Album Review: I Love Sweet Jah Jah by Barry Brown & The Youth Promotion Band
If you’re a reggae fan with a soft spot for soul-soothing rhythms and raw vibes, then I Love Sweet Jah Jah is probably already on your radar. Released in 2017 out of the UK, this gem from Barry Brown and The Youth Promotion Band hits all the right notes—roots reggae grooves, dub-heavy echoes, and just enough spice to keep things fresh. Produced by Lincoln “Sugar” Minott (yeah, THAT Sugar Minott), it’s a project that feels like an old friend sharing stories over a spliff.
Let’s talk tracks. The title track, I Love Sweet Jah Jah, grabs you right away. It’s one of those songs where the bassline feels alive—it crawls into your chest and sits there, warm and steady. Barry Brown’s voice? Smooth as butter but packed with emotion. You can tell he means every word he sings about love, gratitude, and faith. There’s something comforting about the way his vocals glide over the rhythm section—it’s not flashy, but it sticks with you long after the song ends. Like, I found myself humming it while waiting for the bus the other day. Random, right?
Then there’s the Vocal Extended version of the same track. Now, usually remixes or extended cuts feel like filler, but this one’s different. They stretch out the vibe without losing the soul of the original. By the time the harmonies kick in halfway through, it’s almost hypnotic. I remember listening to this late at night, windows open, letting the music blend with the sound of rain outside. Felt like the universe was giving me a little nod, y’know?
The whole album has this laid-back authenticity that makes it stand out. No overproduced nonsense here—just pure roots reggae energy. And credit where it’s due, Sugar Minott knew how to craft sounds that felt both timeless and personal. Even the writing credits reflect that collaborative spirit, with B. Brown, L. Minott, and R. Joe bringing their own flavors to the mix.
What gets me thinking, though, is how albums like this remind us of music’s power to connect. In a world full of noise, I Love Sweet Jah Jah feels like a quiet rebellion—a reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and appreciate the simple joys. Honestly, isn’t that what we need more of these days?
Oh, and here’s the kicker—I didn’t expect to write so much about a record I stumbled across randomly. But hey, sometimes life surprises you with sweet little gifts wrapped in vinyl sleeves. Play it loud, folks.
