Album Review: "Going To Jamaica" by Junior Pretty (1982)
Alright, let me tell ya—this one’s a vibe. Going To Jamaica by Junior Pretty is the kind of album that doesn’t just play; it breathes. Released in 1982 on Vivian Jackson’s label, this reggae gem leans heavy into dub and roots reggae vibes, pulling you straight into the heart of Jamaica with its raw, unpolished charm. If you’re someone who digs deep basslines and lyrics soaked in soul, this record’s got your name written all over it.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that really stuck with me. First up, "Professor Style (Version)." Man, this tune hits different. It’s like stepping into a smoky dancehall where time slows down but the energy stays high. The versioning here is next-level—it feels like the instruments are having their own little conversation while still keeping everything tight. You can hear how loose yet deliberate the mix is, like every echo was placed there for a reason. Honestly, it’s one of those songs where you don’t even need words to feel what they’re saying. Every time I listen to it, I find myself zoning out, imagining palm trees swaying under a blazing sun. Feels pure, y’know?
Then there's the title track, "Going To Jamaica." This one grabs hold of you right from the start. The rhythm section? Insane. It’s got this steady groove that makes you wanna move—not wild dancing or anything, more like nodding your head while staring off into space thinking about life. The vocals have this laid-back confidence, almost like Junior Pretty knows he’s taking us somewhere special. And he does—it’s not just an invitation to visit Jamaica; it’s a whole mood shift. By the end of the song, you’ll swear you smell jerk chicken wafting through the air. Like, damn, bruh, I ain’t even been to Jamaica, but after this track, I feel like packing my bags tomorrow.
What gets me most about this album is how real it feels. There’s no glossing things over, no trying too hard to impress anyone. It’s just solid, heartfelt music made by people who clearly love what they do. Listening to Going To Jamaica, you get the sense that these guys were vibing so hard in the studio that they forgot anyone else might ever hear this stuff. That authenticity? Priceless.
Here’s the kicker though—it makes me wonder why albums like this don’t get more shine these days. We live in a world obsessed with playlists and algorithms, but sometimes you just need something as timeless as Going To Jamaica. Music that reminds you how simple joys—good beats, honest voices, and chill vibes—can hit harder than any flashy production trick ever could.
So yeah, if you haven’t checked out Junior Pretty yet, fix that ASAP. Trust me, once you dive into this album, you won’t regret it. Plus, who wouldn’t want to spend 40 minutes vibin’ like it’s 1982 again?
