Cocoa Tea

The enduring Rastafarian vocalist Cocoa Tea delivers another entertaining combination of his wisdom-laced, positive reggae vibes and powerful lovers anthems. The veteran's vocal chords still remain wonderfully restrained and expressive on this, his first offering of the 21st century. The DJ is backed by the superb rhythmatics of coveted JA producer Phillip "Fattis" Burrell. Other famed reggae musicians are on board as well including Robbie Shakespeare and Earl "Chinna" Smith. Like many Rastafarian recordings, the crux of Feel the Power is its careful mix of haunting melodies and political themes that call for peace and justice. The hard-hitting "Sniper" and the passionate "No Time to Lose" -- in which the artist pleads, "Please save the world Jah-Jah..." -- are timelessly poignant. Cocoa also offers a unique musical commentary on the controversial 2000 U.S. election on "Who." Cocoa then returns to his lovers ballad format on a couple of the album's best cuts, including "True Love" and "I'm Sorry." While not sensational throughout, Feel the Power is a very worthy effort sprinkled with plenty of reggae magic. ~ M.F. DiBella, All Music Guide