Reviewed by Trevor Kirk As every CR reader knows, Temple Yard is the band that has evolved from the dismantling of Christafari, one of the best reggae acts of the '90s, sacred or secular. The revamped line-up is Christafari founder-member Erik Sundin, Bill Kasper, Johnny Guerrero, Ken Yarnes and Marky Rage, and this offering (much delayed thanks to Gotee's new distribution deal via EMI America and Alliance) demonstrates that they're still on the edge, so much so that this album has emulated 'Valley Of Decision' and made it into the Billboard secular reggae charts. And no wonder, because this is stuffed full of goodies; top notch production from Johnny and Marky; a sassy horn section, up front lyrics with Erik's classy vocals, catchy melodies and a laid back easy style that is sheer musical poetry. Killer cut for me is "Runnin", but the rest of this 13 track, 51 minute album is just as good; "Wicked Stone" is a rant against Satan ("Go ahead and cast your stones and see I'm living in the love that covers me..."), catch Marky's toastin' MC vocal on the Rockers Alley remix of "Speak The Truth", but don't take my word for it, go buy it!! My album of the year so far.
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Very strong album with a majority of great songwriting and production in keeping with the feel of their previous release "Valley Of Decision" under the name Christafari. I actually feel that this one has a greater number of commercially-appealing songs. I am pleased with the lead vocals, and of course the musicianship is stellar, just as one would expect from a group of this caliber. If you ever get the chance to catch them "live", they have one of the tightest rhythm sections I've heard!!