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Album Reviews

Sean Paul's Dutty Rock is an infectious record, bursting with hooks and filled with energy; it is a surprise U.S. hit. Paul's mix of dancehall and modern R&B and hip-hop is lightweight and easy to dance to. It slows down near the end as some filler creeps in, but at its best, Dutty Rock is almost revolutionary. Paul utilizes big-name producers like Sly & Robbie, Steely & Clevie, Jeremy Harding, and the ubiquitous Neptunes, whose sexy "Bubble" is one of the highlights of the record. The best track, the stuttering, can't-get-it-out-of-your-head catchy "Get Busy," is produced by Steven "Lenky" Marsden and features his staggeringly popular diwali rhythm and a great vocal by Paul. Other tracks, like the hit single "Gimme the Light," and the "Louie Louie"-influenced "Like Glue," are almost as good. Paul has a good ear for melody and his flat, distinctive voice is perfect for his sing-jay style (sing-jay being a blend of DJ and singing). Paul also ropes in Busta Rhymes for an amped-up remix of "Gimme the Light," and Rahzel of the Roots to provide rapping and silly noises on "Top of the Game." This is such a good record that even the skits are pretty good. "Police Skit" may even provide a few chuckles. Sean Paul's blend of dancehall and hip-hop brings out the best of each genre, and Dutty Rock should be booming out of your Jeep if you are a fan of either. [Dutty Rock was reissued in September of 2003 with the addition of "Baby Boy," an excellent track from Beyoncé's Dangerously in Love record that features Sean Paul, and the subtraction of the humorous but inessential skits, and one of the original album's weakest tracks, "It's On." This reshuffling makes an already strong album even stronger.] ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide