Reviewed by Phil Thomson

What we have here is an uncompromising romp through the Jet Star catalogue, dishing up 19 songs heavy with truth and attitude - and possessing every insistent reggae mantra in this exuberant gospel tradition. The "Home of Reggae Music" (their words) is definitely the place to visit, but you won't be allowed to put your feet up; producer W Paul Barclay has made sure of that - with arrangements which keep you guessing, unsettling lyrics and a stable of edgy singers all clamouring for their turn at the mic. It's a powerful claim to say it is "roots gospel" when some of the tracks take themselves so seriously they border on self-parody - Radic's "Let Go, Let God" is a typical example. But you feel they are all having fun in a ska-rap-funk kind of way and it's infectious, right down to the somewhat uncertain voices, the effect of which is to make you think you can do it too; so you sing along. There's a definite energy unmatched by most current gospel offerings, with the best exponents positively delighting in the Lord, eg, Judy Mowatt's "Love Him Always" and Courtney Sappleton's "Whom Shall I Fear" - and Adena's "I Refuse" - arguably head, shoulders and vocals above the others. It's for dancing, it's for believing in. I listened, I felt refreshed.

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.