Great Is He

by 
AlbumJan 27 / 202317 songs, 57m 4s
Dancehall
Noteable

In a genre dominated by singles, Popcaan stands out in part by making albums that feel like albums. It’s not that his sound is varied: If anything, with a few exceptions, *Great Is He* maintains its summery, gently uplifting mood with such steadiness you start to feel like steadiness—the ability to stay cool and take the long view no matter what the challenge—is part of his larger spiritual point. Does he party? Absolutely (“Set It,” “Skeleton Cartier”). But most of the time he sounds so content you wonder if partying is just his way of expressing gratitude for his turn here on Earth (“Appreciation,” “11th Commandment”). Making Burna Boy sound this unreservedly joyful is one thing (“Aboboyaa”), but Drake (“We Caa Done”)? That’s real.

52

6.7 / 10

Trite where it should be subtle and mellow where it should be exciting, the Jamaican star’s new album fails to consistently capture his magic.

15 years down the line, Popcaan still brings an element of star power amidst small gains on his fifth record 'Great Is He'

It all flows along almost too smoothly,

Review: Popcaan's 'Great Is He'

Fiercely catchy choruses and slick vocals can’t disguise the fact that this album’s rags-to-riches story soon gets dull

Sam Smith mixes mushy balladry with transgressive bangers, Bob Dylan continues his Bootleg series, Kimbra reckons with a cruel world