Popcaan’s 5th studio album “Great is He” (Deluxe) comprises eight new tracks: Millionz, With You, Bend It Over(released March 24, 2023), No Expectations, Celebrate (featuringBlack Sherif), Barbie Dolly, Light One, and Greatness.All the new songs which typically explore the same themes of the album’s original 17 track set – new found wealth, success, sex etc.
The original has spent 10 weeks on the Billboard Reggae albums chart after peaking at No. 3 the week of its release and the lead single Next To Me has become a turntable hit that peaked at No. 1 on the US iTunes chart. However, if the purpose of a Deluxe album is to enhance the original listening experience, these new tracks are anticlimactic.
The former Gaza prefect satisfies his hardcore fans with songs like “Bend It Over” (released March 24, 2023) while making an effort to be in the Afrobeats conversation with a World Music bop like “Celebrate” featuring Ghanaian singer Black Sherif, both commendable efforts, but the beat choices reduce their replay value.
It is the kind of album an artist makes when they plan to blame the label, even if the label owner is Drake who gave the throw away feature on “We Can Done.”
Everything from the audacious OVO approved title, “Great is He”, plus the album’s cover where the St. Thomas native is seen wearing Marcus Garvey’s ‘negro in a hat’ 19th century fashion, to his pensive stare away from a mirror is antithetical to the albums actual experience. His manager said the album cover is Popcaan’s way of “channeling several great historical figures” but the songs are not reflective of that theme.
Along with Next To Me featuring Toni Ann Singh, the horns and musical arrangements on the Anju Blaxx produced “Abooyoyahh” with Burna Boy, “Set It” (TJ Records) and “Cry fi Yuh Body” (Dre Skull) are redeeming tracks for the album.
For the most part “Great is He” (Deluxe) sounds like one long song with a sonic reach that’s far too mellow.
★★★☆☆
Great Is He Is Released By OVO Sound.
