ALBUM DESCRIPTION

For over two decades I have been accused of being a reggae purist and am guilty as charged. Perhaps it all started when I was a teenager and first visited the sweet island of Jamaica. Ever since then I have gravitated towards the reggae-sounding tracks of any artist that I heard from the Culture Club to Elvis Costello and Fishbone to Bad Brains. As a youth I would find the most unique reggae tracks and make mixtapes of the artist's only reggae songs.

It's all around us you know? Elements of reggae in pop music. One of the bands that took it the furthest into the mainstream was the Police with Reggatta de Blanc (White Reggae). Since then countless artists have ventured into reggae if just for a song whether they are hip-hop (Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill) or rock (Sublime and POD). But why can't these artists who bless us with an incredible song like 311's "Amber" give us a full-length project to satisfy our soul's yearnings for more reggae? One artist finally has. Enter Dominic Balli. After years of holding my breath for that all-reggae album by POD I exhaled for something so much greater, Dominic Balli's "Public Announcement."

I have stopped writing extensive reviews for some time now due to my hectic touring schedule but after just one listen to Balli's inspiring debut I would be amiss to not make a "Public Announcement" of my own. With a sick flat pick and a primal scream, singer extraordinaire Dominic Balli explodes into "Rebel Movement," the militant cry of a revolutionary. Just check out these thought provoking lyrics, "Society's new philosophy is conformity/but they won't conform me," and later... "Presidential election/Or Governmental oppression/We think it's (the) root of the problem/(It's) not the root of the problem/It's (the) depravity in humanity..." Sound doctrine has rarely sounded so sweet!

Next up is the rootsy "Drink For Free" inspired by Isaiah 55, one of my favorite passages in the Bible. This song is also featured on Lion of Zion's forthcoming Reggae Redemption Songs II. On the thought provoking chorus Dominic's passionate vocal inquires, "Why do you spend your money on what is not bread and your wages on what does not satisfy." This powerful track speaks to the heart of this empty generation that struggles with loneliness and a lack of purpose.

The song "Sacrifice of Me" collides rock and hip-hop with a turntablist on the ones and twos and a double time guitar chank reminiscent of the Police. It also features two raps; one old school (ala Bone Thugs in Harmony) by band member Jenkins and some new school flow courtesy of Dominic's good friend and member of Shachah, Brenden Proclaim McPeek. Replete with an ethereal bridge this cut is dripping with mainstream potential.

The following song "Remedy" grabs you from the onset with a distinct muted guitar intro and Balli's plaintiff cry, "The voices inside keep you up all night I got the remedy." The driving minor key riddim blends perfectly with the wailing vocals and the spitfire chant on the bridge that sounds like Matisyahu on Red Bull!

After this is one of the stronger reggae tracks on the album. On "Arise" Balli challenges the listener, "It's time to arise from the plague of the fall to abandon the fear and step up to the call/Move on to something better." With empowering lyrics, Marleyesque wails, and a brilliant arrangement, this is sonic perfection!

On "Zion Mourns," Dominic takes us on an acoustic journey to the riverbanks of Babylon. While Psalm 137 may have been sung a thousand times in reggae by the likes of the Melodians and 'Imisi, it has never been sung like this! With new lyrics and a fresh melody, Wyclef wished that he sounded so good.

Following this is unquestionably the most addicting song on the album. "All We Need is Love" features a melodic rap by former Gotee artist Paul Wright and some sweet guitar work. The infectious hook, uplifting chorus and angelic vocals by Emily Balli (Dominic's wife) make this track a contender for the perfect crossover single.

Speaking of guest appearances, on "Bread for the Broken" Dominic secured a guest slot by Speech of the Grammy Award Winning Arrested Development. This is a massive endorsement--especially for a gospel reggae cut! For those of you who have been living in a cave for the last 15 years, Arrested Development brought us hooks like "I am everyday people," "Mr. Wendal" and the hit song "Tennessee." With Stephen Marley-like vocal inflections Balli wails over a bubbling one-drop riddim while DJ Idull (Braille, James Brown and Arrested Development) cuts and scratches.

Track nine is "Warrior" a song that sounds better than POD on their best day. This edgy rock influenced track is sure to see quite a few of POD's Warriors crossover to Dominic's Street team.

On "Conquering Lion" Dominic gives us a completely new take on a classic reggae hymn that has been sung by everyone from Lauryn Hill to the late Joseph Hill. Elements of this song (and many others on this project) seem to be inspired by Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu. But While drawing influences from others, Dominic has still managed to create a sound all his own and surpass his musical mentors with superior songwriting, sound doctrine and pitch perfect vocals.

After this Dominic reveals his skills in storytelling. It is so hard to sum up the life of Christ in one moving song, but on "Rise Up" Balli surpassed my greatest expectations! When you buy this album make sure that you pour through the lyrics carefully and you too will get goose bumps. I love Balli's soulful singing over the songs various musical movements that are almost reminiscent of the late Keith Green.

Lastly, is an emotional song written about Dominic and Emily's recent loss of their unborn twins, Zion and Hezekiah. These are touching lyrics that are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever lost a loved one. And just when you think the album is done there is a ghost track that is well worth the wait!

I am going to be totally honest with you. I have two of the most critical ears of anyone that I know in the industry. I rarely endure the first song (in its entirety) on any album that is sent to me. It is even harder for me to listen down an album from beginning to the end without pressing that magical ">>" button whenever I hear something that makes me cringe. This may have been the first album that I didn't skip forward on since Bob Marley's "Exodus." This CD is incredible! Since I received it I have listened to it over and over again at work, at home and in the car.

I am convinced that this album has the greatest crossover potential of any album sold on GospelReggae.com. Dominic is an incredible worship leader at his home church (Reality Carpinteria) and an awesome husband and father with a burning passion for his Lord. Having known him for the last few years I am confident that when he does crossover, (and he will) he will take the CROSS-over with him.

It usually takes a new artist a long while to figure out who they are and establish a distinct sound. It often takes more time for them to learn how to write a really good song and even longer to learn how to produce it. On "Public Announcement," debut artist/songwriter/producer Dominic Balli hits a stride rarely reached by established artists on their 5th release! This album is solid from beginning to end. This unique concoction of sounds defies the limitations of genres such as reggae/rock/rap/alternative. It is the most refreshing album to hit this store in years! Simply said--if you don't buy this CD then you need to have a doctor check your ears! Order your copy today!

Review by Mark Mohr