Music critics are raving about the latest album, ‘Take a Look’, released by Jamaican-born, German-based reggae musician Keith ‘Roughhouse’ Powell.
He rides the wave of a current spike in the global interest in acoustic albums to release a true masterpiece, perhaps this ultra-talented musician’s magnus opus thus far in his budding career. The album is not a typical reggae album, still infused with real sentiment but tinged by soft rock and soulful blues. The guitar-driver title track, ‘Take a Look’ sets the tone for a positive uplifting sonic experience that will wow listeners worldwide.
Why? This breakout album is a collection of wonderful songs which is all at once inspiring, humorous and serious, inviting introspection on the serious issues in life.
Roughhouse is a true poet in exile with the central theme of “new beginnings’ dominating songs such as ‘Happiness in You’, the excellent ‘Brand New World’, and the unbridled optimism of ‘ Good News’.
He shows great versatility with a rapid fire dancehall-like delivery on ‘You Know and I Know’ featuring Havanna Surf, Then he taps into deeper emotions and melancholy on ‘If It’s Like That’ or the brilliant ‘Wherever Love Takes Me’.
He uses the full gamut of instruments such as the guitar, drums, percussions, keyboard, and flute as well as several backing voices to get his message across. Roughhouse discusses his experiences as a traveler in many songs, a Jamaican musician touring in a foreign land searching for his own truth.
He breaks through on a personal level on singles such as the plaintive ‘Far Away’ and shows deep regret at his migratory ways on ‘Gots to Leave’ where he ‘half-complains-half-sighs’ to his family that he has “got to hit the road again”.
One of the striking features of the album is the cover designed by Frank Erler which shows the singer lying on his back with his guitar in front of a greenish-yellow natural background while his long dreads spring from his body like the branches of a tree.
This artwork shows that Roughhouse is firmly invested in the root of his message which is love to all regardless of race, creed or socio-economic backgrounds, and illustrates in no uncertain terms that he is connected with the universe on a biological and spiritual level. He is a part of a truth that is greater than himself. Just “Take a Look’, you might just love what you see.
