Abijah (VP, 2003)

Although almost 30 years of age, Andrew "Abijah" Smith has the look and sound of 10 years his junior.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's just that he has a baby face and a light, youthful singing voice that resembles a young member of the Marley clan (or perhaps more precisely, the Marley-esque Nasio Fontaine).  With such a marketable sound, it's surprising that he is just now releasing his debut album, especially considering the fact that he's been surrounded by reggae music all his life (his father was a drummer with Count Ossie's Mystic Revelation of Rastafari).  This self-titled set grabs you from the very start with "Children of Love", a poignant acoustic ballad sure to produce goose bumps, followed by the rousing African sound of "Revelation".  Very little after that shines quite as brightly as these opening tracks, but although it peaks early, it remains fairly solid throughout.  Abijah is certainly in touch with his sensitive side, with nary a touch of negativity nor fire and brimstone in any of his lyrics.  What might be refreshing to some listeners, however, may be too lightweight for others.  "The Rock", for instance, has a meditative, pious feel that may soothe some and may bore some.  (I personally like the sound here, but not so much at other spots on the album.)  The music tends to be airy and upbeat, mixing roots with old fashioned lovers rock, soul, and gospel flourishes.  Only the hip-hop-infused "Why" and the digital "Rootsman Take Over" (which rides the same riddim as Tanya Stephens' wicked "It's a Pity") have any tangible edge, which means that this sound might not appeal to listeners of harder-edged music.  On the other hand, it's a very accessible style that could easily draw in the casual reggae fan.  I'd compare Abijah's stuff to the some of the softer works of Morgan Heritage and LMS -- which means he can be a bit saccharine and poppy at times -- as on the pop/gospel "Where Is the Love" and "Fall to the Ground".