Earlier this year, Glen Washington dropped the Willie Lindo produced 'Feeling Irie', which unfortunately flew under our radar. But the veteran singer is already back with its follow-up, 'Just Giving Thanks'.
By Jah Rebel
Produced by Tad Dawkins Jr., the album sees Washington surrounded by a lineup of seasoned Jamaican greats, including Flabba Holt and Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis on bass, Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul on keys, Kirk Bennett on drums and Dean Fraser on sax.
While ‘Feeling Irie’ was a deep dive into the rich legacy of Treasure Isle, ‘Just Giving Thanks’ takes Washington back to his early Studio One roots.
Opener ‘Sweet Loving And Affection’ hits the mark straight away, riding a reworked version of Ernest Wilson’s ‘Why Oh Why’ riddim.
The Studio One vibes continue with ‘Better Than Before’, built on the ever-classic Answer riddim. And there’s plenty more where that came from: Alton Ellis’ ‘Can I Change My Mind’ reimagined as ‘Goodness And Mercy’, the Heavenless riddim on ‘Oh, To Be Like H.I.M.’, Vanity on ‘Loving You Forever’, Real Rock driving ‘Square One’, and Queen Of The Minstrel revisited in ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’.
True to form, Washington balances syrupy lovers tunes with spiritually charged tracks like ‘Oh, To Be Like H.I.M.’ and ‘Seeking Jah Love’.
Personal favourites include the danceable ‘Square One’, the very catchy ‘Heart Attack’ and the excellent love tune ‘Loving You Forever’, but one thing’s for sure: ‘Just Giving Thanks’ is Glen Washington at his finest!
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
July 30, 2025