Album Review ~ Joe Samba ~ 'Lifeline'

Joe Samba released his third full-length album, Lifeline, on September 27th via LAW Records. My favorite album reviews are usually artists I’ve never heard of. It’s a lot of fun to go into a listen with no expectations and see what happens. When the first track on the album, “Culture War” started playing, my first thought was “80s.” Lifeline is reggae-inspired rock, and a lot of lighthearted, vintage-feeling, fun. Listening to the lyrics, and with the fun vibe, this song reminds me a lot of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

“Cold Feet,” and “Little Love,” slowed things down a bit, but they picked back up with “Lost Boy.” I really liked the variety of instruments and sounds backing up the chorus. The song has a rich, layered sound. You can almost picture the full band behind Joe Samba playing. The lyrics were well thought out as well, as if he was writing the album to his younger self.

My favorite tracks on Lifeline were “Culture War,” “Meant to Be” featuring WAX, and “Break Free” for the strong emotions coming through in the melodies.

Overall, while the full album was calmer than what I typically listen to (heavy metal), a few tracks really stood out, and Lifeline is something I would be perfectly happy to hear parts of on the radio, in the gym, etc. It’s a solid album that I’m positive fans of reggae, and even jazz and hip-hop will enjoy.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Jojo Key