Freeman - Gango Album Review
Freeman has been in the music game for more than 10 years now and has been one of the most consistent artists in the genre since its inception, only Winky D can be said to be more consistent. When it however comes to albums Freeman is arguably the best in the game, many dancehall artists fail dismally when it comes to albums so they concentrate more on singles.
His last album Mukuru Wekambani was quite a solid project, made a review of it and you can read it here :Mukuru Wekambani Album Review. After some months of teasing and hyping his project he has released a follow up project and as usual got my copy and will now be sharing with you my thoughts and views on the project. Whilst doing the review noticed that Freeman now has website where you can learn and remain updated on the HKD Boss's every move, visit the site : Freeman.com.
As usual will be doing a tack by track review
1. Gango...[prod by Cymplex]
The first and title track of the album is on a reggae tip and the HKD Boss is just saying he is delivering what his fans were asking for, he will continue to deliver good vibes. Gango is a mixture of different meats so in this respect its a mixture of different sounds and styles. The production is done well, the arrangement of the instruments is well done. Freeman was also good on the vocals its a track that is easy to sing along to and many of his fans will be singing along in no time.
2. One Munhu...[ prod by Cymplex]
This feels like a follow up or preview to his hit jam Wekwedu from the last album. He is talking about finding that one person whom you will share your whole life with. The productions is good, the arrangement (vocals & instrumental) of the track is quite okay however I feel the style of pronouncing words letter by letter is a bit over don, lesser would have been more preferable for me.
3. Ngaibake (feat Alick Macheso)...[ prod by Sunshine Studios]
This will be clear favorite of many and will be leading track from the album. The collaboration came as a surprise to many, I personally did not expect it. Its good to have the Legends work with the younger artists. They pulled off the collaboration, Alick Macheso did a superb job on the hook loved his performance, Freeman was his usual best on the verses, they combined surprisingly well. With the mention of Alick Macheso one would first expect some serious bass and they delivered, its not the usual sungura bass progressions we have come to expect from Ba Shero's but it quite satisfying nonetheless. The overall production is done well, the track is more to the Afro dancehall side with some sungura influences especially on the guitars creating a fusion which both artists feel comfortable with. The track urges peace and fun among the people, its speaking against fights and violence.
4. Ngoma Iyo...[prod by Cymplex]
This track is sort of a self praise track, Freeman is saying the people are loving the tracks he is producing. It also a track whereby he is declaring that he works hard to make his fans dancing. The track is also well produced, the instrumental arrangement is also done well. Freeman was also good on the vocals.
5. Ndinofirapo (feat Yaddah Voices)...[prod by Yagi Dojo]
On this track Freeman is saying my Lord is a Lord of miracles so I will not leave him. He teamed up with Yaddah Voices from PHD Ministries and the collaboration works. Having a whole choir back you will add a lot of depth to the song and Yaddah Voices did exactly that on this track. Freeman was also delivered a solid performance on the track. The production is well done, the instrumental arrangement is done well, love the saxophone in the last half of the track, it added a lovely flavour to the track.
6. Hoyo...[prod by Sunshine Studios]
This is my early favorite from the album, love the production and vibe of the track. Freeman has teamed up with Sunshine after years since their dispute and they have rekindled their chemistry which shows all over this track and other Sunshine produced tracks on this album. On the track Freeman is asking for the Lord to walk with and bless all those who feel hopeless, he also urges anyone in such a situation to always know the Lord will provide refuge, strength and will bless your path. The vocals performance is superb, Freeman was in fine form on the vocals, blending superbly well with the instrumental.
7. Musiye (feat Black Warrior)...[prod by Cymplex ]
This was the first track released from the album and it goes in hard, it did a superb job raising the hype before the album dropped. Freeman teamed up with a new artists Black Warrior who delivered a solid performance. The two of them combine very well, Freeman was his usual best on his parts. The production is done well, the instrumental arrangement is also done very well. On the track they are talking about red flags in relationships (such as you other ignoring you, not answering your calls, not responding to your messages...etc), they are saying let go once you start seeing such red flags.
8. Miridzo...[prod by JMP]
This track is dedicated to a beautiful hot lady who is causing confusion among all the men who see him and has won his over his heart. He is now declaring his love to her, he will do everything to be at her side. Its an appreciation to all the beautiful ladies out there. The production is done very well, love the instrumental arrangement, its playful complementing the playful theme of the track perfectly well. Freeman was also up to the task on the vocals, he delivered solid performances both on the verses and the hook.
