Ziggy Marley

After his long-running stint as frontman of the Melody Makers, Ziggy Marley embarked in 2003 on a dynamic solo career -- one that sought not to emulate his father’s legacy outright, but to blend traditional reggae with more contemporary fare. Dragonfly, released that year, remains a groove-laden summertime gem. The title track casts a laid-back lead guitar over a classic wah-infused two-four reggae beat. Ziggy dropped Fly Rasta in April of this year, and in many ways it’s a far cry from his earlier stuff. The album is far more influenced by rock structures (see “I Don’t Wanna Live on Mars,” “Lighthouse”). Merely tangential connections to his own musical past are often tucked in deep among layers of electric guitar, heavily produced vocals and strains of synth string work. Through all of it, though, Ziggy sticks to his overarching message of peace on Earth and raw riddim for all. (Sandy)