Skindred: You Got This
‘You Got This’, Skindred’s ninth album, is full of energy and positivity. All ten tracks showcase their signature blend of nu-metal and reggae rap, and each song is ready for standout festival moments, something the Welsh ragga metal legends know exactly how to deliver.
The opener, ‘You Got This’, bursts with high energy and its swaggering beat makes it a feel-good anthem for music lovers. It celebrates resilience and self-belief, with singer Benji Webbe reminding us to be proud of who we are: “It’s time to show them who you are / You got the style, got the moves”. Webbe uses this message to help listeners feel less insecure, encouraging them to take risks and enjoy life. The song also urges us to overcome self-doubt and negativity, guiding fans away from self-criticism and toward empowerment.
‘Can I Get A’ explores themes of childhood poverty and the resilience needed to overcome adversity. Webbe reflects on his upbringing as an orphan in Newport, recalling “Scabbing up enough for chips” and “Sleeping on my mates dem settee”. Through this, the band inspires listeners to push through their own struggles and reject the idea that their circumstances define their future. This is reinforced when Webbe shares the hope he carried as a child: “Anything I put my mind to, I’m gonna get it”, reminding us that we can shape our own paths regardless of our past. With its groovy sound, ‘Born Fe Dis’ delivers a similar message of perseverance.
Driven by a powerful, explosive beat, ‘This Is the Sound’ sees Wabbe urging fans to dance and dive headfirst into mosh pit chaos with the line “This is the sound that makes me go crazy”. It encourages audiences to embrace themselves fully and enjoy the music, fostering unity and togetherness at shows, an essential part of Skindred’s celebrated live performances.
‘Big Em Up’ urges listeners to show appreciation for loved ones and support their friends: “Pick up your friends when they fall down, sight / Lift them up, make sure them alright”. The track highlights the importance of looking out for one another, reminding us that kindness can help build a happier, more compassionate society. It also emphasizes empathy: “You can see a man’s face but you can’t see his heart / What they’re going through, it could be tearing them apart”, encouraging listeners to spread kindness, because it might even save a life.
The latest single from the album, ‘My People’, celebrates Skindred’s loyal fanbase and their inclusive spirit, welcoming everyone regardless of background: “Gotta let you know, because you’re so unique / Get to it, yeah, I know you’re a star”. The track reflects on the band’s journey from a small independent act to the live powerhouse they are today, described by Webbe as making “our own way through this ragga metal jungle, forging and sculpting our own unique heavy metal sound system”.
Overall, ‘You Got This’ stays true to Skindred’s core messages: positivity, pride in identity and resilience in the face of adversity. Each track carries their distinctive ragga metal sound and the album is sure to translate into electrifying performances at festivals and on their UK headline tour later this year.