One Atonement (I Grade, 2004)

Another top-notch release from I Grade Records.  Unlike most of I Grade’s previous efforts, Yahadanai doesn’t hail from the Virgin Islands.  Rather, he comes from Guyana and now calls Harlem (New York City, for those unfamiliar with the Globetrotters) home.  But the I Grade sound (which could as well be called the VI Sound) -- a rich roots reggae landscape kept on edge with modern twists -- is ever-present, thanks to label mainstays like Laurent "Tippy" Alfred (who produced and arranged all of the songs), Tuff Lion and Kenyatta Itola.  A modern sing-jay with a youthful voice (unlike gruff, raspy sing-jays like Sizzla, Jah Mason and Buju Banton), Yahadanai’s vocals reminds me a bit of a mix between Turbulence (when he's singing), Jah Cure and perhaps even Germany’s Gentleman.  He doesn't switch back and forth between singing and chatting as exclusively as some other artists.  Instead, he strikes a perfect balance between the two styles, melding them together into an intoxicating sound. As can be expected from I Grade, One Atonement is a cultural statement full of righteous, positive messages of faith, pride, and inspiration. It's also a wonderful debut that no doubt portends great things to come from Yahadanai.  The songs here range from meditative ("Rise") to celebratory ("Wadada"), from reconciliatory ("One Atonement") to fiery ("Things They Do"), from serene ballads ("Mosiah Chant") to rousing calls to action ("Chant Out"), from acoustic and folksy ("Babylon Toy") to modern with a hip-hop edge ("Light").  One Atonement is certainly in the running for best album of the year.  Check it out at igraderecords.com.