Stand Up (Irie, 2003)

Buoyed by the success in 2002 of the singles "Jah Is My Rock" -- featuring Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley -- and "Mr. Man," Caribbean Pulse has re-released their 2001 sophomore album Stand Up, adding value by packaging those two songs with it.  Caribbean Pulse is a relatively new group (basically a quartet with a host of backing musicians, highlighted by Carlton "Santa" Davis) that's made some waves with a dynamic pop reggae sound and the sumptuous lead single, "Dry Your Eyes," featuring Tony Rebel.  The group is well aware of their crossover sound, as promotional materials delineate which tracks on the album fall into which format: tracks 1, 3, 7, 8, and 13 are "reggae," tracks 4, 5, 9, 10, and 14 are "adult contemporary," and tracks 5, 10, 11, and 12 are "soft rock."  These designations are a bit harsh, though, in my eyes (and a bit frightening when reading them), for in actuality, practically every song on Stand Up remains true to the reggae genre.  Sure, some have pop, R&B, and rock overtones, but they're all genuinely reggae (thank goodness) with a rootsy sound with an occasional dancehall flourish.  The light pop reggae style is a bit reminiscent of Inner Circle's modern work -- meaning it can cross over a bit too much into a fluffy sound (screaming rock guitars anyone?) at times, but aside from the Spice Girl-leaning "I Like It," the material maintains a likeability based on catchy hooks, passionate vocals (sung by Luciano-meets Freddie McGregor-meets Dennis Brown Ezzy Judah and female vocalist LaNiece McKay), and proficient musicianship.  Both the original and the remix of "Dry Your Eyes" (the remix utilizing the riddim from Damian Marley's "Searching") are standouts, as are "Freedom," the ode to the fairer sex "Woman," the dancehall-edged "Join Forces" and "Misty Moonlight," and my favorite cut, the bouncy "Let Love," a classic in the making.  Granted, hardcore reggae fans might find Caribbean Pulse a bit bubblegum occasionally, but given the chance, even they should find Stand Up an appealing effort.  Note: for some reason, 7 of the tracks on Stand Up were on the band's 2000 debut, Unity.  Perhaps since Unity has limited availability, they figured this would give the songs more exposure.

Track Listing
1. Victory
2. Jah Is My Rock featuring Damian Marley
3. Freedom
4. Dry Your Eyes featuring Tony Rebel
5. Woman
6. Join Forces
7. Stand Up
8. Unity
9. Where Did the Love Go
10. Let Love
11. Misty Moonlight
12. Day By Day
13. Dry Your Eyes [Da Remix] featuring Tony Rebel
14. I Like It
15. Mr. Man