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.

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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