Spun: Jarvis Church

By Kirk Pearson

Jamaica exports many things we in Canada enjoy- bananas, for example- but the R&B singer originally from Jamaica, does not qualify. Consider investing your $10 in another of Jamaica’s products rather than The Long Way Home. However, if you happen to be a grade seven girl, you will enjoy this album- it’s sure to “Rock Your Body” in traditional club-fashion, boasting the same meaningless dance songs most of us have heard a million times already.


Gerald Eaton derived his stage name, “Jarvis Church,” from two parallel streets in Toronto, displaying how his word-craft knows no bounds. With lyrics like “So facety / so tasty,” to describe club girls, one cannot deny the linguistic expertise exhibited throughout this album. He sings decently, but overuses pre-programmed music, weak lyrics and recycled hooks, rendering his attempt average. Even with five featured artists on the album- Rock Supreme, Cecile, Mr. Peppa, Stacie Orrico and C4- it tires early.


The second half presents more variety than the first, though only one or two of the songs show any musicianship or talent. “Whole Day Long” takes us away from the club sound to a mellow reggae that he should have explored more in depth. “Shake It Off,” the funkiest of the songs, was tolerable. They were the highlights of this album, but two out of 12 is still the long way to musical success.