Bloom Where You're Planted (Tribe of Judah Enterprise, 2005)

*GUEST REVIEW*
The words "annointed reggae band and show" on the cover of this disc smack of potential self-edification and signal possible rejection from listeners put off by the sometimes pedantic nature of Christian reggae.  But let's not be hasty.  Although the liner notes are clear in giving thanks to "Lord and Savior Christ Jesus," this album by Southern California-based Tribe of Judah does not come across like the reggae equivalent of a pamphlet you'd rather not be handed on a street corner. 
Many Christian reggae artists, good though their music may be, still haven't grasped the fact that Christian ideology doesn't have to be front and center in every song.  Not a problem here- tracks like "Coffee Tonite" and "World Wide Web" are strong slice-of-life songs with broad appeal, while "Reggae Delight" is a reminder of why the genre it celebrates is worth celebrating.  Sure, this band does get Biblical on you, put they put forth their reasoning with the same sort of measured didacticism that makes the music of, say, Ras Michael or Yabby You sound so righteous.  Plus, their sound is right and tight roots and dub with a
distinct Latin feel in spots and no reliance on dancehall (something other Christian reggae acts have given in to as well, more in the name of commercialism than religion).  Altogether one of the very best Christian reggae discs out there, recommended no matter where you place your faith.

- Tom Orr