Because she is an African-American folk-rocker with a liberal, sociopolitical bent,
Toshi Reagon has been compared to
Tracy Chapman. But in fact, the two don't sound anything alike, and
Reagon has an admirable sound and style of her own. The earthy, Brooklyn-based singer/guitarist showed much promise on
Justice, which ranges from folk-rock protest songs like "Colors," "Foolish Attitudes," and "We've Got a Right to Choose" to the spirited blues number "How Long" and the reggae-influenced title song.
Reagon has spent most of the '90s in obscurity, but hopefully, she will eventually enjoy the type of exposure she deserves. ~ Alex Henderson