Bless (Rude Boy, 2003)

Junior Kelly has been one of the most consist reggae artists of the 21st Century -- unfortunately, he's been consistently unremarkable.  That sounds a little harsh.  In truth, he's performed quite a bit of excellent material over the years, but I just haven't heard him put it all together in one strong album.  And while he's put out 8 or 9 albums in 5 years -- meaning he's gained something of a fan base -- he doesn't seem to elicit the type of fanaticism or publicity that other artists do. Certainly, this has something to do with his conscious, less-than-trendy material and relatively subdued (for a DJ) demeanor, but it also has to do with his unspectacular product, as exemplified by Bless.  There are some very good tracks here, particularly the lovers (or anti-lovers, given that it revolves around infidelity) track "When," the blistering dancehall of "Eye Beam," the rootsy "Cool Nuh," and the tender "Take It Easy."  Still, others -- like "Real," "Ghetto Region," and "Salvation" feel a bit dated, with well-worn riddims or, as in the case of the Buccaneer-styled, operatic "Gal Gal," painfully out-of-touch vocals (Nobody does that opera style any more, do they?).  That said, Kelly wouldn't still be around if he didn't have talent, and his skills surface on solid tunes like "Cover Yourself," "Yanki Dollar & Queen's Pounds," and "Gideon Red," although I'm still awaiting that monster album that is inside him somewhere.

Live in San Francisco (2b1, 2006)

This is officially a Junior Kelly live album, but those who listen to it (and watch the accompanying concert DVD) may be pleasantly surprised to find guest performances from Luciano, Mikey General, and Dean Fraser.  The remix of "Rise" opens the album with a searing, ominous hip-hop-infused beat that shows a darker side to the normally chipper singjay.  Dean Fraser then lightens the mood (and catches you off-guard if you're expecting a Junior Kelly concert) with his mellow, "saxy" stylings on "Song" and "Ballad," the latter of which is a straightforward R&B ballad (think soulful Kenny G) that may not appeal to strict reggae fans.  Mikey General warms things up with his typically solid material, including two of his all-time best: "Red Hot" from Spiritual Revolution and "Sinners" from Stronger Rastaman.  FINALLY Junior Kelly returns halfway through the album with six powerful tracks, primarily from his Love So Nice set (as well as the bubbly lovers tune "What Will It Take" from Juvenile and "Rise" from, of course, Rise).  My only real complaint about this album is that, based on the song selection, I'd guess that this concert occurred a good 5 years ago, but you can't argue with the quality music, sound, and diversity of styles that you get in one package. Check it out at 2b1records.com.