Strength, the 11-track album by roots singer Samory I lands at #42 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Best Albums of 2023.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Samory I expressed his pleasure about the recognition by Rolling Stone magazine.

“It’s a great feeling Rolling Stone is massive in the world of music and for the album to be mentioned among these great artistes; it’s an amazing feeling,” said Samory I.

The respected American music publication revealed its list on November 30.

Among the other albums that made the list are Falling or Flying by Jorja Smith (#94), I Told Them… by Burna Boy (#71), Various Artistes: Barbie The Album (#67), Like…? by Ice Spice (#52), A Gift and A Curse by Gunna (#48), Endless Summer Vacation by Miley Cyrus (#30), The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monae (#20), and Guts by Olivia Rodrigo (#5).

SOS by SZA tops the list at #1.

Strength, produced by Winta James, was released on November 17 via Overstand Entertainment/Easy Star Records. Among the collaborators are Lila Ike, Jesse Royal, Kabaka Pyramid, Capleton, and Mortimer.

“Honestly, I think we put our all into this body a work. We spent long days and short nights and at times it felt as if it was never gonna be done, but we always believed,” Samory I shared.

He also spoke about working with Winta James on the project.

“Working with Winta on this album was amazing; seeing the music being created from scratch, learning the process, and me being given the freedom to just sing,” said the artiste.

Samory I relayed to the Observer that working with his collaborators was reminiscent of going to a party.

“It wasn’t difficult at all. All these people are family so making these songs was like going to a great party,” he said.

“The songs were recorded at Tuff Gong recording studios and at Big Yard. Working with Winta has helped me to grow musically in the sense that my focus has become better, and I saw that while playing the Congo drum on the track Continent featuring Jesse Royal; I was hitting notes with precision. I mean this is nothing everyone expected working with Winta,” explained Samory I.

Born Samory-Tour Frazer, he is originally from Kencot in the Corporate Area.

His breakthrough hit came via Rasta Man Gangsta and he has been featured on Grammy-nominated projects such as Jesse Royal’s Royal and Protoje’s Third Time’s the Charm.

In 2017, he collaborated with producer Rory “Stone Love” Gilligan on Black Gold.