Mark Wonder

Initially released digitally in 2009 with little pomp, Wonder's record was quickly reissued to promote the artist further a field. A little known crooner who's been in the business for over a decade, with True Stories, Wonder bargains that name brand guests will inflate his career. Using mostly familiar riddims and a double-digit list of reggae's heavy hitters (seriously, there's at least one guest on every song, sometimes three), True Stories is a solid nu-roots record with several memorable tracks and many outstanding performances. But with Sizzla, Gentleman, Anthony B., Everton Blender, Fanton Mojah, Capleton, Junior Kelly and Luciano (plus several more!), what else would you expect? In fact, the album's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: Mark Wonder gets lost amidst the tremendous talent. Case in point: out-crooning Luciano is simply not possible and on "So Long," it's Luci, not Wonder, that you'll remember when the song is over. As such, it's doubtful that this album will do much to distinguish Wonder from the over-populated fray of modern roots singers.