Busy Signal

Parts of the Puzzle

BY Ryan B. PatrickPublished Oct 4, 2019

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Busy Signal breaks out with Parts of the Puzzle, a studio album that mixes up dancehall reggae with various sounds, including EDM, rap and Afrobeat. The man born Reanno Gordon is best known for his days as a foundational component of early 2000 dancehall, by way of his association with Bounty Killer. As a solo artist, hits like "Step Out," "Come Over" and his collaboration with Major Lazer and No Doubt, 2012 megahit "Push and Shove," has established his fan base.
 
Parts of the Puzzle feels both fresh, with a track like the EDM/pop-minded "Therapy" and a throwback, with numbers such as "Stay So" and "Bring Back the Vibes" featuring Josey Wales. A Bounty Killer team-up is always welcome and "Nuh Weh Nuh Safe" delivers, while the Afro B-starring "100%" is a balance of old and new sounds.
 
The key to Busy Signal's longevity and international appeal has been his fearlessness when it comes to mashing up disparate genre sounds. No one song particularly stands out among the rest, but the vibes that emanate from Parts of the Puzzle make for a good fit.
(VP)

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