Search - General Degree :: General

5 Star General. . .

Achis | Kingston, JA/Philipsburg, SxM | 01/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"General Degree has long been one of my absolute favorite Dj's to listen to. I like the straight-forwardness of his style, there aren't really any pitfalls, you never turn on a General Degree vibe and feel shocked or suprised by what you're hearing, and if you ever find that you are, its only because the song itself is really really good. So, I'm partial, so take it into consideration when I tell you:



I LOOOOOOOOOOVE THE GENERAL ALBUM! The only complaint I can make here, which isn't really a complaint at all is that there is no combination with Degree prodige' Chrissy D, the two always make for more than interesting links, but I digress. The General is probably the best overall party dancehall album I've heard since the real Sean Paul stepped forth on his debut, Stage One. The best tune here is the wildly addictive Dutty River, genuine GD stylee, straight forth nice lyrics, ridiculous flow, just a really strong vibe.



Also really interesting here is the tune Deh Yah, which features the newest digital conquest of super-producer Lenky. At least as interesting as Deh Yah is Nah Flex Right with the incomparable Beres Hammond, also love the opener Empire, Hold On Pon Him on which Degree just locks off the flow. Dance With U with the always interesting young voiced singer Chico is a nice tune, as is Do U Feel Alright, a combination with underrated and underrated appreciated dj Desperado, their styles are somewhat similar and the tune really comes off. I just really love this album, even like the straight up soca Chaka Chaka tune Good Time.



Overall, The General is almost an ode to all true General Degree fans. Its his style on full display, and the artist does not disappoint one bit. If you're not typically a fan of Degree's but you do enjoy dancehall, or even you're a new fan of the music whose just recently started listening, I'd recommend this one. Its straight forward, honest amazing dancehall by one of its greatest sons."

Degree is Back!

Hondo | R.I. United States | 06/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Seems like it's been awhile for 'The REAL General', but one listen to the CD (or just the 1st 3 songs) should be enough to show Degree is back in a big way! He's always been on my short list of dancehall favorites...something about his voice & strong deliverly. I've always found it amazing he's never emerged statewide, ala Sean Paul. Seems like people are sleeping on this CD. This album has a couple tracks that make me wonder if they could be picked up by US radio like Sean, (don't take that wrong...no commercial radio sell outs here). But tunes like the upbeat, headnodding "Bumpa to Bumpa" (my favorite, & an ode to J-lo & Beyonce "bumpas") seems like it could be a bangin' club hit. Track 1, "Empire" is also nice, as is "Hot Wata", "Deh Yah", and "Dance wit U" w. Chico and several others. The CD has some slower songs in the middle so it don't sound all the same, but Degree roars back on track 19 with the drumming "Soldier Girl" on the superb "military riddim". I would say any fan of Sean Paul should get this album...PRONTO! You won't be disappointed. In fact, get "Bush Baby" too on VP records if U can find it which features his most well known song "traffic blockin'". "Yeah Man" was a fine LP too...but "The General" may well be his best effort yet. This disc hasn't left my car since I scored a promo on Amazon around new years (after typing this I'm ready to listen again!). Now, I'd love to see some of his other 45's/singles that have not made an album gathered up 'pon a CD next..."