On “More Teachings,” venerable reggae troupe Morgan Heritage offers its signature “One Love” lyrics over a blend of richly varied musical influences that will please loyalists while also courting a wider, more mainstream rock audience.
“More Teachings,” on VP Records, “continues to convey our message of love and peace,” says band member Una Morgan. “In ‘Same Old Song,’ for instance, we emphasize universality. Life here in a Jamaican ghetto is the same as in any other ghetto. The same blood is shed everywhere.”
The cut “Teachings” continues that message, “forefronted by the teachings of Rastafari,” Una Morgan says. “Everyone understands and feels love in one form or another.”
Lead singer Peter Morgan adds, “We put stereotypes to the back and character to the front. It's about who you are, [and it's] not what you look like. Mankind on a whole has to hear the same thing over and over again.”
The message of “More Teachings” is announced in the lively set-opening call to righteousness “Ready or Not,” as well as in the confessional statement of “Jah Seed.” Elsewhere, love and righteousness shape the history lesson that is “Meskel Square,” not to mention the achingly sweet “Down By the River.” In all, “More Teachings” was assembled with a keen, sensitive ear for dramatic structure.