ALBUM DESCRIPTION

After a long hiatus, the reigning queen of gospel reggae returns with an exceptional follow up to her massively popular gospel debut, "Joy". Though it's been years since the release of her previous effort, "Joy" has remained a chart topper and this stunning new offering provides all the momentum necessary to propel Chevelle back into the stratosphere. While the greatest struggle with most recording careers is overcoming what many call "the sophomore slump," this is of no concern to dancehall diva Chevelle Franklyn. For though this may be her second gospel album, given her extensive secular career prior to "Joy", Chevelle is far from a novice.

There are a handful of notable differences between this album and her last as Chevelle continues to strive for excellence. First of all, the lyrics have more depth and maturity this time around. Chevelle has definitely grown in her faith and delivered an album that will minister to and convict both the parishioner and pastor alike. Unlike her previous offering, "His Way" is not limited to the contribution of one producer. While Danny Brownie did an excellent job in producing "Joy", many of the riddims of that album were boilerplate versions ridden by his whole crew of artists on "Yow 1 and 2". As such, they could not afford the movement necessary (such as bridges and key changes) to accompany such an accomplished vocalist as Franklyn. This time around we hear smart production, intuitive arrangements, clever collaborations and the astonishing vocals of an established veteran.

Some may recall that in her secular days, Chevelle voiced the song "Dancehall Queen" with Beenie Man for the ever-popular movie and soundtrack of the same title. Now with Jesus firmly planted as the King of her heart, she is determined to do things "His Way." She breaks the silence and kicks off the album with the energetic and addictive "King Jesus". If the chorus melody sounds familiar, that's because it was inspired by her Billboard charting hit "Dancehall Queen." But this time around she has flipped the lyrics and redeemed the song. Instead of singing, "Go girl", she says "Go with God", and proceeds to sing and deejay a lyrical altar call with tremendous skill over live instrumentation. Just listen to the glass shattering high note about two minutes into this cut and you will understand why she is the reigning queen of gospel reggae--YOU GO GIRL!

Undoubtedly my favorite track on the album is the minor key roots dirge, "Weeping and Wailing." I simply can't get enough of this boomshot! Back in her B.C. days (before Christ), secular producers would often partner her with a deejay like Shabba or Beenie Man. She would sing the hook and they would toast on the verses. These producers sure missed out. For on dancehall tracks like the "Salvation" and "Nah Nah Nah" we hear the authoritative yet immaculate vocals of a deejay that can spit lyrical circles around her secular counterparts such as Lady Saw and Tanya Stephens. Other notable tracks include "Would You Go", featuring DJ Nicholas, "Love Can" (her passionate prayer for Jamaica), the convicting "Walk Holy" and the magnetic "Come".

Whether she is singing over hard-hitting dancehall beats, effervescent roots, soothing praise and worship or even accapella, Chevelle never ceases to entertain and inspire. Her last album "Joy" is one of our top ten all-time best sellers and I am confident that the flawlessly produced "His Way" will soon follow suit. Whether you like dancehall, roots or worship, this album deserves your full support. Pick up your copy today--It will not disappoint.

Review by Mark Mohr