Words of Truth
At its best, Sizzla's music, which draws heavily on Black Power and Rastafarian doctrine, is resonantly inspirational, but at its worst it tends toward an excessively didactic heavy-handedness. This Bobo Dread release offers up a split decision: some tracks, like "Lift Mine Eyes" and "Words of Truth," are perfect. Others, including "Every Move That I Make," are strident and overbearing. It's not the message that's in question as much as the method. Sizzla is not a subtle man.As expected, Fatis Burrell'sXterminatorcrew (including Sly Dunbar andWailersalumnus Earl "Chinna" Smith) provides exceptional musical support, notably on the surprisinglyJazzmatazz-like "Praise" and the discofied reggae of "Gimme Love."As an extra bonus, VP Records has included a second disc--a live recording of Sizzla's performance at Britain's Brixton Academy of Music. It features many of the artist's best songs, including "Black Woman and Child" and "Words of Divine."--Rebecca Levine