A reissue of Sizzla's triumphant 2002 studio record, DA REAL THING, this special edition features bonus tracks and a DVD that presents energetic live performances and an interview. (It's not a concert album, as the title DA REAL LIVE THING implies.)
The Kingston, Jamaica, native is in excellent form here, masterfully steering his dancehall sound back towards a more traditional roots-reggae sound. While Sizzla's alternately gritty and melodic vocals carry the tunes, guest appearances by beloved veteran musicians make the record even more compelling. Saxophonist Dean Fraser turns up on a number of tracks, including the uplifting "Rejoice," remaining subtly in the background, only to occasionally surface with his distinctive horn playing. Robbie Shakespeare also contributes to the album on the bold, dub-tinged "Solid as a Rock," which is expertly propelled by his signature bass lines. One of Sizzla's most confident and sensitive outings (see the touching "Thank U Mamma"), DA REAL THING is even better as DA REAL LIVE THING, and those who overlooked it the first time around now have a second chance to check out this top-notch reggae disc.