Anthony Cruz - Inna di Dance - Album Review

31-05 | album review: anthony cruz - inna di dance - shan shan music

Anthony Cruz Inna di Dance

Ladiesman Anthony Cruz (Born as Rowan Smith) released his new album. Inna di Dance is Anthony Cruz's fourth album coming after: Mama's Blessing (Charm, 2005), Fight with all your might (VP Records, 2008) and Cruz control (Shan Shan music, 2012) and again is released by Shan Shan music. The sweet vocalist Mr. Cruz is going all out on this one. Born in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica this talented star is really reaching out to the world now. The vocalist hailing from Mandeville is joined on this album by veteran Luciano and female dancehall DJ Macka Diamond for 'I won't wait' and 'Get out the Music'. Inna di Dance contains some lovers (Rockers)tunes but there are some serious tunes as well on this smooth album by Mr. Cruz. There is no doubt we are going to hear more from this nephew of the legendary reggae pioneer Garnett Silk!

The tone of the album is directly set with 'Watch over me' sweet instruments, beautiful vocals and praising Jah. A strong opener which is followed by the title track 'Inna di Dance'. An up-tempo tune. It is hard not to move on this one. The next tune, off course, is for the ladies. 'Running Back' is about Mr. Cruz who cannot get over a past lover. This tune is backed by a sweet 'summer night' riddim. This riddim will bring a nice vibe inna di Dance for sure. 'Don't Test Wi' is a powerful tune and it brings some diversity and a strong message to the album. The next tune 'Everytime you go' again is a typical 80's lovers rock tune. 'I won't wait' is a tune for Mama alongside reggae Star Luciano. A sweet combo!! (Close your eyes and pay some special attention to the superb basslines in this tune). For 'Love is here to stay' Anthony Cruz is joined by another veteran Dean Frasier. The wonderfull sax play of Dean Frasier is a nice addition to this tune. 'Suspecion' is dedicated to all the ladies again and is about Anthony Cruz not trusting some ladies. Sweet 80's Rockers love track again, without a doubt this is one of the specialties of the talented Mr. Cruz. Some sweet horns again on this track also! Inna di dance gets more pace with dancing-tune 'Weekend'. Strong lyrics about people coming to Jamdown with wrong expectations. The third collabo on the album is called 'Get out the music'. Anthony Cruz is chanting alongside female dancehall DJ Macka Diamond on this one. 'One step ahead(a dem)' is backed by a classic riddim and catches you right away. The harder you work is the further you climb is a cliche but so so true! 'Gold' is backed by the police in helicopter riddim and is one of the highlights of the album. This song already was in some police in helicopter riddim medleys from a couple of years ago, but it's a boom tune and definitely deserves a place on this album. The last surprise Mr. Cruz has in store for us is 'Don't wanna close my eyes' a cover of the timeless hit 'Don't wanna miss a thing' by Aerosmith. Anthony Cruz proves again that almost any hit tune sounds sweeter in a reggae version but that's just our humble opinion...

Conclusion:
Mr. Cruz without a doubt is blessed with a beautifull singing voice. Anthony Cruz lives up to the expectations set by his previous albums. A nice mix between lovers rock tunes and some powerfull tracks. Anthony Cruz clearly worked with great musicians creating some beautifull riddims. The album also has a little classic touch. We would like to see more of Anthony Cruz's 'serious' side in the future, and perhaps a little bit more diversity in his tunes. But then again who are we? Mr. Cruz is coming with a fine album. A nice addition to an already impressive list of productions! One he can be proud of for sure!

Rating: 4/5