Divine Creation (Mt. Zion, 2004)

Zion Judah is an up-and-coming singer based in New York whose debut album Divine Creation is rightfully causing a bit of a stir along the East Coast.  With a background described as "multi-ethnic Caribbean," Zion Judah (real name Angelo Singh) has crafted a tremendous work of art with a genuine roots sound splashed with light dancehall and lovers rock.  It's rare to find an album that satisfies from beginning to end, and it's even more rare to find one that also contains several outright classics.  Divine Creation does both.  "No Peace" has a vintage swaying roots vibe, while the title track is one of the best cuts I've heard all year.  Meanwhile, "Positive Energy" is a bouncy lovers tune, and "Few Are Chosen" adds a truly fresh, jazzy twist.  Zion Judah further spices up his sound with the dancehall edge of "Chant" and "Fire Bun," plus the thundering "They Tell Me."  Even with the current wealth of modern roots releases coming out of the US, Divine Creation stands out.  Get it at cdbaby.com.