Life

his is an excellent debut from the most exciting female figure in conscious dancehall music since Sister Carol. Angie Angel has actually been on the scene for quite some time, having begun recording in 1987 and winning DJ awards in the early- and mid-'90s. Eschewing the "slackness" (i.e., sexually explicit and violent lyrics) that has characterized most dancehall chatting since the early '80s, Angel sticks to roots-and-culture themes, alternately singing and toasting her way through an excellent collection of previously released singles and three new tracks. Bolstered by a shifting array of musicians playing under the supervision of drummer and producer Carl "Bridge" Ayton, Angel sings the praises of devout Rastafarian men on "Rastaman" ("I don't want no man who mess around with Satan"), duets with the legendary Judy Mowatt on "Life," and, in what may be a reggae first, admonishes her sisters to stand up to abusive men on "No No No." Let's hope listeners don't have to wait another 14 years for her next effort. ~ Rick Anderson|