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Bugle’s new single, Stand Firm, is another in a long line of crucial songs that has kept Bugle at the front of the line in dancehall music. The lyrics that have dominated Bugle’s offerings—social criticism and a sense of personal responsibility—are strongly present in Stand Firm, offered against a demanding original rhythm. Stand Firm is another testament to the singer’s ongoing commitment to social and spiritual commentary. As such it makes Bugle a man worth listening to; he takes his art seriously and it shows.
Those interested in reviewing the arc of Bugle’s involvement in the Jamaican dancehall scene should check out Ras Achis’s excellent review right here at unitedreggae.com. The May 2014 release is his overdue album, Anointed, concentrated Bugle’s dancehall presence. Stand Firm now further ices Bugle’s creds, with a chorus that asserts his sense of moral courage:
"But me naw, no me naw, stoop down to dem level
No mi naw, no mi naw, when you si dem you si devil"
Produced by ZionnoizFreeze/Twelve9 Records and released through Akam Entertainment the underlying beat is driven by a heavy, low drum cadence (almost a clave) that plows a strong road for Bugle’s cry for self-reliance and unwavering strength in the face of society’s obstacles.
As Ras Achis has noted, lyrics have always been a strong point of Bugle musical presence. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Bugle sing these words in the world class, Journeys.
"Some people stop by obstacles my journeys continue
Di devil is always gonna be around hauntin you
Every single day he will be tauntin you
Babylon always lookin something to plant on you."
This year I was astounded, however, this year when I first heard the glorious song Anointed and the singjay chanted:
"Dem no smoke,
dem no sick,
dem no have pink eye
But dem eye red."
Bugle’s continues to stand firm. (His Summer Time (Anything Goes) shows he knows how to have fun too.) Yet the driving force of his music comes back to serious issues affecting both societal and individual strength. Bugle’s Stand Firm is a welcome addition of a strong body of reggae/dancehall music.
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