Julian Marley - Awake (2009)

Though Bob Marley is no longer with us, his legend lives on through the music of his children. One Marley who has been getting a lot of attention lately is Julian with his 3rd career album, AWAKE. Julian Marley has been around music all his life. He has been blessed both by his father's great talent and legacy and by the unique perspective that comes with an upbringing in a multicultural community. Born in London, England, Julian's development as a singer/songwriter began when, at age five, he cut his first demo tape, recording a version of his father's classic composition, "Slave Driver," at the Marley family's Tuff Gong studio in Kingston. Since that auspicious beginning, Julian has devoted himself to a life in music, mastering a variety of instruments and writing songs that reflect his dedication to spiritual upliftment and social change. All of these skills are utilized on AWAKE. Produced by Julian Marley and his Grammy Award-winning brothers, Stephen Marley and Damian Marley, AWAKE's release comes on the heels of an emotionally charged year. His beloved grandmother, Cedella Marley Booker, who went home to Zion in 2008, inspires the young songwriter. AWAKE is a call for everyone - youths and elders - to awaken to life's joy and rewards and to do something positive with their lives. The roots-reggae sound that Julian Marley has distinctly made his own is supported by the street-energy infusion of hip-hop, bubbling dancehall, and a smooth combination of R&B and reggae. The first single from AWAKE is "Boom Draw," an easy roots-dancehall tune that will surely have fans moving to its rock solid rhythm. More great tracks on Awake include "Little to Late" with Stephen Marley on guest vocals, "Violence in the Street" with Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, and "Oh Girl" featuring American rapper Mr. Cheeks. For Julian Marley, music is life, life is music and both are blessings from above. "From a small age music has been there in my life. It's just natural. And it is with the inspiration of the Most High that I create my songs." During his career, Julian formed his own band (The Uprising) and has released two critically acclaimed albums, Lion in the Morning (1996) and A Time and Place (2003). He has toured the world, both as a solo performer backed by Uprising and as a member of Ghetto Youths International, a musical collective whose core members are Julian along with his brothers, Stephen and Damian.

Tracklist:
01. Julian Marley - Awake (4:41)
02. Julian Marley - Boom Draw (5:39)
03. Julian Marley - On The Floor (4:25)
04. Julian Marley - Rose Hall (3:59)
05. Julian Marley, Stephen Marley - A Little Too Late (4:58)
06. Julian Marley - Just In Time (3:44)
07. Julian Marley - Jah Works (3:19)
08. Julian Marley, Mr. Cheeks - Oh Girl (3:41)
09. Julian Marley, Damian Marley - Violence In The Streets (5:00)
10. Julian Marley - All I Know (3:50)
11. Julian Marley - Stay With Me (4:24)
12. Julian Marley - Sharp As A Razor (4:04)
13. Julian Marley - Things Ain't Cool (3:53)
14. Julian Marley - Trying (4:11)