Royal cover

Royal

Jesse Royal · 2021

39 min · 11 tracks · reggae

A vibrant blend of contemporary reggae infused with soulful melodies and socially conscious lyrics that resonate deeply.

Top tracks — play these first

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    High Tide or Low — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and powerful message about resilience against adversity, establishing Royal's narrative voice.
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    LionOrder — In this track, Royal combines traditional reggae elements with a modern twist, delivering a motivational anthem that emphasizes strength and unity within the community.
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    Rich Forever — This song stands out for its introspective lyrics about wealth and prosperity, contrasting materialism with true richness found in love and family connections.
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    Black — A poignant exploration of identity and pride, this track lyrically delves into the experiences of being Black in today's world, making it one of the album's most impactful moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with varied tempos and themes that resonate well.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'High Tide or Low', setting a lively tone that persists through the first half.
  • Tracks like 'LionOrder' and 'Dirty Money' feature layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the lyrical themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • vibrant storytelling experiences
  • thoughtful reflections and moods
  • immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of 'Royal' in June 2021, Jesse Royal had established himself as a prominent voice in the reggae scene following his debut album, 'Lily of Da Valley', released in 2017. This sophomore effort represents a maturation in both his lyrical content and musical style, reflecting his growth as an artist committed to addressing social issues through music.
Stylistic neighbors
Protoje· Koffee· Chronixx

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 High Tide or Low 3:54
  • 2 LionOrder 3:32
  • 3 Dirty Money 4:13
  • 4 Natty Dread 3:21
  • 5 Home 3:58
  • 6 Rich Forever 3:48
  • 7 Natty Pablo 3:09
  • 8 Black 3:34
  • 9 Like Dat 2:48
  • 10 Differences 3:29
  • 11 Strongest Link (Do My Best) 4:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata