1 Rebel (Sharpnote, 2007)

O-Shen's latest release shows real growth on the part of the Papua New Guinea sing-jay. Officially a veteran in the music industry with over 10 years and at least 6 albums under his belt, O-Shen has on 1 Rebel settled into a great groove, both musically and vocally. He tones down his penchant for hip-hop significantly (just a bit on "Peace and Love" and "Neva Seen a Ghetto," which incorporate steel drum and sitar-ish sounds to nice effect) and only visits the dancehall a couple of times, choosing instead to focus on a roots sound that seems a natural blend for this islander. Tunes like "Revolutionary Souljahs," "Babylon Dread," "Ku Mai," "Legalize the Herb," "Jah Knows," and the title track present powerful roots reggae with a modern edge and attitude, drafting legends Don Carlos and Third World's Bunny Ruggs (or Bunny Rugs, although that spelling tends to make me think of rabbit carpeting) for memorable cameos. One aspect of O-Shen's music that has helped propel him within the PNG music scene is his use of native language and celebration of its culture, and he does so in fine style on 1 Rebel. "Ku Mai" is a thunderous tribute to Hawaii's surfing legacy, while "Neva Seen a Ghetto" bemoans the poor state of PNG ghettos, which apparently make American ghettos look like Beverly Hills. On the gorgeous "Aiwara," he even ventures into the type of placid acoustic guitar ballad we've come to expect from the Pacific Islands. O-Shens has an infectious -- yet tempered -- energy and a sing-songy flow that, at its high points, is reminiscent of Gentleman's flow (check the choruses of "Babylon Dread" and "Run Away"). The Elephant Man duet "Girls" is the most forgettable track on 1 Rebel, but that's more a testament to the power of the rest of the album than it is a shot at this song. Great stuff, a pleasant surprise. See o-shen.com.