This is a fine and mellow set from Jamaican vocalist Ras-I, a.k.a. Immanuel Kerr; Heart Of Love is his third album. It is a contemporary-sounding set, though with a lover’s feel as the title indicates and certainly with something of a strong roots tinge too; all thirteen tracks here are positive and uplifting.

His often intimate-sounding voice reveals an influence from modern US R’n’B (and maybe Teddy Pendergrass too), and the backings are reggae but sometimes with a twist; he has some fine guest contributors too – try Home with Khalia’s yearning vocal duet, or Kabaka’s unmistakable contribution to These Are The Days.

Ras-I is also a multi-instrumentalist – listen to his largely solo acoustic guitar-accompanied Hear My Call, with its lovely arrangement, also by Ras-I himself. Different is more up tempo than most of the tracks here, and has a fine and slightly unexpected sax break too.

The album is bookended by two of its most powerful songs, a fine blend of old and new with the 70s-tinged title track the opener and another respectfully intimate performance, Love Some More, to close. Ras-I was voted “Best New Artist” in 2024’s Caribbean Music Awards, and this distinctive release certainly confirms that promise. Look out for him!