Samory I – Strength Deluxe (2024) Album

Label: Overstand Entertainment | Easy Star Records
Release date: 10/04/2024

Hailed as “among the most compelling Jamaican voices of this generation” by Grammy.com, Samory I continues to make waves in the reggae scene. Following the success of his first full-length solo studio album, Strength (Overstand Entertainment/Easy Star Records), released on Nov. 17, 2023, he is excited to announce the deluxe edition, available today. Produced by GRAMMY-nominated Winta James, Strength set a new standard for modern roots reggae and was the only reggae album featured on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums list in 2023.

The deluxe edition includes three new tracks, each paired with an exclusive dub version mixed by Tippy I Grade of Zion I Kings. The first single, “Kingston Heat,” recently premiered and delves into the complexities of ambition and love—watch the video [HERE]. Listeners can also look forward to the soulful track “Clouds,” a reminder to not confuse a laid-back demeanor with ignorance. The album culminates in a hauntingly beautiful cover of Stevie Wonder’s “You Will Know,” which captures the original’s emotion while infusing it with reggae rhythms.

For those who have yet to experience Samory I’s acclaimed record, this is a perfect way to dig in for the first time.

Additional praise for the LP included Best Album Of The Year voted by fans in Germany’s RIDDIM magazine (along with Producer Of The Year for Winta James for this album), prime playlisting on Bob Marley Tuff Gong Radio to Radio Nova (France) and Song Of The Day features on KEXP and Ebro Darden’s Apple Music show.

Samory I spoke on the album’s original concept and said Strength “represents the struggles I’ve overcome, both mentally and physically.” He adds that “this deluxe album is an extension of the songs me and Winta James wrote and recorded when I was in a period of depression. This album uplifted me and took me out of a very dark place as well as brought me to be aware of myself and others.”

1. Outside (feat. Lila Iké)
2. Crown
3. Blood In The Streets
4. Continent (feat. Jesse Royal)
5. My Son
6. Wrath (feat. Kabaka Pyramid & Capleton)
7. Ocean
8. Stormy Nights
9. History Of Violence (feat. Mortimer)
10. Jah Love
11. Harvest
12. Clouds
13. Kingston Heat
14. You Will Know
15. You Will Know (Fumiaki Ogata Dub)
16. Kingston Heat (Fumiaki Ogata Dub)
17. Clouds (Fumiaki Ogata Dub)