Chezidek

Perhaps the best and most sweetly toned reggae falsettist since Cornell Campbell, Chezidek suffers occasionally from lapses in pitch but is generally a very powerful exponent of modern roots reggae. On his second album he works with producer Bobby Konders of Massive B Productions to reclaim a handful of classic reggae rhythms and bring to life a clutch of new ones as well, always keeping the proceedings conscious and the lyrics positive. "Dem a Fight We" nicely updates the "Truth and Rights" rhythm, while "Vampire" applies new lyrics to the classic "Declaration of Rights" rhythm to excellent effect. The dancehall excursion "Me Nah Run" works less well, and on "I Shouldn't Do That" and the otherwise charming environmental anthem "Leave the Trees," Chezidek's singing is noticeably flat. But even when his voice fails to thrill his energy and emotional intensity generally redeem the songs. In addition to the musical content, this disc features Quicktime videos for two of the album's best songs: "Inna di Road" and "Call Pon Dem" -- neither one very original, and both offering little beyond footage of urban Jamaican poverty with Chezidek singing and dancing in the foreground. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide