Tanya Stephens is a modern, sexy and in-your face kinda gal. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this release. Her last album ‘Gangasta Blues’ gained her many fans with its modern digital beats and intelligent lyrics, so a lot was expected from the follow-up album entitled ‘Rebelution’.

The first noticeable thing about this album is Tanya’s lyrical content - intellectual and insight, full of quick retorts which show she’s not afraid to tackle any subject matter. This is most clearly highlighted on the track ‘Do You Still Care’ a song destroying the preconceptions of homophobia long held by other dancehall artists. The song is a lyrical masterpiece, with several verses telling the story of a clan member dying of liver failure being saved by the liver of a Black Man.

Religion also gets a dressing down in the track ‘Keep Looking Up’, with Tanya taking a natural approach towards the subject, asking us to look around us for the kingdom of God instead of way up in the sky. This subject has been tackled many times over, by many artists, however what makes this fresh are Tanya’s lyrics, they shine through on all aspects of this release.

The first single from the album ‘These Streets’ is another standout tune; a song about the gangasta lifestyle of her lover. Again Tanya is extremely lyrically astute, she compares her lovers daily activities with what he should be doing with her; “Why you can’t stay up on me like the corner?, and keep your lips on me like your marijuana?”

The album continues in this vain, with tracks that wreck sexism and chant down the Bush administration - there’s even a special message for Condoleezza Rice. In addition to these rebel songs Tanya has the vision to throw some humour and, of course sex appeal into the album. As an example the track ‘Put It On Me’, is a song about simply feeling horny.

Musically the album has that cross-over appeal, touching on the modern R n B style, incorporating the seemly ever popular dancehall style, while, in places, still holding on to the real reggae vibe. From a musical point of view ‘To The Limit’ has to be my favourite track, with an old skool riddim, ska trombone and old time guitars.

Overall this is an intelligent album, released by a very intelligent and opinionated woman - I have no doubt that it will do very well indeed.

Review by 'JumpUp'

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