Reggae performer
Majek Fashek knows what he wants, and like great soul, reggae, and Afro-beat leaders of yesteryear, particularly
James Brown and
Fela Kuti,
Fashek gets what he wants. As a result, the lead track, "Let It Shine," opens with the musician asking, "Do you feel Ire?" before horns kick in however many shots of brass he asks for. This is the type of music that hits you in the hips before anywhere else, fusing rock, African, Latin, and soul into a great, infectious blend. Other cornerstones like Marley are obvious, particularly in
Fashek's delivery. Just as enthralling and enticing is the jazzier, mid-tempo "Our Father," which relies more on
Fashek and some great horn accents. In a way it brings to mind "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by
the Police. Footloose and fancy free, the island groove behind "Man of Sorrow" is excellent, encouraging you to sit back and relax for the next seven minutes and change. Its biggest asset is how easily the flow makes the song's length seem immaterial, resembling an ambitious
Wyclef Jean. And it's difficult not to think of Marley's "Stir It Up" when
Fashek doles out the tender and stellar "I Am Not Afraid" although the guitar riffs are quite needless. The title track is a cheery, hopeful song that features several backing harmonizers, giving it more of a spiritual feeling. But "Josiah King of Kings" leaves a bit to be desired, sounding is if they mined this musical ground earlier in the album. And again, needless rock guitar! A cover of
Kuti's "Water No Get Enemy" brings the record back up to snuff with
Fashek letting the music do most of the talking. Homestretch efforts such as the soothing "Jobe Lamentation" and the roots-based, campfire-ish "Someday, One Day" make this a very good and near perfect album. ~ Jason MacNeil