SISTER CAROL
Isis (Tuff Gong)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Sister Carol's newest Tuff Gong release, Isis, is more than a reflection of the Egyptian goddess of divinity. It's 16 tracks of new reggae ranging from lovesongs to politics and everywhere in between. "Reggae Arena" speaks to Sister Carol's Kingston youth, surrounded by reggae music and Rastas. Speaking of Rasta, Sister Carol herself used to see Bob Marley walk to and from Studio One in Kingston when she lived in Denham Town. On "70 Sup'm Pieces of Bob," Sister Carol took 70 different Marley song titles and made one of the catchiest tributes to the man who brought reggae to the world. Marley would surely understand Sister Carol's "Promises," a song about her disillusionment with politics in Jamaica, cause she's "really tired of the promises/really tired of the promises." Move over Shaggy, Beanie Man and Spragga Benz: I'm glad this Rasta girl has given the dancehall a new unique voice that's full of reggae traditions yet promises so much more. There's a lot of dancehall, pop and rap on Isis, and I know Bob Marley would be proud.

Track List:

Opportunity * Reggae Arena * Gentle Lover * Cut & Clear * Promises * Ezekiel 37 * Womb-Man * Rasta Girl * I-Sis Apella * Fire Pon the West * 70 Sup'm Pieces of Bob * Kings & Queens * HIV * Chok Lit * The Force * Herbal is Natural

© 1999 - Eric Steiner