Holding Firm (Zion High, 2005)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Ras Attitude must be prolifically-minded, because he over-stuffed this album. From the brilliant "Why?" to the boring "Olive Tree" the quality shifts between, within songs, and at the same time. There are amazing moments, and there are times where you simply can't take anymore. For those of you unfamiliar with his style, it's one of those predominately major-key-driven-not-quite-singjay-but-still-not-roots-type-sounds. There's organic sounds for sure, but there are also digital creations galore. Ras Attitude is definitely conscious reggae; "Why?" asks the same question as "What's Going On", "Wrath of Jah" is a Rastafari lashing at worldly ways, "Bad Bwoy" is a lament against brothers who exploit their own people, "Without You" is a lovely, but generic, relationship song. Another thing to RA's credit is that he's just as good live as on CD. At his April 2006 show in Memphis, he sang "Why?" with just as much emotion and technical prowess as when I heard the CD. This album is too long, but at the same time, it's totally worth the cash. 

- Trammell Scruggs