Akwaba Inisene [Digipak] - Aly Keita

Advantages: great selection of artists and classics
Disadvantages: one track a bit samey

...Ali Campbell's Running Free is a great mixture of songs featuring some equally as talented artists. What a brilliant CD to be given. "' Why this CD?'" I have been a big fan of UB40 since the age of 14yr and own some of their orginal albums on vinyl. For those too young to remember - those black things that came in 2 sizes 45" and 33" and when put onto a turn table played crackling, sorry cracking, sounds. I was given this Album by one of my daughters who (due to being weened on the greatest Reggae bands of all time) is also a big fan. We were both interested to see whether Ali's voice could be complimented by the featured artists as well as his fellow UB4O members. '"Technical stuff'" The CD has been produced & mixed by Ali, who also sings lead vocals on all tracks (plus much of the backing vocals) '"Featured Artists... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Not overlong at 10 tracks, gets better with each listen.
Disadvantages: Opening track not the strongest.

...All the best records take a few listens (at least) to reveal their true nature. On first play this sounded like a typical 2nd album - longer tracks, less up-tempo. A month on this has to be my favourite CD of 2007. Nearly all the 10 tracks have resolved into fantastic, atmospheric (and not always gloomy!) tales of urban life and escape. Great tunes underpin the songs, with the now-trademark steepling guitar riffs standing out most in the choruses. Some not unwelcome echos of The Smiths are to be found in the lyrics, most obviously in the title track, but tracks like Weight of the World and Escape The Nest are really uplifting, the latter also containing the finest moments on the album with its soaring, thrilling chorus. What a live track that promises to be... Recommended! Ok then, what about the digipak? Well if you like a glossy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Classic track 'Bulldozer' & 4 bonus tracks, good production job
Disadvantages: By far the worst Machine Head Album let down by weak lyrical content

...the point. The middle eight is almost a Slayer riff, but exactly what you want to hear and a welcome break from the monotony that has gone in the majority of tracks before. Ends with the sound of rain that leads into the next track... ...'Deafening Silence' is another leftfield track that is actually quite good. It has some good lyrics and guitar riffs, but best of all the clean parts sound right alongside Robb's singing. One thing though, I'm glad Machine Head never decided to retain this sound on their following releases. 'Supercharger' rounds out the album as the last track (The rest are bonus tracks limited to the Digipak Version). It's a welcome ending and a very punchy one with a similar opening as in the intro 'Declaration'. The riffs are aggressive and the title seems perfectly justified. A good ending to an album which is a slight... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful