From Rasta to You

Album Review

Considered by some to be almost the vocal reincarnation of the late Garnett Silk, Ras Shiloh certainly has one of the best voices in contemporary reggae, and this album — a mix of Jamaican hits and new cuts — shows his skills, kicking off with "Complain," riding Silk's classic over the "Tempo" riddim. "Give I Strength" made its first appearance as a Buju Banton tune, but it's "Child of a Slave," Shiloh's old hit, that's a standout, with its beauty and conscious lyrics, a feature of much of Shiloh's work. Perhaps the real oddity of the bunch is the cover of Leo Sayer's old pop hit "More Than I Can Say," which doesn't suit his style too well. On "Running Away From Love," Shiloh departs from his usual vocal style to take on more of a light vintage R&B touch, and the result is quite delightful. But there's not a bad cut on here; even the lovers rock is smooth enough to be pleasant and show one direction for the man. If there's any justice, From Rasta to You will be his breakthrough on a global level.