Gospel music from the Carribean is becoming increasingly popular, not only in the West Indies, but everywhere that sunny rhythms, lazy back beats, fresh vocals and intensity of Jesus-focused lyrics is appreciated.

This is a continuing segment of a review series that shines the spotlight on recent island-rooted Gospel. Check here to get to previous segments.


The importance of roots forms the basis of this Bahamas-based Gospel project. That's evident from the opening beats-accompanied sermonette, and elsewhere on this gem.

Landlord aka Orlando Francis brings his dub ministry to the scene, with a cheery collection of tunes in reggae/calypso style (produced by Dillon McKenzie and Kelda Sweeting), while bringing praise and exhortation to the fore.

Landlord’s vocals are extraodinarily distinctive, an unusual combination of off-nasal inflections and authentically-accented speech patterns that makes for a compelling listen.

Hit cuts are the slow duet “It Was Only You Lord” which features the unexpected appearance of Dr. Myles Munroe (of Bahamas Faith Ministries) who joins in on vocals. Another is the bouncy remake of Darlene Zschech’s “Shout To The Lord”, with up and comer Natasha Taylor excelling as her soul-based rich pipes join in the fray.

Slow piano starts things on the redo of Twila Paris’ classic “Lamb of God”, with some Bajan rendering of the lyrics from Landlord. As swaying reggae rhythms, then soft organ, then backing chorus, then sizzling electric guitar each join in one after the other, the song becomes fresh all over again.

“Ten Commandments” with its interspersed beat-backed commentary on spiritual warfare is a great companion to the stronger reggae rhythms on “Satan Is A Deceiver”. Infectious both. In fact, each of the other inclusions on the project is worthy.

Icing on the CD cake is the inclusion of two instrumental tracks (for “Ten Commandments” and “It Was Only U, Lord” before the album concludes with a sermonette from Minister Carlos Reid.