Reviewed by Ben Lilford

In this increasingly monolithic global society, the standpoint of Mark Mohr's Lion Of Zion label has become essential to Christian levels of cultural awareness. Another great aspect of the LOZ label is its determination to highlight independent artists and 2002's 'Soca Baptism' (second of the 'Baptism' series) is no different. Alongside more established artists such as Trinidad's Sherwin Gardner, The Love Circle and America's Temple Yard, 'SB' features tracks by Lion's Pride, Shiselon and Word! In terms of subject matter, there are certain topics that might make your average British church goer choke on their mandatory after service cup of tea. Tracks "Hotta Redda Fire" and "Dead Already" being prime examples. The lyric "How could two man have a soul tie/In hell all their bones gonna fry" is certain of making more liberal Christian's run crying from the carnival. In terms of music, Mr Mohr's compiling skills ensure that the ragga-soca flava is represented to full effect with more traditional examples of soca, calypso and rapso featured along the way. Every track pulses with the joy of Christ's salvation for us and the passion that should be second nature in proclaiming God's Word.

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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