Welcome to Jamrock


Welcome to Jamrock is a Grammy-winning reggae album by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. The album was released on September 12, 2005 in the United Kingdom and September 13, 2005 in the United States.
Marley won two 2006 Grammy Awards for the album, Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Guests on the album include Stephen Marley, Black Thought, Bobby Brown and Nas. The executive producers of the album were Stephen Marley and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley.

Recording

Production of the album was handled by Damian and his brother Stephen Marley, the pair had frequently collaborated with Damian wanting to utilise the professionals already in his family. The album's title track was inspired by the side of Jamaica that the world doesn't see and the media doesn't show, it was inspired by the everyday citizens. The title was a play on from a song entitled "Welcome to Atlanta", which discussed the dark side of Atlanta. Inspired by this Marley wanted showcase what it was like to live in a "third world country."

Reception

Chart performance

The album debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200, and sold 86,000 copies, during its first week of release in the United States. As of August 23, 2006, Welcome to Jamrock has sold 539,000 recognized copies in the United States.
The Title-track peaked at number 55 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100, but did better on the R&B and rap charts, peaking at numbers 18 and 12, respectively. It also did well in the UK, peaking at number 13.

Critical reception

Steve Yates, in The Observer, gave the album five stars out of five, concluding that "Like his father, Damian is tucked in well behind the cutting edge of digital production, but this fine collection of songs outshines the ephemeral delights of modern day dancehall. The Jr Gong is banging. Get it on."
David Jeffries, writing for AllMusic, gave the album four stars out of five, saying "Besides the fantastic single, this album has "legs," with a bulging lyric sheet filled with vivid and crafty lines that offer plenty to focus on once all the sonic brilliance has sunk in. A career-defining moment that lives up to a huge hit, Welcome to Jamrock is a tremendous achievement."

Track listing

  1. "Confrontation"
  2. "There for You"
  3. "Welcome to Jamrock"
  4. "The Master Has Come Back"
  5. "All Night"
  6. "Beautiful"
  7. "Pimpa's Paradise"
  8. "Move!"
  9. "For the Babies"
  10. "Hey Girl"
  11. "Road to Zion"
  12. "We're Gonna Make It"
  13. "In 2 Deep"
  14. "Khaki Suit"
  15. "Carnal Mind"

    Personnel

Credits adapted from AllMusic.

Certifications