Paul Weller called Liam Bailey's "Zero Grace" one of the best things he's heard all year. That was enough for me to give Bailey's 2024 release a chance.
I was expecting a reggae record, and while there is Jamaican influence at its root, this is not a reggae record. What it is, is an incredibly melodic and soulful collection of songs that manages to feel both nostalgic and very modern at the same time.
If I had to compare Liam Bailey to one reggae artist it would be Peter Tosh. Not just because their voices are similar, but because Tosh often strayed from the norm of the genre. Maybe that's why I am having trouble calling "Zero Grace" a reggae record.
Listen to these tracks. Maybe you'll agree. There is something very special here. And after just two plays so far, I know "Zero Grace" would have been in my Top Ten, if I had known about it sooner.
Thank you, Mr. Weller.
6 comments:
Hey and thank you, Mr. Sal Nunziato.
After listening to this 2x, I can safely say it’s one of my faves of 2025! Thanks, Sal.
You're Peter Tosh reference is bang on. Thanks, this is great!
i became aware of Liam Bailey due to his guest duties in the Jack Bruce tribute concert film (streams on Tubi). quite a voice and presence.
The album is lovely. I feel like it deserves to be slotted under reggae from the cover art alone! The spliff! The smoke! It's on brand, for sure.
This is really good.
Really, really good.
Randy
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