Turbulence ADD

Review

Album Review: Torch - Path To Success

01/17/2026

by Gardy Stein

"A 7-track journey through struggle, hope, loyalty, and triumph - music born from real experiences, and the quiet battles fought behind closed doors." That’s how the press release describes the album Path To Success by Jamaican artist Torch, and it’s indeed a good introduction to his new oeuvre. While the three releases thrown out last year (Cold Concrete, The Unreleased Mixtape and Babylon Burning) gave the impression of being cobbled together in a hurry, this one is quality work, bringing out the best in everybody involved.

With production shared between Bad Hasai Muzyk, Gassie Ink Productions, Altafaan Records and the artist’s own Evaburninflame Recordings, the music presented is a pleasant mix of styles. From sweet lovers rock in Next To You to almost country vibes in Brother Man, the songs display an impressive variety of moods and vocal facets; however, everything is firmly grounded in reggae.

Torch again! All the emotions mentioned in the quote above come together in the opening track Don’t Give Up, a heartfelt call to all of us to keep pushing despite the obstacles in our way: “Never you think of hurting yourself, just keep on troddin’, my friend, you’re just a diamond in the rough!”

Similarly encouraging, Perseverance brings the first of three features to the table, another definite level-up of the album. Junior Kelly shines on this one, his fast-paced parts a perfect match for Torch’s calm, deep delivery of the verses. For the second collaboration, called I Will Be There, the artist invited Gentleman to the mic, who gladly accepted. It is a remarkable piece not only because it is their first joint release in ten years (Keep On Moving on the Onward Riddim came out in 2016), but also because it comes on a relaxed, soothing beat, giving the uplifting lyrics room to properly unfold. False Pretense, finally, features the wonderful Turbulence, and it’s hard to decide if the immaculate delivery of the two singers or the joyful beauty of the riddim make it an instant favorite. This is the good reggae music we want to hear more of!

With Same Energy, the album comes to a full-circle close, carrying the authentic vibes you can only transmit if you sing about real experiences. Path To Success is a fine way to start this reggae year with, and it would be a joy to see Torch perform some of these tracks live in the coming summer. To end with the words of its creator: “This album is my truth, my struggles, my prayers, my victories. Every song is a step on the path, and I’m grateful to walk it with the people who believe in the music.”

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