Stony Hill
Damian Marley · 2017
73 min · 18 tracks · reggae
A vibrant blend of reggae rhythms and introspective lyrics that invite reflection on personal and societal struggles.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nail Pon Cross — This track captures Marley's signature style, combining personal storytelling with references to larger societal issues, showcasing his lyrical dexterity.
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Medication — A standout for its catchy hook and exploration of wellness through natural remedies, reflecting Marley's advocacy for holistic health and cultural roots.
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The Struggle Discontinues — This song provides a poignant commentary on perseverance in the face of adversity, resonating deeply with listeners seeking hope amid challenges.
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Everybody Wants to Be Somebody — With its infectious rhythm and compelling lyrics, this track critiques societal pressures while celebrating individuality and self-worth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and production but remains within familiar reggae frameworks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro before diving into a series of tracks that maintain a steady mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic variations introduced in the later songs.
- Many tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, typical of reggae, which enhance the communal feel of the music.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word segments or narrative elements, adding depth to the lyrical content and inviting listeners to engage more deeply with the themes presented.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 progression with resolution
- reflective moments of resilience
- uplifting themes for motivation
- vibrant rhythms for celebration
- thoughtful listening during introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, instant gratification
- avoid lengthy, cohesive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2017, Stony Hill marks Damian Marley's first studio album in over a decade following the acclaimed Welcome to Jamrock in 2005. At this point in his career, Marley was not only a celebrated figure in reggae but also an influential artist pushing boundaries within the genre, blending hip-hop and social commentary into his music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ziggy Marley· Protoje· Stephen Marley
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 1:38
- 2 Here We Go 4:43
- 3 Nail Pon Cross 3:25
- 4 R.O.A.R. 3:23
- 5 Medication 3:42
- 6 Time Travel 2:52
- 7 Living It Up 3:59
- 8 Looks Are Deceiving 4:37
- 9 The Struggle Discontinues 4:39
- 10 Autumn Leaves 5:03
- 11 Everybody Wants to Be Somebody 3:39
- 12 Upholstery 3:50
- 13 Grown & Sexy 4:05
- 14 Perfect Picture 5:21
- 15 So a Child May Follow 4:22
- 16 Slave Mill 4:48
- 17 Caution 3:58
- 18 Speak Life 5:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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