Masada

Cote d'Ivoire-native Alpha Blondy has probably reached more fans internationally than any other reggae artist. That his Jamaican-based style is also heavily infused with African elements certainly helps with mass appreciation worldwide, especially on his own continent and in Europe. Further bolstering his wide appeal, Blondy sings in French, English, and his native tongue. Masada, his eighth release since debuting in 1982, bears the sunny roots sound heard on most of his albums. Ranging from the pop of "Masada" and "Rendezvous" (all chipper horns and electronic percussion) to the Burning Spear-inspired weight of "Houphouet Yako," the album makes clear Blondy's debt to Bob Marley by way of rebel-roots tracks such as "Peace in Liberia" and a "Redemption Song"-like "Papa Bakoye" (Blondy memorializes Marley directly on "Mystic Night Move"). The most impressive thing here, though, is how Blondy creates very original backdrops by seamlessly incorporating West African touches into the reggae-centric songs. Maybe not the heaviest of reggae artists, Alpha Blondy still has created some of the most appealing and righteous Rasta sounds in the last decade. ~ Stephen Cook