Naming his solid eighth album Fallen Is Babylon (Babylon being the Rasta term for European-American oppressors) makes Ziggy Marley seem pretty optimistic. That impression is reinforced by the classic roots reggae – peppered with ragamuffin and hip-hop flavor – to which Marley and his siblings, the Melody Makers, celebrate spiritual awakening ("Postman"), a positive outlook ("Born to be Lively") and family bonds ("Brotherly Sisterly Love"). But there are some murky corners on Babylon where the music turns somber and happiness is threatened by hatred and tyranny, not to mention everyday heartbreak. "I can only sing of destruction today, 'cause my people are shedding blood everywhere," sings Marley on "Day by Day." Still, like his father, Ziggy is able to persevere, thanks to an unshakable faith: "Never you lose your faith," goes the song's chorus, over a shimmying carnival of percussion, "things and times will have to change, yeah." (RS 767)

NATASHA STOVALL