SHAZAM

Anticipation for Sean Paul's follow-up to Dutty Rock was running high, but fans expecting a reprise of the light, fun dancehall pop will be in for a surprise here. The Trinity has a much harder-edged sound than its predecessor, produced with the club in mind. Tunes like "Head in the Zone" and "Send It On" are characterized by driving dancehall rhythms, hypnotic rapid-fire vocal cadences, and urban R&B touches that give the tracks a glamorous sheen, with Sean Paul laying down lyrics about sex, partying, and good times that suit the music perfectly for the contemporary club scene. The old-school reggae-flavored "Yardie Bone," featuring a slick bounce that recalls Steel Pulse, helps add balance to this edgy collection of slightly less than mainstream dancehall. ~ Anthony Tognazzini, Rovi