Review: ‘Got This Music’ by Natural Vibrations

REVIEW BY JOHN BERGER / jberger@staradvertiser.com

‘Got This Music’ Natural Vibrations (Go Aloha) Click here to listen and buy online

With 15 years of popular success, five hit albums and three Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for best reggae album to their credit, Natural Vibrations owns an important spot in the local music scene. The Vibes’ sixth album — the official release date is Tuesday — builds on that solid foundation in commanding style. All songs are originals, guest artists are used sparingly, and the arrangements showcase the members’ strengths as vocalists and musicians.

They open with a spirited uptempo number, “Party & Dance,” that’s perfect for both activities. The song is one of seven written by vocalist PeniDean Pua‘auli. His work covers a variety of topics. For instance, “Gotta Get Away” starts with tales of doctored drinks and female impersonators and segues into a call for unity.

Other members make important contributions as songwriters. “Can’t Stop,” by guitarist Wayne Enos, makes excellent use of the group’s knack for multipart vocal arrangements. Jehua Evans gives them a powerful anthem with “Got This Music” — they certainly do! Tim “Papa T” Troxell of B.E.T. guests on the final song, “Sensi Nation,” as the Vibes speak out for marijuana use.

“Sensimilla (is) good for you,” they sing, calling on members of the “sensi nation” to “rise up against oppression” and smoke some. “Got to have it, yes we need it, and we want it,” T sings defiantly as the song fades out.