Reviewed by Kwaku

The sketchy biographical information accompanying this import album states that Regina gave her first solo aged three in a Boston, Massachusetts church. She's since sung with various choirs around her hometown, receiving standing ovations. Her clear, uplifting voice can be heard on this, her debut album, praising the Lord in no uncertain terms. What's slightly surprising is finding out that this American recording is reggae. The title track kicks it off somewhat middle of the roadish. She expresses her "Deeper" love of Jesus on a spartan drum and bass ragga backing. One of the highlights is "Zion", which is a beautiful lovers rock with producer Andrew G's Buju Banton-sounding chatting voice pleasantly contrasting Regina's singing. Indeed, you could be listening to a track off Banton's spiritually-imbued Til Shiloh' album. The lyrics of "Spirit Pt 1" are adapted from Mariah Carey's "Hero". The ragga beat has an American-style rap by Macho. Like the track, "Tell Of His Goodness", everything here is upfront gospel. Regina loves the Lord and finds numerous ways to praise him without boring the listener. She makes a valuable feminine counterpart to reggae's spiritual dons like Banton and Luciano.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.