Joe Samba – Lifeline
Joe Samba – hope’s hype man – returns with his third full-length album, Lifeline, a vibrant and undeniably joyous LP that weaves together eclectic sounds of reggae, rock, ska and pop. It’s nostalgic while still contemporary, and is just the kind of mood-lifter we need during this dark and uncertain time.
Lifeline is lively and tasty, with captivating hooks throughout. Samba’s songs make you dance and also motivate you, kicking you into gear to follow your passion. The catchy melodies get stuck in your head, as do the inspirational messages, starting with the opening track, “Culture War,” where Samba sings “You gotta drop the acts sometime before you lose your f**** mind/look within yourself to find the only purpose you provide.” Whether singing, playing guitar or bass, Samba is here to lift you up. He’s a master encourager, and a triumphant melody maker, and the production compliments his message beautifully. This is evident on “Culture War,” as Billy Kottage really brings it home on organ and trombone.
The collaborations involved on Lifeline is what makes it truly great. Samba worked with outside producers for the first time, recording four tunes with Eric Krasno (an artist Samba considers a major influence) and three in LA’s Laurel Canyon with Anthony Resta (Duran Duran, Collective Soul). The final tracks were self-produced in Maine at the Halo Studio with engineer Kevin Billingslea.
My favorite track is “Communicate.” It’s got a feel reminiscent of Rebelution but is uniquely its own, with deep, poignant lyrics that hit hard: “Society is tainted, thinking that we’re hated. Looking for some positivity. Cause everyone deserves it, you’re gonna blow a circuit without some inner peace.” This song alone could potentially save you a trip to a therapist – or at least snap you out of any funk you might be feeling.
“Meant To Be” features collaborations with Wax and Krasno, and captures the essence of touring life, sharing the poignant temptations and the contrasts of life on the road. Samba’s been putting the time – and the miles – into his music. His drive is admirable, and contagious. Whether you are an athlete, a writer, a contractor or a musician yourself, these tunes will fuel you. “Little Love,” produced by Resta (who also plays drums and percussion on the track) is another great example of this. The irresistible ukulele-driven reggae pop tune exudes positivity.
Listen to it first thing in the morning and start your day right.
“Cold Feet” is another favorite. Krasno’s instrumentation definitely gets your feet moving (the reggae feel is there, but it’s got more of an R & B groove), but it’s Samba’s words that makes the song stand out. It’s about persistence, and confidence: “No chill, and no sleep. You shouldn’t have time for cold feet. you gotta jump in and be free.”
The album really has something for everyone, bending genres, leaving you guessing from one track to the next. “Lost Boy,” for example, brings back the ska sound, paying tribute to the feel-good ‘90s era of Less Than Jake and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. It’s a tasteful throwback that holds its own for those unfamiliar with that period. Samba nails the sound on guitar, Dave Petti is a monster on the drums and Billingslea crushes it on bass. And if this doesn’t get you going, “Surfside (featuring JARV)” sure will, as its ska-punk feel brings back vintage 40 Oz. to Freedom Sublime vibes.
If you’re looking to lift your spirits, this is the “Lifeline” for you. Let it not just be a fun listen, but a tool to help you navigate the troublesome times.
Lifeline releases on Friday, Sept. 27 and is available wherever you stream your music. For tour dates and more information, go to https://joesamba.com/.
Those involved with mixing, mastering and engineering “Lifeline” include Jeff Bates of KonaTown Recordings, Karyadi Sutedja and Lorenzo Gordon. Additional musicians include Olivia Lospennato (backing vocals), Andrew Riordan (saxophone) and Layton Meacham (acoustic guitar).
Highlights: “Culture War,” “Cold Feet,” “Communicate,” “Home (featuring Mihali)”