With the release of his debut album Yaad and Abroad on the One Jam Music label now officially set for September 27, singer Nando Griffiths has reasons to feel optimistic about the potential success of the 17-track album. Some of his optimism is in no doubt fueled by the momentum of his Ride All Night single, which has risen to the top of several Jamaican charts. Ride All Night, which features contributions from Oxxygen and Paashot, is holding down the number 1 position on the Jamaica Top 25 Dancehall Countdown for the second week in a row and is also occupying the top position on a number of video charts including CVM Hit List, BOJ TV Top 10, and the Hype TV VTX Top 10.
The success of Ride All Night follows that of Team Jamaica (Light the Torch), which burned up the airwaves before and during the London 2012 Olympics and was endorsed by several radio stations in both yaad and Jamaican communities abroad as their official theme song for the Jamaican team to the London 2012 Olympics. While Team Jamaica and Ride All Night set the pace for the release of Yaad and Abroad, My Everything, which is being hailed as one of the best original lovers rock tunes in recent years, looks set to continue Nando's relay of hits, as it has been steadily climbing the Jamaica Top 25 Reggae Chart and is now in the number 7 spot.
Nando disclosed, "Folks, especially the ladies, in touch with their romantic side have been telling me how much they are feeling this song. One YouTube fan even noted that when he hears the song he feels like he wants to marry his wife again. I am glad my music is able to bring couples on the dance-floor and to inspire lovers to show more appreciation for their partners."
If the quality of Light the Torch, Ride All Night, and My Everything is anything to go by, then Yaad and Abroad looks set to be one of the top reggae/urban albums of 2012. Anyway, don’t take my word for it. With the release date for Yaad and Abroad just around the corner, you will soon be able to buy your copy and make your own assessment.
