ALBUM DESCRIPTION

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Available on CD only. Currently not available for digital download. If you wish to see this album added to our digital download section please e-mail tcowan@cwjamaica.com and ask him to please add this album to GospelReggae.com's MP3 download section! Thanks for your support.
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**Winner of the 2002 Marlin Award for Outstanding Reggae Recording of the Year (Standing in the Ashes)**

Instead of giving you a history of Carlene and her many accomplishments as I have in past reviews, I would rather spend more time describing this release in its entirety. What follows is a brief description and critique of each of the 14 songs on Davis' latest effort "Redeemed."

**SONG BY SONG DESCRIPTION**

The album begins with a dancehall influenced proclamation of praise and worship declaring "I Shall Not Be Moved." What follows is the amazing "Standing In The Ashes." The powerful hook, tight background vocals and clever arrangements make this effort one of the best recordings of Carlene's career.

"Lord I Lift Your Name On High," features J. T. (Junior Tucker) and is another creative reggae rendition of the ever-popular praise and worship standard. The title track, "Redeemed," is an honest and sensitive spirit cry. I have never felt such emotion from any of Carlene's previous recordings. In her meek delivery, you can sense a gratefulness for the redemption of her undeserving soul. Then Davis takes it down another level, with "Lord I Give You My Heart." This worship ballad will surely earn Carlene respect from the traditionalists in Jamaica. The lyrics will enter you into the throne room and minister to all who seek the Lord's face.

The R&B/Hip Hop influenced "It Must Be Love" contains catchy musical and lyrical hooks and features the ever-original Papa San. However, you have to wait for more than three minutes until San finally rides the rhythm. And when He arrives on the track, it is for a short (and in my opinion forced) DJ piece. It is clear that Papa San's participation in the collaboration of this recording was minimal, as he is more of an enhancement to Carlene's delivery rather than an equal voice in this combination. This song regrettably fails to unleash the powerful potential of a duet between these two headlining Glory Music artists. Lastly, the song ends in a burst of praise and worship with a fiddle (???), reminding me of my days in Nashville, Tennessee.

The light and upbeat "This Island Needs Jesus," is a synth based Calypso crossbreed, drawing from African, Salsa and House influences. As her first single off the album, this song has already become an anthem in numerous islands. In the lyrics Carlene clearly relays her spiritual solution for the betterment of Jamaica and the entire Caribbean. The next track "Jesus Is Coming," is a modern day rendition of the classic "Real Rock" rhythm that transitions in and out of a hard-hitting dancehall feel. Her challenging lyrical revelation warns us of Christ's eminent return. This song is a modern-day parable challenging all to be prepared for the second advent of Jesus.

In "Nothing But The Blood," Carlene re-vamps another praise and worship standard with her patent sound and unique interpretation. The meditative "Light Of Jesus" is soothing, yet challenging. With a Hip Hop foundation, this convicting ballad contains a thought provoking message that requires all of us to reach out to the world and shine God's light. "Inna Dis Yah Country" is yet another Hip Hop influenced track that apart from its thick patois chorus, strays away from Carlene's traditional Jamaican reggae roots. The "Hallelujah Medley" is a buffet of standard Jamaican choruses over the dancehall style "Bangarang" drum cadence. I can see all of the churches of the Caribbean set ablaze by this medley of popular Jamaican songs of praise.

The intimate "Bodyguard" poses a relevant question to those searching for safety and security in the end times--"Are you looking for a bodyguard?" The song is packed with Scriptural references and promises to all who believe. Although this song is not a reggae track, this jazz influenced movement is by far one of the best recordings on the album. It is refreshing to hear some real live instruments--especially the muted trumpet. The album ends on a high note with the "Brawta" Re-Mix of "This Island Needs Jesus" that includes a powerful exhortation that only an on-fire Jamaican pastor can deliver.

**CONCLUSION**

Overall, this synth-based album is full of digital sounds and programmed beats. It is a Praise & Worship, Hip Hop and Reggae hybrid that is graced with amazing background vocals and the occasional acoustic instrument. In contrast with the traditional minor key roots reggae that is so prevalent in Jamaica, this recording is light and positive. It is a non-offensive tender spiritual challenge. Her theological maturity is evident in this project, as Carlene continues to grow in her faith and walk with God. With clean production and a positive message, "Redeemed" is arguably Carlene's best recording to date.