DaVille

Artiste's Name : Da' Ville

CD Title : On My Mind

Rating : Three stars out of four

On My Mind is Daville's first solo effort, and what an effort it is. Though there are at least two songs that would probably have to suffer the fate of the skip button, the album is generally a good listen.

The album is decorated with a few popular hits, some new tunes, good collaborations, and two remakes, most of which are in keeping with Da'Ville's soulful sound and image.

Sean Paul lends his voice to the remix of the smash hit, Always on My Mind, and this, appropriately, is the first song on the album - a familiar sound with an edgy twist. Da'Ville and Sean Paul work well together and since the song has been in rotation for such a long time, the decision to freshen it up was a good one.

Can't Get Over You, This Time I Promise, Give Thanks for What You've Got and the original version of Always on My Mind, are some songs listeners should be familiar with.

Marcia Griffiths makes a surprise appearance on the album in a remake of All My Life, her hit with Beres Hammond and Da'Ville adds a nice, urban flavour to this old favourite. He also adds his touch to Freddie McGregor's And So I Will Wait For You, and succeeds in making the song his own. In Have You Ever Been In Love? Da'Ville samples the chorus of Dennis Brown's song of the same name, but switches up the verses.

He also makes two noticeable attempts to diversify his music with Give Thanks For What You've Got and My Grade. Both songs depart from his 'love songs only' image, as in the former, he stresses the importance of being grateful for what you have and in My Grade, he professes his love for the 'highest grade' and not a woman, as he usually does. He sings: "Woke up this morning and I'm feeling like I gotta take a draw. Through depression of the times, stress is on my head, I gotta smoke it off."

The pace of the album changes with Give It Up For My Baby, the only real up-tempo song on the album. Unfortunately, the change in pace is the most memorable thing about this song.

The album ends with Always on My Mind, arguably the best love song on the album. My Heart and Can't Get Over You, are close contenders as well.

All in all, On My Mind is an easy and pleasant listen. It's a must-have for fans of lovers rock.

Track Listing

1. Always on My Mind (Remix) feat. Sean Paul

2. Can't Get Over You

3. All My Life feat. Marcia Griffiths

4. I'm In Love With You

5. And So I Will Wait For You

6. This Time I Promise

7. Give Thanks For What You've Got

8. My Grade

9. Give It Up For my Baby

10. Yesterday

11. Have You Ever Been In Love?

12. My Heart

13. Dancehall Lovers Rock

14. Always on My Mind

- Jonique Gaynor