9. Makanika (feat Bounty Lisa)...[prod by Cymplex]
This collaboration is going to raise some questions in certain sectors of the fans as we were used to hearing Daruler being the female sidekick for Freeman in the past projects. Freeman's chemistry with Daruler is arguably the best between a male and female artists in the dancehall sector so this track will face serious comparisons. However Bounty Lisa did quite a solid job, she managed to complement with Freeman quite well. Despite that though one cannot shake the feeling that Daruler would have done an even better job. Freeman was solid on his verses, he was floating over the instrumental well. The production is done well, arrangement of the instruments is also done quite well.
10. Mudzanga...[prod by Mt Zion Records]
The last track on the album is dedicated to all the haters, those people that always want to disrupt your progress, those who do not want to see you succeed. The production is done quite well, the instrumental is also arranged quite well. Freeman was also commendable on the vocals, he blended well with the instrumental.
Buy the Album:
Gango on CD Baby,
Gango on iTunes,
Gango On Play Store.
Stream the album: Gango on Spotify
So ya that's it for this Gango album and its quite a solid project. Freeman has this superb ability to create balances projects and this album is no exception. Comparing to the last album I can now say its better than his past album. Like Mukuru Wekambani this one will also pose great stake when it comes to best dancehall album of the year, currently its a cut above all other dancehall albums out there.
The production is done well, this is one aspect which Freeman has always excelled in since way back, his makes sure his offering are well produced. He works with different producers to capitalize of their different styles creating a diverse sound making sure the project remains lively and entertaining. On this album he made amends with Sunshine studios, a move which many dancehall fans will welcome, they used to have some serious chemistry and its seems the chemistry is still there. The album was mainly produced by Cymplex Music he did a respectable job. One of the best sounding dancehall projects out there at the moment.
Vocally the project is also good, Freeman delivered a solid performance throughout. The collaborations were also well selected; Alick Macheso delivered a top performance, Yaddah Voices delivered a superb performance, Black Warrior showed his massive talent in his debut performance and lastly Bounty Lisa was commendable delivering her usual hard core type of performance.
In overall this is deserving follow up to Mukuru Wekambani. Freeman continues to show his superb ability to remain consistent, delivering standard projects every-time he steps into the booth. How long the album will remain on the lips of fans is another different question, there are a lot of new tracks being released left right and center mostly from the current wave of popular youngsters that will also be competing for airplay, they will obviously give the album a run for its money and may probably affect its longevity. However have enjoyed listening to the album, it makes a strong case for being the best dancehall album of 2019. I can recommend this one to dancehall fans, they will enjoy it, some non dancehall fans will also enjoy the project.
My Overall rating: 7/10
What are your thoughts on the album???
1. Gango...[prod by Cymplex]
The first and title track of the album is on a reggae tip and the HKD Boss is just saying he is delivering what his fans were asking for, he will continue to deliver good vibes. Gango is a mixture of different meats so in this respect its a mixture of different sounds and styles. The production is done well, the arrangement of the instruments is well done. Freeman was also good on the vocals its a track that is easy to sing along to and many of his fans will be singing along in no time.
2. One Munhu...[ prod by Cymplex]
This feels like a follow up or preview to his hit jam Wekwedu from the last album. He is talking about finding that one person whom you will share your whole life with. The productions is good, the arrangement (vocals & instrumental) of the track is quite okay however I feel the style of pronouncing words letter by letter is a bit over don, lesser would have been more preferable for me.
3. Ngaibake (feat Alick Macheso)...[ prod by Sunshine Studios]
This will be clear favorite of many and will be leading track from the album. The collaboration came as a surprise to many, I personally did not expect it. Its good to have the Legends work with the younger artists. They pulled off the collaboration, Alick Macheso did a superb job on the hook loved his performance, Freeman was his usual best on the verses, they combined surprisingly well. With the mention of Alick Macheso one would first expect some serious bass and they delivered, its not the usual sungura bass progressions we have come to expect from Ba Shero's but it quite satisfying nonetheless. The overall production is done well, the track is more to the Afro dancehall side with some sungura influences especially on the guitars creating a fusion which both artists feel comfortable with. The track urges peace and fun among the people, its speaking against fights and violence.
4. Ngoma Iyo...[prod by Cymplex]
This track is sort of a self praise track, Freeman is saying the people are loving the tracks he is producing. It also a track whereby he is declaring that he works hard to make his fans dancing. The track is also well produced, the instrumental arrangement is also done well. Freeman was also good on the vocals.
