Roots Revival is an apt title for this album, since
Aswad's greatest successes have been as a pop-reggae crossover band, most notably with the huge 1988 hit "Don't Turn Around." On this one the group returns to its roots with a vengeance. The sound is still pretty slick, but the material includes a remake of
Ken Boothe's rocksteady classic "Freedom Street," two seldom-covered
Bob Marley tunes ("Caution" and "Thank You Lord"), a decent cover of
the Police's "Invisible Sun" (featuring
Sting in a guest appearance), and a bunch of relatively roots-wise new originals. The only remaining members of the band,
Drummie Zeb and Tony Gad still have a great melodic sense, as evidenced on the smooth and silky "Follow '99" and the churning "Breakout." But the rhythms are deep and compelling as well, resulting in a sound that will move them in the dancehall even as it pleases more roots-oriented fans. ~ Rick Anderson