Jamaica's elder statesman of lovers ballads procures another patented, soulful recipe on
Music Is Life. One of only a few living reggae legends, the unassuming
Hammond has the power to transform any listening environment into a contemplative Caribbean getaway.
Hammond's effortless delivery and near flawless vocal quality call to mind an atmosphere of swaying palm trees, cool blue water, and overall positive vibrations. His enduring Jamaican hit of 2000, "They Gonna Talk," is as calmly groovy as it is heartfelt. The more up-tempo "Dance for Me" pairs
Beres with one of his devoted aficionados,
Wyclef Jean, in a near facsimile of
Wyclef's crossover duet with
Santana, "Maria, Maria." While
Hammond is a clear virtuoso of rocksteady and lovers reggae, he also demonstrates versatility on this offering. The more bittersweet ballads, "Mary, Mary" and "Angel Eyes," are haunting as well as eloquent. But, the pièce de résistance may be "Gonna Shine Again," a low-tempo track teeming with heart-wrenching emotion.
Hammond takes traditional roots flavors and transposes them just enough to satisfy purists and new listeners alike. The resulting formula is soothing, accessible, and thought-provoking reggae music. ~ M.F. DiBella