Interscope Records
2006
Together As One
About This Album
When Aston "Family Man" Barrett heard Elan's demo, the ears of the Wailers bassist immediately pricked up. Given Junior Marvin's departure, the Wailers needed a frontman, and Barrett was immediately convinced they'd found his replacement. One listen to Together as One's title track explains why the Wailers snapped Elan up. This glorious number's gorgeous melody, acoustic guitar-laced arrangement, and unity theme all echo of Bob Marley's own "Redemption Song." However, dancehall fans will note the track's equally striking similarities to Buju Banton's "Untold Stories." And it's this ability to beautifully blend both new and old, speaking simultaneously to young and old, that is Elan's strongest suit. "I Wanna Yell" also reverberates with a Marley-esque sound, although in this case, with its modern reggae flavor and bouncy melody, it's Stephen who springs to mind. Elsewhere, "My Kingston Girl," which resurrects an old rocksteady melody and is brushed with harmonies, recalls the Wailers' days at Studio One. "You Don't Come Around No More" also has a lovely revival feel to the riddim, but here Elan leaves the Marleys behind and strides straight into R&B-flavored dancehall, accompanied by Cutty Ranks, whose sharp toasts provide an authentic island-style feel to the number.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,5,6 and 8)

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