Summer in Kingston cover

Summer in Kingston

Shaggy · 2011

35 min · 10 tracks · reggae

A vibrant blend of reggae and pop, infused with Shaggy's signature charisma and laid-back grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Just Another Girl Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Fired Up (Fuck the Rece$$ion) — This track stands out for its sharp critique of economic hardship, combining infectious rhythms with socially conscious lyrics that resonate with listeners.
  • →
    Sugarcane — With its catchy melody and romantic themes, this song exemplifies Shaggy's ability to create an uplifting atmosphere while retaining authentic reggae roots.
  • →
    Soldiers Story — A poignant narrative about resilience and sacrifice, this track showcases Shaggy's storytelling abilities and adds emotional depth to the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends reggae and pop effectively but lacks strong cohesion and depth across all tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
  • The album closes with a reflective tone in 'End of the World (Drink Up)', contrasting with the earlier party vibes.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
5/10

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

  • bright summer vibes
  • short, catchy listening sessions
  • uplifting mood enhancement
  • feel-good background ambiance

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Shaggy's continued vitality with a mature sound and engaging rhythms.
Themes
Kingston summer vibes· economic defiance
Career context
By 2011, Shaggy was transitioning from mainstream hits of the late '90s and early 2000s to a more mature sound. Released after his successful album 'Hot Shot', 'Summer in Kingston' aimed to reconnect with his roots while appealing to a contemporary audience, showcasing his growth as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Sean Paul· Damian Marley· Ziggy Marley

Tracklist

  • 1 Just Another Girl Start here 2:57
  • 2 She Gives Me Love 3:40
  • 3 Feeling Alive 3:21
  • 4 Dame 3:29
  • 5 Sugarcane 3:25
  • 6 Fired Up (Fuck the Rece$$ion) 3:19
  • 7 Hurting 3:50
  • 8 Soldiers Story 3:44
  • 9 The Only One (Lie to Me) 4:35
  • 10 End of the World (Drink Up) 3:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata