It has been almost ten years since Heavy D has released an album. His voice, smooth lyrics and feel good music was definitely missed. How ecstatic was I to hear that the "Overweight Lover" was due to release a reggae album.

Appropriately titled Vibes the album takes fans back to the familiar vibes of Heavy D. In the mid 80's through the 90's, Heavy D along with his boys produced many hits like "Somebody For Me" and "Now That We Found Love"-remember those days? A reggae album should not be a surprise to fans as songs like "Mood For Love" and "Gyrlz, They Love Me" both have reggae influenced melodies. Over the last decade, Heavy D has pursued his acting career, produced a few tracks for other artists and spent time raising his daughter.

Heavy D took his time with Vibes, about four to five years to make and the end result is fabulous. Worthy of its recent Grammy nod for best reggae album, it can compete with most reggae albums that are out now.

The first single "Long Distance Girlfriend" gives the audience an insight to the album. The track grooves and shows us that his talents remain. The video displays that he is no longer the "Overweight Lover" and just the lover. Melodic tracks such as "My Love is All I Have" and "Queen Majesty" are enjoyable and can easily be the next single(s). Heavy D collaborates with Barrington Levy on "Love Me Like This" and Sizzla on the sultry "Private Dancer" to round out the album.

He has embraced his roots quite nicely with Vibes; Heavy says "You can't fake this stuff" He goes on to state, "I learned a long time ago you go with the music that's in your heart or you don't go at all." If you were a true Heavy D fan or interested in listening to feel good reggae, this album will not disappoint you. Heavy's sound is refreshing. We can only hope that he continues to 'vibe' for us and with us.

SonicAmp Rating: 9/10