Populate (Ariwa, 1992)

Listening to this album, Sister Audrey reminded me of Kofi -- partly because their voices are somewhat similar (Sister Audrey's being perhaps a bit flatter and less expressive) and partly because they were both produced by Mad Professor, and thus they have that similar sound: slick, smooth, bass-driven lovers rock and roots.  The major difference between Populate and Kofi's Black...With Sugar and Wishing Well is that Populate's songs simply aren't as good.  "Africa Is Zion" is the best track here, while "(If) I Love You" is a nice lovers track, and the dub of "No Work," although not listed on the album, is included and outperforms the vocal version.  Although the overall sound is solid, the songwriting just doesn't have the spark necessary to grab your attention.

Track Listing
1. Africa Is Zion
2. (If) I Love You
3. Nobody's Fool
4. Put a Little Love Away
5. No Work
6. No Work Dub
7. Children of the Ghetto
8. Populate
9. Daylight and Darkness
10. English Girl
11. Love Was All I Had