AMG Review of Stage One

Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
All Music Guide

This extra long CD showcases popular dancehall "riddims" overlaid with DJ Sean Paul's rather pedestrian "toasting." Since he possesses neither an unusual voice nor outstanding skill, this CD can become rather tiresome after awhile, especially after one too many skits on a 25-track album. Still, there are some enjoyable tunes here, namely the hit single, "Infiltrate," which burned up dancehalls with its pumping beat, and "Hot Gal Today," a duet with ultra-hot DJ Mr. Vegas, which displays an interesting blend of Sean Paul's hard voice with Vegas' smoother vocals. "Faded," a take on Shania Twain's "Looks Like We Made It," also illustrates clever treatment.