The Train Is Coming Riddim – Upstairs Music

Back in 2021, when a lot of reggae compilations were leaning on heritage sounds and veteran voices, Upstairs Music tapped straight into that lane with The Train Is Coming Riddim, a 15-song set built around Ken Boothe’s classic rocksteady anthem and cut with a warm, live-sounding groove. Boothe’s title track is the obvious anchor, but Wayne Armond’s “YaYa” and Screwdriver’s “Longing For Your Touch” both land nicely too, with the latter leaning into his smooth lovers-rock touch. There’s also a nice pull from Glen Washington on “Sing Praises, ” which keeps the mood rooted and reflective rather than glossy. Danny Breakenridge shaped the project under the Upstairs Music banner, and the rhythm itself had been sitting on the shelf for a few years before finally coming out in September 2021, which gives the whole thing that seasoned, patiently assembled feel.

The Train Is Coming Riddim Tracklist:

1. Ken Boothe – The Train Is Coming
2. Wayne Armond – YaYa
3. Screwdriver – Longing For Your Touch
4. Hezron – Plant A Seed
5. Kristine Alicia – Roots Rock Reggae
6. Dwight Pinkney – The Train Is Coming
7. AJ Brown – People Are People
8. 2 Of A Kind – Return Natural
9. Glen Washington – Sing Praises
10. Bagga Case – I Choose You
11. Marcia Ball – Wishing Wishing
12. Skatta – Rise
13. Kehv – A Smile
14. Dheapblu – Don’t Play Mi
15. Yishka – Rockin Ride

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