Day In The Life

Unlike most reggae heros, Beres isn't about flinging dreadlocks and other glamour moves. This prolific and compelling artist is about the music and nothing but. Most artists peak after five albums, then spend the rest of their careers imitating their past glories. This latest outing proves that Beres is the sole exception to that rule--after 20 years, he's still churning out fresh musical revelations in his gritty, urgent style. Don't make the mistake of dismissing him as a R&B loverman wannabe. This and his other discs prove that reggae's most complex presence can burrow into a woman's heartbreak as smoothly as he limns the essence of the international black struggle. --Elena Oumano