ALBUM: Real Life Story

ARTISTE: Stitchie

GENRE: Gospel

Stitchie's Real Life Story is appropriately titled, as it gives the listener a full overview of his experiences in a well produced package.

The booklet inside the CD case is quite impressive. It was done in the form of a broadsheet newspaper that says Stitchie: Real Life Story. There are also pictures of him growing up and his family.

The album starts off with Red Alert, which tells the listener to brace for what is going to be a good listening experience. The title track is a decent beginning to the album proper, as Stitchie gives a thorough testimony of his life. The album also has a simple yet reflective ending, as Real Life Story is done in a capella.

In Lord Almighty Stitchie is in all his glory as his signature fast deejaying skills are displayed. In Truth Be Told, the background vocals and the music from the band are commendable, while Stitchie also shows a smoother side of himself.

In Di Dancehall has a late 80s dancehall feel with strong drumming and lyrics. It also gives the listener a reason why it is not necessary to be part of aspects of the dancehall culture.

Vibrant, dance feel

Most of the songs are vibrant and have a dance feel and it is hard not to tap one's feet to songs like Hardcore. The songs also implore people to become Christians, as being in God's grace is more rewarding than being in the dancehall.

A noteworthy part of the album is the song titles, as they are based on Stitchie's experiences, and give the listener an idea of the type of song to expect.

There is also a warning for the rest of the album, which marks a change in the pace and types of songs. Both Big Red Hat and Christ Nice make the listener relax and has some soothing qualities.

It was a surprise to hear Gangsta Life having the same soothing feel, but the slow pace made the words easier to hear and, thereby, more effective.

In I Pray Stitchie talks about visiting a friend in prison. He prays that they will survive and find the Lord as a result. However, Dancehall Worship Medley was not correctly named as there is little authentic dancehall presence.

The album is uplifting and a buy that will not be regretted.

Track listings

1. Red Alert

2. Real Life Story

3. Lord Almighty

4. Truth Be Told

5. Praise The Lord

6. In Di Dancehall

7. Get Up, Stand Up

8. Hardcore

9. Mercy

10. Warning

11. Big Red Hat

12. Christ Nice

13. Gangsta Life

14. Wretched Life

15. Hold Di Faith

16. I Pray

17. True Identity

18. Dancehall Worship (Medley)

19. Arrival

20. Real Life Story (Accapella)

Sadeke Brooks

★★★★