Count Me In

Audio Mixer: Errol Brown .
Recording information: Circle House, Miami, FL; The Steakhouse, Burbank, CA.
Coming into the Easy Star Records family does Rebelution some good on their fourth full-length, but the Cali-reggae crew aren't pandering to their new, rock-reggae label home. If anything, this is arguably the most mellow and easy release in the Easy Star catalog, as Rebelution have been perhaps stuck on some easy-listening '70s compilation or a soft rock favorites playlist. The vibes on the title track are that of Loggins, Messina, Fogelberg, and Jackson Browne, while highlights like "More Love," "Fade Away," and "Notice Me" are just as warm, sunset-minded, and campfire-worthy. Horns punch up some of the tunes, almost to an Eagles level, but before these guys are pegged as "yacht reggae," know that the musicianship has evolved into something especially rich with winding riffs and rock-solid hooks powering it all. Consider it the most laid-back Rebelution to date, and one of their best. ~ David Jeffries