Photo: C’batch – “I Guess You Want It This Way” EP Review
Some songs are written in a moment; others take decades to reveal their final form. C’batch’s “I Guess You Want It This Way” began 26 years ago, inspired by his Jamaican-born wife Yvette’s encouragement to create a reggae song. Although an early version was recorded, C’batch felt the composition remained unfinished. Its hook and verse melody stayed with him. In 2026, he returned to the piece, added lyrics and completed it.
The result is a six-version EP of contrasting arrangements. “I Guess You Want It This Way (Cinematic Reggae) 1” is an interpretation shaped by grooves, sweeping strings and punchy production. Its emotive performances linger afterwards.
“I Guess You Want It This Way (Cinematic Reggae) 2” reimagines the arrangement while retaining the soulful delivery and musical textures. Moreover, the relaxed tempo adds depth to the piece. Meanwhile, “I Guess You Want It This Way 1” takes a more guitar-led approach, significantly reducing the strings and revealing another side to the song.
“I Guess You Want It This Way 2” is driven by magnetic melodies, vibrant performances and an arrangement that allows every musical layer to shine. “I Guess You Want It This Way Reggae 2” places addictive melodies at the forefront before developing into an instrumental interpretation with a distinct personality.
Finally, “I Guess You Want It This Way Reggae Dub 1” embraces an instrumental dub direction. Charismatic horns, punchy performances and a driving rhythm section provide strong foundations, allowing its memorable hook to command attention.
Across all six versions, C’batch demonstrates how one composition can adopt new colours and moods without losing its identity. Dedicated to legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin, the EP celebrates memory, persistence and Jamaican musical heritage while continuing C’batch’s “Year of the Vault”—a project devoted to revisiting music from across the decades and allowing previously unfinished ideas to be completed, shared and heard.
https://stevettemusic.org
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561940360392
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdoaIiRZ3R4MN91MxAolLw
FVMusicBlog September 2026
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