Sizzla ‘Million Times’ Album Review
The COVID-19 lockdown in Jamaica appears to have had a romantic effect on reggae/dancehall superstar Sizzla Kalonji, triggering the making of his latest album, Million Times, a production the August Town native has described as a ‘great classic’.
Having bounced back from a motorcycle ‘stunting’ accident which took place on Mona Road last year in which one of his ankles was shattered, the firebrand artiste is in his element on the 12-track production, which interestingly is not a Reggae album, but instead a blend of R&B, a little Soul, Dancehall and Hip Hop.
Dedicated to the ladies, Million Times covers his never-ending love for a good woman who is also beautiful and of course sexy. It also delves into the mutually-caring relationship between Sizzla and his beloved, and of course, his penchant for marathon sex. A recurrent theme throughout the 12 tracks, is his reassurance that he is never going to break up with her.
As is characteristic of Sizzla, he constantly varies his vocal timbre throughout the songs. It comes as no surprise though, as his ability to combine several vocal expressions within a single song and even single lines, has even made him the subject of at least one study in academia.
The Show Me That You Love Me singer’s falsetto voice rings throughout, as does the rolling of his tongue on some words, as is customary when he sings soulful songs of love. Indeed, he is mostly soft and tender.
The lyrics of the songs show that the “King of Melodies” has not lost his writing vim. In the first track, the R&B influenced Feelings, Sizzla hits all the right notes as he promises to rock the world of his girl.
On the second track Lady Lady, he again professes his undying love, noting that regardless of what naysayers might think he will not stop loving her and that their love will only get better.
Million Times, the title track, again, is a reassurance of his love which he says he has told her a million times and more.
As the title suggests, Don’t Stop is a plea by Sizzla, who is in the throes of passion, for her to not stop making love with him, as in his opinion they should be doing it “all day and night, year round”.
Nah Go Happy is the longest track on the album at 4 minutes and18 seconds, which sees the artiste revealing that his life will not be happy without the woman he has had ‘from day one’.
There are two songs which border on raunchy, track six Phone Ring and track 12 Out of All. Phone Ring which is about his girlfriend who is at home in no underwear calling him to come home: “Sexy girl we gonna make love, pretty girl we gonna make love” he croons, and then proceeds to tell her the salacious things he would be doing to her on the bed.
The infectious dancehall beat of the final track Out of All makes you want to dance upon hearing the first few thumps of the drums. His unexpected lines that he has her “coochie jumping” before converting to his falsetto voice in which he voices his satisfaction with her lovemaking, showcases a naughty Sizzla.
Lasting Effect which is the seventh track, is a beautiful song fit to be used as a wedding song. It is a soulful production in which he again professes his forever love to his lady. The first line is captivating as he sings: “Hey girl, everytime I look at you I’m loving you more, little lovely little things you’ve done so much I adore…” before later switching to his falsetto voice for the hook: “It’s a long-lasting effect, girl your love is simply the best”.
The other tracks include With out You, Girlfriend, Motivation and Love for Money the only collab, which features fellow Rastafarian artiste G-Mac.
Million Times was released via Zabogaubhi Music and Kalonji Music Productions. It is an award-worthy project which will be a great add to Sizzla’s female fans’ music collection.