Reggae artist THUNDER has released his long-awaited 7th album, UPDATE, marking his first full release in two years. The album features 11 tracks packed with emotion, showcasing his growth and deepening message.
The album opens with "INTRO," expressing THUNDER’s frustration with the current reggae scene, followed by a remastered version of "Not Easy" and a fresh dancehall tune, "Like a Tokiwa." One of the standout tracks, "BOSS," was crafted during THUNDER’s month-long stay in Jamaica, with lyrics fully in patois, proving his reggae sound rivals that of Jamaican artists.
"Fighting Warriors" features up-and-coming talents like HAMAHKEE, Ikkei, Haruki, and 9loud9, delivering a powerful message aimed at challenging the current reggae scene. Another highlight, "Luv a Ganja," features Japanese McGuinness and surpasses the impact of their previous collaboration, "Legalize It."
Other notable tracks include "Ghetto Youth," where THUNDER reflects on his life experiences, "Day Off – Teikito Song," capturing a slice of his daily life, and "One Life," a collaboration with EMPEROR, a fellow artist from his hometown Amagasaki.
The album closes with two deeply personal tracks. "Last Letter" is a bittersweet love song filled with gratitude, while the medium-tempo track "It’s Okay to Lose" delivers a heartfelt message about the importance of perseverance and embracing challenges at any stage in life.
THUNDER’s UPDATE is a significant release in the reggae scene, marking a bold statement from the artist.
アルバムは、今のレゲエシーンへの怒りを込めた「INTRO」で始まり、改めてマスタリングされた『Not Easy』、そして新たなダンスホールチューン『Like a Tokiwa』へと続く。特に『BOSS』は、THUNDERが制作期間中に約1ヶ月ジャマイカに滞在して完成させた一曲で、全編パトワ語によるリリックが、本場ジャマイカのアーティストにも負けないレゲエサウンドを実現している。
『闘ってる奴ら』では、HAMAHKEE、一景、晴輝、9loud9といった次世代アーティストが参加。今のレゲエシーンに新たな風を吹き込むメッセージ性の強い曲だ。また、ジャパニーズマゲニーズをフィーチャーした『Luv a Ganja』は、以前リリースされた『Legalize It』を凌ぐ完成度で、ガンジャチューンの新たな代表作となる。