5. Ndinofirapo (feat Yaddah Voices)...[prod by Yagi Dojo]
On this track Freeman is saying my Lord is a Lord of miracles so I will not leave him. He teamed up with Yaddah Voices from PHD Ministries and the collaboration works. Having a whole choir back you will add a lot of depth to the song and Yaddah Voices did exactly that on this track. Freeman was also delivered a solid performance on the track. The production is well done, the instrumental arrangement is done well, love the saxophone in the last half of the track, it added a lovely flavour to the track.
6. Hoyo...[prod by Sunshine Studios]
This is my early favorite from the album, love the production and vibe of the track. Freeman has teamed up with Sunshine after years since their dispute and they have rekindled their chemistry which shows all over this track and other Sunshine produced tracks on this album. On the track Freeman is asking for the Lord to walk with and bless all those who feel hopeless, he also urges anyone in such a situation to always know the Lord will provide refuge, strength and will bless your path. The vocals performance is superb, Freeman was in fine form on the vocals, blending superbly well with the instrumental.
7. Musiye (feat Black Warrior)...[prod by Cymplex ]
This was the first track released from the album and it goes in hard, it did a superb job raising the hype before the album dropped. Freeman teamed up with a new artists Black Warrior who delivered a solid performance. The two of them combine very well, Freeman was his usual best on his parts. The production is done well, the instrumental arrangement is also done very well. On the track they are talking about red flags in relationships (such as you other ignoring you, not answering your calls, not responding to your messages...etc), they are saying let go once you start seeing such red flags.
8. Miridzo...[prod by JMP]
This track is dedicated to a beautiful hot lady who is causing confusion among all the men who see him and has won his over his heart. He is now declaring his love to her, he will do everything to be at her side. Its an appreciation to all the beautiful ladies out there. The production is done very well, love the instrumental arrangement, its playful complementing the playful theme of the track perfectly well. Freeman was also up to the task on the vocals, he delivered solid performances both on the verses and the hook.
9. Makanika (feat Bounty Lisa)...[prod by Cymplex]
This collaboration is going to raise some questions in certain sectors of the fans as we were used to hearing Daruler being the female sidekick for Freeman in the past projects. Freeman's chemistry with Daruler is arguably the best between a male and female artists in the dancehall sector so this track will face serious comparisons. However Bounty Lisa did quite a solid job, she managed to complement with Freeman quite well. Despite that though one cannot shake the feeling that Daruler would have done an even better job. Freeman was solid on his verses, he was floating over the instrumental well. The production is done well, arrangement of the instruments is also done quite well.
10. Mudzanga...[prod by Mt Zion Records]
The last track on the album is dedicated to all the haters, those people that always want to disrupt your progress, those who do not want to see you succeed. The production is done quite well, the instrumental is also arranged quite well. Freeman was also commendable on the vocals, he blended well with the instrumental.
Buy the Album:
Gango on CD Baby,
Gango on iTunes,
Gango On Play Store.
Stream the album: Gango on Spotify
So ya that's it for this Gango album and its quite a solid project. Freeman has this superb ability to create balances projects and this album is no exception. Comparing to the last album I can now say its better than his past album. Like Mukuru Wekambani this one will also pose great stake when it comes to best dancehall album of the year, currently its a cut above all other dancehall albums out there.
The production is done well, this is one aspect which Freeman has always excelled in since way back, his makes sure his offering are well produced. He works with different producers to capitalize of their different styles creating a diverse sound making sure the project remains lively and entertaining. On this album he made amends with Sunshine studios, a move which many dancehall fans will welcome, they used to have some serious chemistry and its seems the chemistry is still there. The album was mainly produced by Cymplex Music he did a respectable job. One of the best sounding dancehall projects out there at the moment.
Vocally the project is also good, Freeman delivered a solid performance throughout. The collaborations were also well selected; Alick Macheso delivered a top performance, Yaddah Voices delivered a superb performance, Black Warrior showed his massive talent in his debut performance and lastly Bounty Lisa was commendable delivering her usual hard core type of performance.
In overall this is deserving follow up to Mukuru Wekambani. Freeman continues to show his superb ability to remain consistent, delivering standard projects every-time he steps into the booth. How long the album will remain on the lips of fans is another different question, there are a lot of new tracks being released left right and center mostly from the current wave of popular youngsters that will also be competing for airplay, they will obviously give the album a run for its money and may probably affect its longevity. However have enjoyed listening to the album, it makes a strong case for being the best dancehall album of 2019. I can recommend this one to dancehall fans, they will enjoy it, some non dancehall fans will also enjoy the project.
My Overall rating: 7/10
What are your thoughts on the album???
Proud_Zimbo
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