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New Era Reggae (Meditation, 1999) I was quite skeptical of this album when I got it; although it has some big names, something about the way it looked just scared me, as if it were one of those crossover compilations that includes Ace of Base, Blondie, and Billy Ocean among its line-up of "reggae" stars, or simply one of those compilations with a dazzling array of genuine reggae stars performing generic junk. Imagine my pleasant surprise, then, when I discovered that, although slow-starting, this album has plenty of quality tunes to go around. The title New Era Reggae seems to refer to not only the dawn of the new century/millennium, but also the influx of new talent and the inspiration of old talent on this collection, in addition to the positive (particularly in a religious way), celebratory (ditto), forward-looking messages that run throughout it. Such an upbeat album runs the risk of sounding overly sweet or corny, but New Era Reggae does neither; rather, it proves to be an invigorating and inspirational tonic of righteousness and love (OK, that sounds corny, but the album really isn't.). Little-known artists like Sandra Brooks, Michelle Gordon, and Avaran -- a male singer who provides one of the best songs on the album with the righteous dancehall of "Only Jah" -- put forth admirable efforts, but it is the veteran stars like Freddie McGregor, John Holt, Michael Rose, and Yami Bolo -- each of whom gives one of his best performances of the '90s -- who carry this album. Marcia Griffiths' "Stand in Awe," Nadine Sutherland's "How Can I Not," and Richie Stephens' lovers tune "Stop for Awhile" are also very strong. Producers Karl Pitterson and Frederic Laing (Yes, that's how they spell their names.) provide a mix of roots, dancehall, and lovers music that, although at times sounding a little cheaply done, provides a good balance between supporting an artist and propelling him/her. The beats take a back seat when necessary and center stage when called upon. |
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