Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Now based in the UK, J E Palmer was born in Jamaica to Pastor Ned and Rosetta Palmer, the sixth of 11 children with has a strong musical pedigree. He's been making music since his early years and has now produced an album of fine songs, clearly influenced by his Caribbean upbringing. This is a strong set of 12 tracks, with a classic reggae rhythm and some powerful lyrics, clearly based on Biblical material - some are drawn from the Psalms ("Better Is One Day") and others from stories ("House For Tea"). The opener, "Be Alone" owes a great debt musically to Bob Marley's "Waiting In Vain" and parts of "The Best Of Me" are lyrically similar to The Real Thing's '70s smash, but the music is uplifting, full of faith and soaked in sunshine. There are some great arrangements and the rhythm section and bass keep a pretty tight tempo for the guitars and horns to work with. Mr Palmer himself has a fine voice, and the self-penned songs bear witness to a deep faith.

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