Sizzla

In Europe, Sizzla's Waterhouse Redemption hit the shelves a mere month after Ain't Gonna See Us Fall. The U.S. release stretched it to nearly three months, but either way, it plays right into the hands of the man's detractors, a growing group that point to his lack of quality control, his increasing love of bling, and his frequent dropping of the F-bomb, which doesn't seem to gel with his righteous Bobo Ashanti stance. They'll have a hard time picking apart this album since Waterhouse Redemption bounces between revolution numbers and lover's dancehall effortlessly, utilizing some classic riddims from King Jammy's studio along the way. Longtime reggae lovers should start with "Someone Loves You," an instantly infectious, swaggering tune that uses the classic "Sleng Teng" riddim. Sweeter still is the update of Ken Boothe's "Without Love," here redone as "Let Me Love You," which brings the vigorous singer down to a cooler Anthony B. level. The hope-filled "Commandment" is the album's great call to Jah while "Stay Above" and "Play Me Some Music" -- which ingeniously works a duck call into its hook -- supply the eye-level views of the streets and struggles of Jamaica. A better flow to the album would make this one his best, but for fans who found Ain't Gonna See Us Fall too slick, too Babylon, Waterhouse Redemption is an exciting return to form. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide