The first thing that caught my attention about Jack Radics new release is the CD’s name. The clever, albeit ambiguous, use of the number 2 in the title allows one to interpret its meaning to be either the way to long (as a preposition used as part of an infinitive), or way too long (as an adverb). It’s completely up to the mind of the beholder as to whether he intended to use it as to, two, or too.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. “Way 2 Long” offers a dozen tracks that, like the title, can veer off into some surprising directions. Over the course of his decades long career Jack Radics, a native of Jamaica, has been a master of taking his audience to unexpected places within his musical universe.
His Top 40 radio soul/pop reggae flavored single from this latest record is the unambiguously titled “Make You Mine”. It employs a frequently utilized list-song structure of writing where, in numerical order, Radics states the various ways by which he plans to make that special someone he has an eye on his very own. It’s a cute gimmick, that largely due to the cut’s infectious rhythm, doesn’t outwear its welcome before the perky little ditty’s close and his fans love the song.
The B-side for the album’s radio single is the more down tempo tune called “All I Ever Wanted To Be”. This one’s a lonesome lament that showcases the artist’s vocal talents, especially his use of dynamics. Not as catchy as the aforementioned A-side it backs, but it’s certainly memorable.
The title track, “Way 2 Long”, is a sweet ballad and definitely removes all ambiguity as to which to, two, or too Jack was referencing. It’s a powerhouse in its own right that reminded me of the way the late, great Ray Charles would wring every drop of emotion from each word he sung.
“Lady Love” spotlights the singer’s rich range of baritone options within his vocal spectrum, as he also does in “Hour Glass”. “The Other Side” leans toward the more traditional side of reggae in regard to the instrumental arrangement. If you’re looking for a Afro-Caribbean connection then “Lion On His Throne” is your go to guy. Whereas “The Truth” is more of a tip of the hat to the reggae dance-hall sound, it is similes, analogies and metaphors that abound in the very melodic “Fireplace”
Jack Radics is such a great composer I had to scratch my head and question why he bothered to include a cover of the Daryl Hall penned 1985 Paul Young hit, “Everytime You Go Away”. In my humble opinion the cover pales in comparison to Radics’ own compositions. As well, I kept waiting for the signature sound of that sliding fretless bass that made it such a classic piece on the original recording.
My two (here’s that magical number again…) personal favorites on the “Way 2 Long” album were “Birdsong” and “Valerie”. Both are fast, fun and full of life. They get your foot tapping, head a’ bobbin’, while leaving a smile on your face. The CD is in stores now, released on the Sound Faculty record label, (distributed by KES Music & Video Distribution, with promotion & marketing by National Marketing Advertising & Promotions/Chicago IL).
In the meantime you can follow Jack at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jack-Radics/363963223691900
