Reviewed by George Luke

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here - the debut album from gospel ragga pioneer David Williams, aka The Watchman. No expense has been spared on the credibility front; the album's produced by Mafia & Fluxy - the hottest production duo in reggae since Sly & Robbie - and sits easily with every other thing they've done. The hardcore ragga massive will love it. The Watchman pulls no punches, whether admonishing the listener to "Walk Like A Christian" or to steer clear of "Faunication" (sic). Either in anticipation of, or in response to, flak from more conservative quarters, the liner notes contain a paraphrase of Romans 14, in which CCM replaces food offered lo idols. Other spiritual grey areas are discussed in the songs themselves: "God Give You Your Body", for example, addressed the issue of whether or not Christian women should wear make up and fashionable clothes (still a delicate subject in some black Pentecostal churches). This album is loud, invigorating and has all the subtlety of a 10-ton truck with bull bars and go-faster stripes. Rewind Selecta!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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