Vince Black’s views on his second solo reggae release are pointedly against hatred, bitterness, violence and wickedness. “Standing Up For Love” is a well-crafted project of original material that also reveals deeper emotions than apparent on many reggae projects. Black writes with poignancy, and he has recurring themes and concepts that are reinforced throughout his music. Various references to the “diverse doctrine” advocate a strong stand against separation, confusion, and strife. His songs like “Back Off” and “I and I Nah Wicked” and “No Compromise” call for prayer, patience, belief in God, and protection from Satan. Vince Black clearly put a lot of thought and hard work into this album. Besides his lead and backing vocals, he plays guitars, bass, drums, keyboards and percussion. He also programmed drums for some tracks. Black’s “Jah Never Wanted” is a strong statement about unrequited love of God that he sings with an ache in his voice.    

Vince Black understands that human emotions and life in general have their ups and downs. He documents the paradox in “Play For Us” – “Rich today, and then you’re broke tomorrow / Sometimes you live then you have to beg and borrow / Up today and then you’re down tomorrow / I don’t want to say it again.” Admirably, Black has a clarion vision for his music. He plays and sings his tunes faithfully, relying minimally on artful musicians like Manas Itiene, Chaya I-Chele, Santa Davis, Joe Hall, and Arma De Jah. One of the singles released from this album,  “Hope You Love Jah” was recorded with a different backing band.

Being associated with the Camp Creek Records label is a good fit for Black as the label is dedicated to bringing about positive change, locally and globally, in the world. The album quotes Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” All label profits are donated to charity. The album closes with a reprise of the opening salvo, “Play For Us,” and reminds us once again that actions speak louder than words. That song also features popular chanter/DJ Prezident Brown on vocals. Black’s action-orientation and call for brotherhood are commendable.

Songs on the 52-minute project include: 1. Play For Us, 2. Rich Today, 3. Wicked Men, 4. Hope You Love Jah, 5. Standing Up For Love, 6. Back Off, 7. I and I Nah Wicked, 8. No Compromise, 9. Jah Never Wanted, 10. Hatred & Bitterness, 11. Play For Us - Prez Brown Special. Getting his reggae music further afield will make us all better members of the human race. I hope that this album becomes more than just a labor of love for Vince Black.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)