CD Review: The Green's 'Hawai'i '13'

The Green
Hawai'i '13
Easy Star Records

A reggae group from Hawaii? You bet. This is the third album from Hawaii's best reggae crooners and groovers. The music is steeped in Hawaiian culture and Jamaican reggae. The opening track, "He Mele No Ku'u Hawai'i," is a traditional Hawaiian chant that begins the musical experience. The rest of the tracks contain smooth, reggae grooves and stellar vocals. The keys, guitars, drums, and bass are top-notch throughout. There is a sense of soul and funk to the mix. Anyone with a good sound system will benefit from the smooth sounds and gliding bass lines. This is contemporary reggae from an island, but it is located far from reggae's beginning in Jamaica. Hawai'i '13 is a number one album all the way around. It's that simple. Reggae fans with an adventurous edge will love The Green. Get it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Green's 'Ways & Means'

The Green

Ways & Means

Easy Star Records

Hawaii's The Green is a pop-reggae band that infuses modern reggae roots with rock, jazz, and island flavors. 'Decisions' is a bit of a reggae-dance hit with similarities to Sweden's Ace Of Base and Maroon 5. Thirteen other hits round out the track-list with obvious nods to reggae's biggest stars, though The Green writes and composes original material. The pop-driven 'Gotta Be' is pure gold. The title track, 'Ways & Means,' takes a laid-back approach to reggae songwriting with a slower tune and vocals indicative of St. Lucia's Taj Weekes. The English lyrics and reggae-based repertoire borders on rock, folk, pop, and dance, which never seems to be a challenge for these guys. The pop hooks and clever looks make The Green stand-out among the reggae roster of the world. Ways & Means is the best new music to be released in the reggae genre this year! ~ Matthew Forss