Can’t Take My Space, says Everton Blender
As a standard-bearer for the roots-reggae renaissance of the 1990s, Everton Blender sometimes feels burdened by the hit songs he recorded during that period.
With the August 30 release of Can’t Take My Space, his latest album, he is preparing to introduce himself to new fans.
Blender wrote all 14 songs on the album, producing several of them, including
Slavery Ship.
“I’ve done three albums prior to this one and have been recording singles here and there. I won’t lie that sometimes I feel a bit discouraged recording and promoting new music [because] the fans aren’t hearing it [as] the narrative isn’t what’s trending,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “But thanks to social media, and reading the comments my fans left over the years, it shows I’m still needed; and not just needed, but appreciation for the message is still potent to this day.”
Four songs from Can’t Take My Space preceded its release. The title track and
Going Down came out three years ago, while Slavery Ship was released last year, followed by Money in March.
“This album is just as beautiful as the rest. I’d say it’s a bit more diverse, as the topics vary from social commentary, revolutionary messages — which I’m known for — and also love songs celebrating the queens, senoritas and empresses. There is something for everyone,” said the artiste.
Can’t Take My Space comes 30 years after the release of Lift Up Your Head, his hit debut album which was produced by Richard Bell for Startrail Records. It contained three big hits in the title track, Family Man and Create A Sound, which made Clarendon-born Blender a star at age 40.
A first attempt at a recording career in the 1980s was futile for Everton Blender, resulting in him returning to Clarendon where he became a craft vendor.
Along with Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel, Yasus Afari, Kulcha Knox, and Uton Green, he led a roots revival that transformed dancehall music during the 1990s.
Ghetto People Song, his last major hit, made the charts in 1996 and was sampled two years ago by rapper French Montana for his song Higher.
