Artiste: Half Pint

Album: No Stress Express

Genre: Reggae

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Veteran singer Half Pint rides the reggae train in his latest CD No Stress Express. Half Pint is in true form, showcasing good lyrics, clean beats and smooth vocals.

A classic singer known for his huge hit Greetings, Half Pint continues reeling out the hits. As a veteran singer Half Pint sticks to what he knows best, the tried and true formula of classic reggae. On the 16-track album, Half Pint explores various subject matters from liking his best friend's girl to being on the 'no stress express.' Half Pint's lyrics are all clean and not overly sexual or violent like most songs of today.

The album has a relaxing, mellow feel throughout that washes over the listener. Inviting listeners to come onboard to a musical journey, the album begins with Unity as Half Pint and Jack Maness chants that "we're all in it together". My Best Friend's Girl has an old-time rocksteady/ska feel that makes one want to get up and do a lively jive.

Just Be Good has received a lot of airplay as the sound of the saxophone adds a nice flavour to the song. Bad Boy, featuring Sizzla, adds a bit of dancehall/reggae flavour with Sizzla deejaying and singing along with Half Pint about the bad boys in the streets.

There are no stand out hit songs, but all the songs show the same quality of music and expertise. For youngsters who like a touch of old reggae, this album is also a good lesson in what classic reggae is like. For older fans, this album will take them down memory lane with a singer that has endured.

Track Listing:

1) Unity featuring Jack Maness

2) My Best Friends Girl

3) Just Be Good

4) Never Let Go

5) Suzie

6) Blessing Darling feat Sly and Robbie

7) Sweet Thing

8) Madonna

9) Bless Us

10) Children Of His Majesty

11) Mind Over Matter

12) No Stress Express

13) Bad Boy featuring Sizzla

14) A Girl Like You feat Toko Pasi and Long Beach Dub All-Stars

15) Babylon Release The Chain

16) Just Be Good remix feat Miki Howard

- Krista Henry