In the last few years the idea of conscious lyrics has made a real comeback in Jamaica, an antidote to gun songs and slackness. Just how far they've come is evident by the names here -- people like
Sizzla,
Capleton, and
Tanya Stephens. It's a roots mentality, even if the music is often more dancehall inclined (although
Morgan Heritage's "Uncomfortable" certainly stands up for roots reggae). There's some excellent music here, with "Give Praise" from
Luciano (a longtime supporter of the conscious word) a particular standout, along with
Anthony B.'s "Mr. Heartless." Getting a reminder that Jamaican music has become three dimensional again is a good thing, and that a new generation is sitting down and thinking and putting some spirituality back into the music. ~ Chris Nickson