Reviewed by Paul Poulton

'Beautiful Mama' is taken from Annette's forthcoming album, 'God's Got My Soul'. As mainstream reggae devotees will tell you, the Birmingham (UK) singer/songwriter has had success before, having won the Black Music Awards Best Female Reggae Singer category for three consecutive years. But don't get the idea that this is going to be a heavy vibe reggae EP. Here the singer presents us with a simple keyboard skank with some toastin' by Kevin (Dicky) Delahaye and some melodious singing not unlike lovers rock. The third track is named as "Amazing Grace" but it's not the John Newton song, but "He Looked Beyond My Faults", written by Dottie Rambo although Dottie isn't credited. The tune is new though. Annette's voice has character and style, there are just a few moments when things sound as if they're going slightly adrift, but that can be an endearment or a problem depending on which way you look at things. The programmed music and keyboards have space and air. The snappily named Just Praise Choir, Nechells Church Of God Of Prophecy, add some depth and make things a bit fatter. The fifth track is a talkie bit by Minister Monica Anderson.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.