My Way

When she burst on the scene in 1994, no one would have believed that the gutsy, gruff, and extremely lewd Lady Saw would still be relevant some fifteen years later. So much “pum pum” talk and so many cheap thrills usually make for a short-lived career, but this dancehall diva is all that and more. My Way is the rock solid proof as Saw offers a dizzying mix of hard sex and girl power over backing tracks that run the gamut. Anyone familiar with reggae singer Gyptian’s mega-hit “Hold You” will recognize the chilled riddim underneath Saw’s great answer song “Me Hold You,” but if you want furious, jump to the wild highlight “Tighta” which utilizes the over-the-top “Cosa Nostra” riddim for controlled chaos. Many of the cuts come from the production house of Marion Hall who pushes the envelope with the fabulous space disco beats he lays on the catty and fierce “Your Chick.” The title cut is arguably the singer’s best roots cut to date, “Party till December” is an infectious pop number you can play in mixed company, and the closing slow jam “I’m a Woman” is strong, poignant, and honest. While the X-rated elements of My Way can’t be oversold, it is important to note that the versatile Saw is able to adjust from porno to political to personal like Prince in his early days. Highly recommended, just have your ID ready. – David Jeffries