ALBUM DESCRIPTION

2-DISC SET (A TOTAL OF 26 TRACKS) FOR ONE LOW PRICE!!!

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Available on CD only--Not currently available for MP3 download. If you wish to see this album added to our digital download section please e-mail sales@caribbeangospel.com and radikalcommunications@yahoo.com and ask them to kindly add their catalog to GospelReggae.com's MP3 download section! Thanks for your support.
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ALBUM REVIEW:

The Prodigal Son has returned with his most ambitious project to date; a 26-track TWO CD collection called "Songs From My Midnight" and the "The Break of Day" (not sold separately). No longer calling himself "Bless", it marks the Prodigal's return to his original name and a timely reunion with his first producer, the incredible and all-talented Danny Brownie. This 2-disc set boldly takes gospel reggae where it has never gone before.

There is so much to digest in this diverse collection that it is hard to know where to start when writing a review. As expected in this series, you get all that dancehall that you can ever hope for and so much more. On Disc 1, Prodigal (born Calvin Whilby) gives us a formidable follow-up to his "Still Standing" album with dancehall, culture and Ragga Soca">ragga soca throughout. On Disc 2 he ventures off the beaten path a bit and blazes a few new trails.

The first CD kicks off with possibly the best song in the set, the steppers driven "Blessings", one of the sweetest roots and culture tracks I have heard in a long time. There are a total of six roots and culture tunes on this 2-disc set. Other rootsy tunes include the hard-hitting "Bongo Town" (originally on Yow 4), "Hear Them Crying" featuring lovers rock crooner Richie Stephens, "Crying in My Midnight" with sweet vocals by Nicole Sharpe and "They Don't Know" over the "Murderer" riddim.

If you're familiar with the Radikal Prodigal, you would know that he runs things when it comes to dancehall and this album is no exception. There are at least nine strictly dancehall tunes on the project--most of which are my favorite selections. No one can get a listener riled up like the prodigal. This guy is a true pro and his dancehall is sure to get your blood pumping and feet moving.

Standout DJ tracks include the dark and ethereal "Back to the Garrison", the dance-worthy "Shake off the Devil," the militant war cry "Lava Ground" and the explosive "Rougher". Other noteworthy cuts include "Love God Bad" over the infectious "Sleng Teng" riddim and "Hot But Hush" where Prodigal and Danny Brownie leave no stone unturned when it comes to controversial topics. This song and so many others show that Calvin is unquestionably one of the top lyricists in the reggae community.

This set takes us beyond dancehall and into Ragga Soca">ragga soca with songs like "New Generation" featuring Micah Stampley, "Ketch a Fire" with Jason Mighty (originally on YOW 4) and "Praise Now" featuring Perpetual Praise. It also ventures into upbeat worship on "When God is in the Building" featuring the distinct voice of Junior Tucker and raggamuffin hip-hop on "Mi Nuh Stupid".

There are other songs in this set that almost defy description such as the pop-sounding "Love is the Key to Life" and the upbeat "Hustler" replete with a falsetto chorus and ska piano chanks. What are they? Different. Prodigal also tries his hand at singing with mixed results. His raw vocal that gives him such an edge while deejaying doesn't always translate the best into smooth singing. While the Nashville worship sounds of "This Place," may seem a bit out of place on this album, that doesn't mean that this song and "Dry Bones Live" are not good. They are just very different. I believe that this is why Prodigal chose a two-disc set. In this case, the second disc allows him to explore a bit and color outside the lines.

One reoccurring theme on this album is the prevalence of modern day Pharisees. In various interludes and songs throughout Prodigal cleverly addresses those who attack and judge you according to how you preach, where you minister, how you look, what you drive, where you live or how you sound.

Overall, Prodigal is a witty writer, a passionate deejay, a fired up Christian and a major prophetic voice in Jamaica and throughout the entire Caribbean. His style is original, his lyrics are on point, his heart is on fire for Christ and with this album the Prodigal Son is set to revolutionize the entire reggae industry! Buy your copy today.

Review by Mark Mohr