ALBUM DESCRIPTION

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The great thing about the burgeoning genre of gospel reggae is that there is a little something for everybody. You have your hardcore dancehall, strictly roots and culture, minor key dub, and even reggaeton... And for those who are looking for the lighter side of reggae--look no further. Carlene Davis' "Rock Me Jesus" may not have much "Rock" in it, but it sure has plenty of "Jesus". This is a fun album filled with major key, upbeat and saccharine sweet tunes guaranteed to keep the congregation dancing and all the church ladies clapping.

Carlene Davis had already been a popular reggae star in her native Jamaica with a whopping 15 secular albums under her belt before she embraced Christianity in 1996. And since her conversion, she has released another seven stirring gospel release. The latest of these is "Rock Me Jesus", where Carlene "gets her praise on" in a variety of settings, sampling soca on the stirring "Ambassador for Christ" and shuffling in some contemporary reggae on the infectious title track. Jamaican rhythms predominate throughout, with producer Tommy Cowan's contribution particularly apparent on the conscious "Songs of Zion" over the "Ring the Alarm" riddim. Caribbean Gospel music has seldom been this irresistible

While most of the beats on this album include outdated old school hip-hop loops, roots abound on songs like "Little is Much". There are also a few praise and worship classics such as the ever popular "Angus Dei", "Show Me Your Way" and "Draw Me Close". Of particular interest are Carlene's bright and bouncy interpretations of Third World's "Try Jah Love," (written by Stevie Wonder), The Melodians' "Rivers of Babylon" (referenced in "Songs of Zion") and her clever re-wording of Chalice's hugely popular hit, "Praise Him". I have been waiting for years for someone to cover this one.

Davis herself co-wrote six of the album's 15 tracks with her husband and reggae icon Tommy Cowan. Musicians featured on this include the legendary Desi Jones on drums (Chalice, Skool Band), Othniel Lewis (Change, Christafari, Chevelle, Papa San), Chris McDonald, Robbie Lyn (Sly & Robbie, Mighty Diamonds) on keyboards and Lloyd Parks (Augustus Pablo, We the People Band) on bass, Dean Fraser (Luciano, Firehouse Crew) on sax and Brother Time (Ikete drums). For background vocals Carlene brought in Cheryl Crooks, Nadine Sutherland, Bunny Brown, Leroy Palmer, Lisa Wilson, Ryan Berry and Naomi Cowan.

Don't be misled by the title or the album cover. This is not a rock or disco project. In fact, the song selection for "Rock Me Jesus" is very consistent with Carlene's previous releases, yet the production has stepped up a few notches. If you liked any of her past recordings then you will love this new release. Complete your gospel reggae collection and pick up your copy today!

Review by Nosmo King