Mind Control Acoustic [Bonus Track] Album Reviews

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AMG Review

A minor release but one fans will embrace, Mind Control Acoustic finds Stephen Marley re-recording some of his favorite songs from his 2007 effort Mind Control and offering a mellower, more intimate, and entirely more organic alternative to the originals. New highlights emerge as the heartbroken "You're Gonna Leave" goes from second line to centerpiece, while the previously grooving "Fed Up" becomes less of a showcase for the band and puts the focus back on the poignant songwriting. "The Traffic Jam," a Biz Markie-like track that previously seemed only possible in the studio, turns out to be an amazing and fun acoustic number here, and if you want chills, the Marley bloodline and the spirit of father Bob are palpable on the mournful revolution "Chase Dem." On his own albums and on recordings with his brother Damien, Stephen has proven himself to be a dazzling studio wiz. Mind Control Acoustic shows that rock-solid writing and affecting performances are the heart and soul of those recordings, and the main reason reggae fans consider him the new keystone of the Marley clan. [Mind Control Acoustic was re-released in 2009 with the non-acoustic bonus track "Someone to Love."] ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide