After years of near silence, Chronixx released Exile, a 17-track album that feels to me like a time machine to the 70s. The album seamlessly blends roots reggae with jazzy soul textures, infusing warmth and nostalgia while remaining true to the essence of Jamaican music. The first hints of this direction could already be heard years ago in Majesty.
Produced by Inflo of Forever Living Originals (known for SAULT, Michael Kiwanuka and Cleo Sol), Exile carries a very organic sound built on live instruments, harmonies, and layered arrangements. Released on October 10, 2025, which also marks Chronixx’s 33rd birthday, it stands as his first full-length project since Chronology in 2017.
Chronixx hasn’t been completely quiet during those years. In 2020, he appeared on Sa-Roc’s The Sharecropper’s Daughter with Dark Horse, and later provided uncredited vocals on Daniel Caesar’s Unstoppable, Cleo Sol’s Reasonand Smino’s Tequan. Even without credits, fans recognised his voice instantly, proof that he never really left the conversation.
The album opens with Exile, setting the tone for what follows: reflective, soulful, and grounded in live musicianship. While the next track, Market feels like something straight out of the hands of Gil Scott-Heron meets Nick Cave’s Stagger Lee, topped off with Chronixx toasting over the basslines. Let’s walk through a few of the songs that stood out for me.
Sweet Argument and Survivor continue a warm, organic, soulful, and almost early disco direction before Family First kinda brings back the Chronixx we ‘used to know’. The track recalls his earlier works and will likely be interpreted as a reflection on his quiet years away from the spotlight. And maybe it is.
I Know What You Feelin’ carries clear influence from The Wailers. It gives that Stir It Up feeling, smooth and laid-back. It’s not really my kind of vibe, and by the time it ends, I’m still not sure I actually learned what the person was feeling 🙂
Saviour is one of my favourites because it holds everything I appreciate in reggae music: catchy lyrics, dubs, a driving bassline like the mad mad/diseases riddim, and toasting; the full package.
Keep On Rising follows with a simple and uplifting message. It feels stripped of musical clutter, a slow meandering track that brings forward Chronixx’s voice in pure form. Just keep on rising!!
Hurricane and Genesis carry that same spiritual tone, although these slower songs are not really my jam. They flow into Don’t Be Afraid, another highlight for me. It has an uptempo feel with a wicked bassline, rimshots, harmonies and brass, holding a proper message we can all learn from. During his set at ReggaeLand UK, this track was already teased to the UK massive.
On I and I, Chronixx captures that timeless reggae sound we know so well from Bob Marley’s era. The track hints at Jammin’ and gives off an authentic and familiar warmth that makes you feel right at home.
Never Give Up, first released in 2022 before his hiatus, fits perfectly within the album’s reflective tone. Just like Don’t Be Afraid, it carries the intention to lift up the listener.
Pain In Your Heart instantly made me want to play it twice. It’s a soulful piece that takes you straight back to the golden days of soul, the kind of track you could imagine playing under a scene in one of those old 70s movies.
Resilient keeps that same emotional depth, leading into Scheming, which at first feels like sunshine. From the opening drum beat, you imagine yourself walking on a beach hand in hand with your love or strolling through your favourite city. But the lyrics tell a different story, warning about people who don’t mean well and quietly plot their plans behind your back.
The album closes with Love Is on the Mountain, a song that lets you drift away. Chronixx, again, keeps it simple, pure, with what sounds like just guitar, percussion, bass and angelic harmonies. It’s an ode to love, a reminder that even in moments of despair, love is always there to be found, even if it’s not easy to reach.
Roots, Reflection and Revival
Although Chronixx sounds more mature than when I first met him in 2013, he remains true to his Reggae Revival mindset. The rebellious energy of his 2014 Dread & Terrible EP has evolved into calm strength and self-assurance.
As a 70s child who grew up with these sounds, this album taps straight into my soul. I can’t help but applaud this great body of work. Exile shows that the essence of reggae music is still very much alive. It connects the spirit of the roots and soul era with today’s sound. Chronixx proves that true message music never fades. He may have been away, but his purpose remains clear.
Well done, Mr. Jamar McNaughton!
By Danny Creatah
