiar to WHAT I GOT, just more heavily glossed and clearly designed for TOP FORTY play, the album is a big letdown. These guys are talented and one day history will note that they pioneered a new sound that other bands, you know who, rode to success with the catastrophic death of BJN in 1996. I want to jam with them but this record shows they are losing their way. I recommend RIGHT BACK highly but suggest waiting for the next effort of the boys from Long Beach.