ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Mucho Mas Allah

ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Leon De Juda's "Mucho Mas Alla" is an album full of authentic reggae music played by tremendously skilled Puerto Rican musicians that truly love the Lord. And if you are a roots fan like me, then you will be pleased to know that this album passes the culture test--this is SOLID ROOTS. And these roots go deep--all the way to the foundation of the genre.

As both a musician and producer, I know good music when I hear it. I was first handed a copy of this album by members of the group at a Latin Music conference in Miami over seven months ago. It has honestly been in my five CD disc changer ever since.

Having personally shared the stage with members of this band before and gotten to know their hearts and tremendous talents, I can safely say that I am a great admirer of their music and ministry. And though I do not speak Spanish (or even understand it), I still continue to enjoy this spotless release. For truly good music transcends all linguistic and cultural barriers. In fact, I would rather listen to this one Spanish CD than a hundred other roots recordings. Why is this? Simply said--it is excellent! And after getting to know these guys personally and learning more of the message that is found in this powerful album, I was even further convinced.

If you have never heard of Leon De Judah, then you definitely haven't visited their lush green island (Puerto Rico) in the last year. For if you had been there, then you would not have been able to avoid the constant bombardment of this groups songs and videos. From their numerous number one hits (on both Christian and secular stations), to their three number one music videos and Red Cross hurricane relief commercials--these guys are everywhere. It is so rare that a group can have such secular acclaim and sell so many records to the lost without ever compromising their mission to reach the lost. Leon De Juda truly is a group that is in this world but not of it. It is clear that they have managed to gain such acceptance due to the quality of their music.

SONG BY SONG DESCRIPTION:

This musical powerhouse starts off with a soothing intro that sets the tone for the whole album. Over tasty acoustic guitar licks and wah wah riddim chanks, you hear a horn-line reminiscent of Cultura Profetica. After this brief introduction, lead vocalist Jaime Barcelo steps up to the mic to deliver the sweetest of melodies. Amidst spinning horn lines, a bubbling organ, a vintage clavinet and whistling synthesizers, he sings about the eternal life that he has received in Christ alone. This is a message that he must tell to everyone over the tastiest of roots.

Track three is the heart warming "Como un sueno," a one-drop reggae track that reminds me of Big Mountain's "Touch My Light. " In eloquent Spanish, the singer croons a love song to God that when roughly translated says; "Your love for me is like I'm dreaming, I'm never waking up, It's like my life is just beginning and I will never let you go. " This was the group's first single and video and it went number one on every radio station in Puerto Rico (on both Christian and Secular stations) for over 10 weeks!

After this comes the hard hitting title track, "Mucho Mas Alla," a steppers tune that sings about "the further beyond. " This is a song about heaven, a theme that is woven throughout this righteous album. Following this is "Revolucion", a song that states that Christ was the ultimate revolutionary; "To change the world was His mission, leaving the throne for those He loved--He took the weapons of love, truth, salvation, life and forgiveness... The people saw Him on the cross, yet rejected Him. But his forgiveness has still reached us and He saved us. "

Next up is "Hello," a wake up call for those that are lost. This song was written from the perspective of God in heaven. Over this live-ska ditty, Jaime sings, "I am calling your life to give you something better. " Following this is "No Esta Muerto" a reggae steppers/dancehall combination that boasts an incredible horn section, wicked lead guitar and a bold message: "Christ is not dead, he is alive... celebrate and rejoice. " The best part about this song is the groovelicious dub section found at the end.

Track eight is "Riachuelo", a peotic song that features the lead singer of Cultura Prophetica. Over a sweet niyahbingi beat that evolves into an inspiring salsa groove, the writer likens himself to a "small river that does not want to fall into the sea. " The author is essentially saying that he does not want to "mix his pure water with saltwater". In other words, he refuses to be contaminated by this sinful world. After this is "Te Encontre", a cut that speaks about true Christian love over a one-drop roots track with live strings and an acoustic guitar.

"Salmo" is a song that was inspired by Psalm 117. This tune has a driving reggae beat, rock guitar and a powerful horn section that floats over a dancehall mix. On this cut, the group says, "Let's sing to Jehovah all ye nations. Come and praise Jehovah!" After this is the acoustic version of "Como Un Sueno". The album ends on a soothing note with "Tu Me Llevaras," a ballad with a grand piano and full orchestra. Over this passionate track Jaime sings "You will take me to a place where there is no crying. I will be with you, I will walk with you--guided by your hand. " This was the theme song for the Red Cross hurricane relief campaign in the Caribbean.

CONCLUSION:

"Mucho Mas Alla" is a must-have for any reggae lover. If you are looking for some real roots reggae with live instruments, heavenly horns and sweet arrangements--look no further. To be honest with you, there is only one reason why some may be reluctant to buy this album; it is in Spanish. Though "gringos" may not understand every word that is said, the Lord can still minister to your spirit through these sweet vocals and solid bass-lines. Beyond that, the Spanish vocals are sung so eloquently, that this album would actually lose its sweetness if it were done in English. Besides, you will probably understand more of what is being sung tastefully in this romantic language than the thick spitfire Jamaican patois that is so prevalent in many of the dancehall albums sold in this store.

Just take a moment and listen to the RealAudio clips. Let the amazing roots and original arrangements do the convincing. No words can express what this album sounds like. This is music that is so good, that it simply must be felt. He who feels it knows it. I am feelin' it and I know that you will love it. Pick up a copy today. "Much Mas Alla" has yet to disappoint even one listener that I have played it for.

Review by Mark Mohr