Album: Challenges

Artiste: Tarrus Riley

Genre: Reggae

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

When Tarrus Riley released his album, 'Challenges', in 2004, there was little buzz over the talented reggae singer, who has since taken the business by storm.

However, long before Riley became the campaign face for rising roots reggae artistes, his debut album, Challenges, showed that he was way ahead of the game.

With a late start, Riley blossomed in music through his second album, Parables, which started off slowly before burning up the airwaves with the smash hit She's Royal. Not wanting to slow down, Riley and VP Records have re-released Challenges, banking on the singer's success with Parables, to gain interest in the album. The sticker on the album cover proudly proclaims 'debut album from critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Tarrus Riley.'

Bonus tracks

Challenges is a 14-track album, which includes two bonus tracks, Love Created I and Save The Children. Challenges is original in lyrics and beats. Although it is a roots reggae CD, the beats are not strictly reggae, showcasing influences from American popular culture and jazz music. Jah Will, which is upbeat and positive, is a good example of a reggae pop/indie-styled song.

Don't Give Up also has a positive feel as Riley croons, "where there's a will there's a way, this rugged old road gets rocky and I know there'll be days where you won't be so unhappy/challenges we all must face".

Moody jazz

Some might be familiar with the opening track, Larger Than Life, which has been featured on mix CDs and played on the radio. Larger Than Life starts the CD off on a moody note with a jazzy sound, as Riley warns "when the lightening strikes, everyone runs", effectively showing that woes and tribulations can befall anyone, no matter if they believe they are larger than life.

A revival/church strain is heard on I'll Be Your Friend and The Other Half, while Rasta At The Control brings a little rub-a-dub dancehall into the already eclectic mix. All written by Riley, lyrically, the songwriter's variety of topics knows no end. From love, to society, friendship, to the representation of Rasta and social concerns, such as those in Save The Children, almost all topics are touched in some form.

Vocally, in Challenges, Riley's voice is on par, never off beat, but shows more maturity in tone than in Parables. However, for those who love Parables, Challenges will only delight. It is a CD that can be listened to from beginning to end.

1) Larger Than Life

2) Jah Will

3) It's Better This Way

4) All Is Vanity

5) Who Can Stand It

6) Don't Give Up

7) I'll Be Your Friend

8) The Other Half

9) Take Me Higher

10) Ego

11) Rasta At The Control

12) Barber Chair

13) Love Created I

14) Save The Children