Reggae legend Sugar Minott (http://www.sugarminott.net) should need no introduction; however, in the U.S. Minott isn't as well-known as fellow pioneer Bob Marley. Hopefully, Minott's latest, "A New Day," will finally break him stateside. Given that this is his best album in years, he deserves it.
The opening track "Gett'in It On" is a cruise-control intro for those unfamiliar with him, creating a safe landing with its soothing, gentle rhythms. Producer Roman Pryce lays off the pop sheen and allows Minott to mine his roots; this is no watered-down Jamaican reggae, and "Gett'in It On" finds Minott in total control of his craft. "Show Me a Sign" is a sizzling love song that expresses Minott's hopeless romanticism. Minott is a true veteran of the field, knowing when subtlety can sometimes be the keys to open one's heart.
Minott has a social conscience as well. "Reaching Out 2 U" is the closest he gets to Marley's anti-war messages, this one with a plea to rid ourselves of nuclear weapons. Another reggae icon, Sly Dunbar, is the drummer on this track, and the two fashion a moving and absolutely uplifting experience that transcends genre and racial boundaries. "One Life" may be calming and mellow but its purpose in unifying all of us carries a heavy weight.
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But Minott likes to party, and there's no denying and resisting the playful atmosphere of "Lovers Rock'in." Nevertheless, long-term appreciation will emanate from Minott's more meaningful cuts, such as "New Day," which features some soulful harmonizing with Toots Hibbert.
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