Search - Christafari :: Reggae Worship: The First Fruits Of Christafari

Mixed Fruit

Peter Mung | Chicago, IL USA | 11/30/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"NOTE: Reggae Worship: The First Fruits of Christafari is a repackaged, remastered version of the now unavailable Reggae Worship Vol.1 album. Several tracks, including new and old previously unreleased material are also included.Reggae Worship: The First Fruits of Christafari is a terrific archive of the history of the group as well as a few new gems- all of which proclaim the gospel message and give praise to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. However, the collection falls short in that the sound quality of the older material just isn't as good as that of later Christafari efforts, though it's certainly not bad. Remember that this album includes the very first musical offerings of Christafari, so some shortcomings in production are understandable. Erik Sundin and Jai Pach share lead vocals along with Tansoback (Mark Mohr), who handles all DJ vocals. Some standout tracks include the raggamuffin track "Jesus First", "Wisdom" and the African-flavoured version of "Lord I Lift Your Name On High". However, when Pach (who left the group after Soulfire to pursue another ministry) is in the role of lead vocalist, the songs just aren't as effective. This is not to say that Pach doesn't have a good voice, but that it just isn't quite suited for the reggae genre. Vocally, there are certain tonal and textural qualities which add an "authentic" feel to reggae songs. Therefore, "Jah Is I Light", "I Holy One" and "Majesty" (though the socalypso feel is nice) just don't make the impact of the stronger material. Reggae Worship also contain some excellent new material include the roots tracks "Armageddon" which features prophetical lyrics about the end times with Sundin's earthy soulful voice and a crucial dub poetry passage by Tansoback. This tune which was recorded as one the band's very first tunes, has a late seventies/early eighties feel. "Preach The Gospel", a track recorded during the WordSound&Power album sessions is outstanding, including an alternating one drop/steppers riddim, great lyrics and solid playing all around. The lyrics, "preach the gospel/use words when necessary" and "you've got to live it with your life" are as true to the mission of Christfari as anything they've done. As usual, this is a NO COMPROMISE evangelistic, doctrinally sound and confrontational (i.e. not passive, not background music) effort from Christafari. Yes, it's a mixed bag, but the fruits that are the best are well worth the tasting. By the way, the excellent paintings and liner notes that adorn the package are almost worth the investment themselves!"