Editorial Reviews I had my doubths on hearing about the defections to Temple Yard of 2/3rds of the previous group and wondered how Christafari would sound without the pop sensibilities of previous members. Could Mark Mohr pull it off? Yes I had my doubths, but I kept the faith, by continuing to plug in on the group's website to stay informed. Lo and Behold, on delivery, WS&P blows me away like no other reggae album in years. I knew that the project was special and sanctified when I browsed through the intense booklet accompanying the disc. Playing the product was another revelation that kept me up until 2 this morning and doing serious damage to my CD player. WS&P makes previous Christafari releases sound like amateur recordings by over enthusiastic American kids with a love for reggae and Jesus. WS&P does what no other reggae artist has done in recent memory; systhesise DeeJaying and smooth vocals so that the album becomes wonderfully unclassifiable. Most of all WS&P is testimony to the creative genius of Mark Morh and his ability to succesfully blend the different genres of reggae and still sound authentic. On a different tone, the album is bound to cause Morh controversy with the recording of the haunting yet daunting Selassie Say and Why You Ago Look. Whereas former reggae rasta stars have converted to Christ, none has dared touched the subject of Haile Selassie's divinity on any of their post-Christ recordings. However, Morh boldly steps out in faith...again...Considering that it was for this reason his life was threatened during a prior Sunsplash Tour. Still the album on its own is a wonderful testimony to the awesome power of reggae, and when used to take the gospel, becomes unmatched in its effectiveness. My favorite tract is all but 47 seconds but it delivers the final blow well....No Water Can Out This Fire....called Christafari! Can't wait for Sunday Night to play the entire CD on my show. The album is also more versatile than any of the past efforts. Listeners will hear more of Christafari’s signature Ragamuffin chatting, greater use of percussion, two acoustic guitar songs, broader lyrical subjects, special guest appearances by three remarkable lead vocalists (Ace Winn, Bernard Schroeter, and Geneman), incredible harmonies, and even a slight rock influence (including talk box guitar) on a couple tracks. The diversity and delivery of the performers on WordSound&Power take this recording to places Christafari has never been before.
WordSound&Power
Music Review:
Music Review
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Forget the rumours about the breakup of Christafari. With the release of Word Sound & Power, a slimmed down Christafari has released one of the most complete reggae albums ever.
Billboard Magazine, June 12, 1999
In 1997, pioneering Christian reggae band Christafari came to a crossroads, with two factions looking to continue down different musical paths. As a result, several members, including lead vocalist Erik Sundin and bassist/songwriter Johnny Guerrero, exited to form Temple Yard. Christafari founder Mark Mohr (aka Tansoback) and his wife, Vanessa, recruited a new band, started a new label (Lion of Zion), and began working on this Christafari record. The result is an ambitious, 24-cut disc that... read more
Album Description
While maintaining the band’s signature sound, WordSound&Power differs from Christafari’s prior albums in several key areas. It is much longer than any of the former projects, containing more songs and filling the maximum time possible on a CD (74 minutes). "I figured our fans have waited for 3 years since Valley of Decision and they deserve an earful," says Mark Mohr, the band’s founder, lead singer, primary songwriter, and producer/engineer. It is also the most authentic reggae music Christafari has ever recorded. With "The Soul Fire Crew," (Christafari’s backing band) behind it, WordSound&Power is more true to the roots.