Can it really have been eight years since the release of 'Chronology', Chronixx' acclaimed debut album? Earlier this year, a three-LP '7th Anniversary Edition' of that record hit the shelves, but beyond that, the Spanish Town singer largely remained out of the spotlight. Then, precisely on his birthday, October 10, Chronixx made his triumphant return with 'Exile', a 17-track double album.
By Jah Rebel
For this project, he teamed up with producer Dean Josiah Cover aka Inflo, known for his work with stars like Adele, Little Simz, Michael Kiwanuka, and his own band SAULT. While reggae remains the foundation, ‘Exile’ flirts just as effortlessly with funk, soul, disco, and gospel, with love as the album’s central theme.
The record opens with the title track, ‘Exile’, featuring the deep thump of a nyahbinghi bass drum or thunder. In the funky ‘Market’, Chronixx takes us to the local marketplace, playfully complaining about prices, while also paying homage to legendary artists such as Nicodemus, Burro Banton, Early B and Super Cat. Just as infectious is the disco-reggae of ‘Survivor’, featuring backing vocals from Kelissa.
We then glide into lovers rock territory with ‘Sweet Argument’, co-written with his father, Selvin ‘Chronicle’ McNaughton. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the intimate acoustic ‘Hurricane’ now feels almost prophetic, though its lyrics really speak to finding support and inspiration in difficult times:
When the tides were so high and strong
You gave me shelter from the rain
On an open and raging sea
You rescued me
Placed a firm ground beneath my feet
Helped me to stand firm when I was weak
All the tears that I cried and pain was meant to be
And you inspired the best in me
So I could stand for what I believe
Gave me peace that surpasseth all
Eternity
In the eye of the hurricane
I heard you whispered and called my name
I am a witness of your quickness to rescue me, well
I am a witness of your quickness to rescue me, well
On ‘I Know What You’re Feeling’, we couldn’t help but think of Bob Marley’s ‘Waiting In Vain’, while the faith-driven anthem ‘I&I’ also carries a distinctly Marley-esque vibe. ‘Never Give Up’, which originally appeared as a single in 2022, has been remastered for ‘Exile’.
With the nearly ten-minute opus ‘Genesis’, Chronixx delves fully into soul, immediately evoking Marvin Gaye’s early ’70s shift on ‘What’s Going On’. For the gospel-leaning ‘Resilient’, he enlisted the support of The Music Confectionery choir.
Standout tracks for us include ‘Saviour’, a pointed critique of politicians and criminals who claim to be liberators, with a playful nod to old-school deejay style; the infectious ‘Keep On Rising’; and the delightful flute work by Zoë McIntyre on ‘Don’t Be Afraid’.
Those who were waiting for a direct follow-up to ‘Chronology’ might be surprised by ‘Exile’, but in a few years, this double album will undoubtedly be regarded as a modern classic!
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.
November 18, 2025