Anthony B, courtesy photo

That's Life is Anthony's fourth effort with VP. His debut, So Many Things was one of the strongest debut's that the label's ever had (fueled at least partially by the controversy behind the single "Fire Pon Rome"). A year later, Anthony came with Universal Struggle and in 1999 released the very strong Seven Seals. The 25-year-old has done quite a bit in the last half-decade, with over 100 recorded songs under his belt and albums and compilations with numerous labels, not to mention the scores of talented Jamaican producers he's worked with over the years.

Anthony's discs always start out strong, and That's Life is no different. On "Good Life," the album's opener, he chats over the excellent Beres Hammond riddim that soared Half Pint to the top of the charts last year on "Just Be Good." Righteous lyrics and an uplifting riddim: there's no better way to start things off.

But Anthony doesn't stay lighthearted for long. On "Dirty Heart" and "Fire Pon Di Government" (what could be considered a follow-up to his enormously popular, and controversial, "Fire Pon Rome" in 1996), Anthony rips corrupt officials both in Jamaica and the U.S. "Fire Pon Di Government" features one of Anthony's most seething verses where he declares that "Jah Jah mek Guillani catch cancer." The fight for change, fortunately, hasn't stopped with Anthony B.

Anthony covers Peter Tosh's legendary "Equal Rights" inna fine style, bringing Sly & Robbie in to provide the backing. And while Anthony experimented with a ska sound with "Marley Memories" on Universal Struggle, this time around he toys with an old school R&B sound on the catchy, upbeat "Fire Dance."

Anthony even manages to take riddims that would sound lackluster with other DJs and make them sound powerful. One example is "Dust 'Em Out," where Anthony takes a relatively standard dancehall Massive B dancehall track and thickens it up with his signature spiritual lyrics.

Other solid tunes include the well-produced "Rally Round" (produced by Diavallan Fearon), the bass-heavy "Lock the Guns Dem" (with production by Morgan Heritage), and the album's mellow closer "I Will Never Bow Down," where Anthony reaffirms his commitment to his Bobo Rasta background and his core beliefs.

There aren't many down points on That's Life. Even the few subpar tracks (like the title track and "Wave Off the Crosses") are heads and shoulders above standard dancehall tracks.

VP's made a nice change in Anthony B's packaging this time around, opting to include lyrics in addition to the regular liner notes. And once again, Anthony B and VP Records proves to be a killer team. Lots of good tunes and positive vibes that help remind the listener that's it's not enough to listen to music, you have to let it affect you and inspire you to be an activist for what you feel is righteous.