Take Your Power Back is a sonic adventure through the heart of a man who, admittedly, is just as sensitive and as fallible as any to transgression that proves the true work for all of us is vulnerability and selflessness.

With every cultural revolution, there is a point at which the counter-culture collides with the mainstream world. It collides and creates waves of new expression, new colors and tastes, and new sounds- it creates a new normal. Nahko and Medicine for the People’s fourth full-length album is appropriately titled Take Your Power Back, and it represents one such collision of the counter-culture with the mainstream.

Anyone who is familiar with Nahko knows that he has almost single-handedly created a sub-genre all it’s own, Medicine Music, and that it has gained a loyal following, predominately within the Transformational Scene. Medicine Music is usually readily identified by a primarily roots-based arrangement, highlighting lyrics that touch on things like self-examination, spirituality, social justice, and often indigenous beliefs and teachings. Nahko and Medicine for the People’s particular brand of Medicine Music has always been very acoustic, exciting, light-hearted but intense, and conjures images of hippies dancing around a moonlit bonfire- djembes and all. You could call it folk, roots-rock, but at the same time it flirts with jazz and reggae influences- so it was always a little difficult to define. And that’s precisely why their fourth album is so important. It’s a pop album.

And not only is it a pop album, but it’s a mature Nahko- one who openly admits his relationship struggles with himself and others. It’s a Nahko that calls out the parts of himself that don’t contribute to him progressing to the best version of himself. It’s a Nahko that takes ownership for his actions that have caused others pain. It’s a Nahko that is truly embracing the full spectrum of the human experience. To me, it’s an honest declaration that he has made mistakes and intends on learning from them. When I first heard the single Part Problem, it spoke to a deep part of me that recognizes that I’m not perfect and I probably never will be- and that’s ok. But we still have to remain committed to doing the work (becoming the best versions of ourselves).

“…Somewhere along the line I got disconnected, started losing perspective… I’ll admit that I am part of the problem… So I’m learning to soften my soul… ”

Piggybacking on the theme of forgiveness, Twisted takes it even further, revealing itself to be an intimate peek behind the Nahko curtain, literally screaming out “I got it twisted… I need help”. The first step in any type of personal growth is awareness and acceptance- two things that should never be taboo.

“I need help, and you are no exception. You’ve got to love yourself… how could this happen?”

Now back to the whole “changes everything” claim. Messages like those contained within Take Your Power Back lie far outside of the realm of mainstream culture. Generally, there aren’t people openly communicating about forgiveness, self love, and the human potential. So what happens when these messages come wrapped up beautifully in an engaging pop soundtrack? What happens is that more people hear these messages. They become exposed to these ideas. They become intrigued by them. Some people may even feel deeply connected to them. And anyone that’s familiar with self work knows that it doesn’t take much to crack open the hardened shells that we build up around ourselves and that once there’s a tiny crack the whole shell begins to break down. Taking concepts like these and turning them into pop anthems has the real potential to positively change lives.

Music has always been perhaps the most powerful medium to convey controversial or alternative ideas about life, values, and society. So it’s no surprise that the current shift away from destructive lifestyles towards sustainability and health has it’s own unique accompanying melodies being pioneered by artists like Nahko and Medicine for the People. Equally as important as the messaging about the core values of a community are the anthems that celebrate the collective spirit of said community. In Garden, Nahko documents the process of growing out of pain and into love, with yourself and your community- Honor the Earth is an ecstatic reggaeton inspired rally cry for Planet Earth:

“I will be there when the work is done… What I leave for my grandchildren…Honor the Earth, the mother comes first- live in a good way for her…”

The opening track, 4th Door is a sweeping overture that sets the tone for the rest of the album, featuring swelling and stabby violins that build and invite the listener into a comfortable and emotional celebration of courage. It is still yet to be determined what happens in a world where these types of messages are broadcast globally over radio and internet to ears that are hungry for some positivity and inspiration. To ears that have a deep knowing that these words and sentiments are true. To the ones that truly KNOW that they’ve got to “take their power back”.

Staying true to his roots, Nahko features instrumentation and samples inspired by indigenous culture- claps, hand percussion- even featuring a few spoken word pieces- prayers, chants, and all. But it’s the first time I’ve ever heard such instrumentation and samples enveloped so perfectly between pop beats and punchy vocal melodies. And that is important.

Here’s why: In a time when the world seems to be upside down, it is imperative that we learn from our mistakes. We can no longer sit on the sidelines and watch those in power rape and pillage our Planet, we can no longer be silent to injustice, and we can longer perpetuate a system that rewards greed and selfishness over human life. We must end the illusion of separation between all beings. We must learn what we can from the people who came before, and take those lessons and adapt them for the future. We must acknowledge that indigenous people had valuable wisdom and culture that was destroyed by colonizers- not out of spite- but in order to rekindle what was good about what was lost. We must demand a fusion of ancient and modern knowledge and technology. We have to save ourselves. And we need some fucking musical anthems while we’re doing it. Take Your Power Back is the soundtrack to the Summer of 2020- the summer of rebirth, of adaptation, of movement, of progression, of love, of acceptance, and of forgiveness. The summer that changed the world forever.

“There will come a time when we will look back and remember when we stood for mountains and waters with one heart and one mind, and we will weep in our victories. Until then we pray harder, chant louder, stand stronger, and sing with one voice- take your power back and rise like a mighty wave.”

Nahko’s “Take Your Power Back” Changes Everything - A Review

Take Your Power Back is a sonic adventure through the heart of a man who, admittedly, is just as sensitive and as fallible as any to transgression that proves the true work for all of us is vulnerability and selflessness.

“There will come a time when we will look back and remember when we stood for mountains and waters with one heart and one mind, and we will weep in our victories. Until then we pray harder, chant louder, stand stronger, and sing with one voice- take your power back and rise like a mighty wave.”

The Paradox of Change