Album Review: Crazy For You by Tax Man
Alright, let’s talk about Crazy For You by Tax Man. This reggae-meets-dancehall gem from the UK is a vibe-heavy ride that feels like a summer evening in Brixton—warm, laid-back, and full of energy. Released under Sir George Records, this album has got some serious groove packed into just five tracks. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but man, does it spin the wheel well.
The title track, Crazy For You (Original), hits you right off the bat. S. Francis’ songwriting shines here—it’s catchy without being cheesy, blending smooth vocals with a beat that makes your shoulders bounce automatically. I mean, there’s something about the rhythm that sticks with you long after the track ends. Maybe it’s how Anthony Brightly arranged it; he’s clearly got an ear for what works on the dance floor. What really gets me, though, is how simple yet effective it feels. No overproduction, no bells and whistles—just pure dancehall magic.
Then there’s Dancehall Atmosphere. Oh man, this one’s my personal fave. If you’ve ever been to a house party where everyone suddenly starts moving in sync, this is THAT track. The bassline is deep enough to rattle your chest, and the dub version later on the album gives it this eerie-cool twist that feels cinematic. Like, if Quentin Tarantino ever made a reggae movie, this would be on the soundtrack. The instrumental layers are cleverly done—you can tell Brightly put thought into making every sound count.
One thing I love about this album is its rawness. It doesn’t feel forced or overly polished, which honestly makes it more relatable. Sure, it’s not perfect—the mix could’ve been tighter in places—but who cares? That slight roughness around the edges gives it character. Plus, knowing Tax Man himself helped arrange parts of it adds a nice DIY charm.
Reflecting on Crazy For You, I’m reminded of why dancehall still matters today. In a world full of auto-tuned pop and algorithm-driven playlists, albums like this remind us music can be real and unpretentious. And hey, isn’t that kinda refreshing? Also… random thought: if aliens landed tomorrow and asked for proof of human creativity, handing them this album wouldn’t be a bad idea. Just saying.
Rating: 8/10
