Reviewed by Brian Carr

Tobago-born Nigel Lewis launched his musical career in 1989 performing with several bands before pursuing a solo career. He has travelled extensively taking in audiences in Europe, UK, Canada and America. He has opened for such luminaries as Beenie Man, Shaggy, Lauren Hill and Wyclef Jean. 1997 saw him take the step of establishing his own record company and the label Res' House has produced seven CD albums. Nigel can boast of 17 international awards including a Silver Record for his song "Follow de Leader". This release is his first gospel offering writing, arranging and producing all tracks except for the Gamble And Huff "When Somebody Loves You Back". I have not heard any of the artist's previous secular offerings but from what I hear here his production displays a skill and talent that has the potential to impact Christian reggae. But this album for me is not the finished or fully realised article - I think this guy has more to offer. In my humble opinion this genre needs streetwise lyrics, machine gun delivery and it's on tracks like "Have Mercy" and "Keep The Faith" that fit the bill, also "Say A Prayer" which brings a smile to this reviewer`s wrinkled visage. The slower, contemplative "My Salvation" based on Psalm 23,27 also holds a haunting appeal. "Jesus Blues" is a tasty guitar-driven Dylan-style bluesy number. "I Love Jesus" starts to grate with simplistic, oft repeated lyrics but this album contains enough promise of Mr Lewis one day producing an album to rock reggae music foundations.


Brian Carr works on a local newspaper as an advertisement representative and has been a collector of gospel music for over 20 years.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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