Ziggy Marley is now older that his famous father lived to be. While recording “Love is my Religion” Ziggy turned 37, one year older that Bob Marley at the time of his death in 1981. While Ziggy continues to move away from the sound of the Melody Makers, the group of siblings his father formed, his new album is a truly life affirming statement carrying  on Bob Marley’s “One Love” philosophy.

This is Marley’s second solo album and is produced, written and, with the exception of percussion, background vocals and a few guest appearances, is almost entirely performed by Ziggy. His brothers, Stephen and Damien are moving in a more hip hop direction with their music, but Ziggy has drawn on Northern African influences to enhance his already pure reggae sound. That makes “Love is my Religion” a more thoughtful, pleasant and positive listening experience. There are songs of social commentary like “Still the Storms” but with lines like “Vengeance is no glory, hate is no pay, truth is my call and peace is my way”, they all end up coming around to the theme the title of the album implies. He quotes liberally from his father’s own “Redemption Song” in the album’s opener “Into the Groove” singing “emancipate your mind cause nothing men do can change this time.”

The title cut on the album is one of the catchiest melodies he’s ever come up with and brings into focus the overall goal of his Rastafarian heritage. Ziggy may never emerge from his father’s immense shadow but with his attitude and love of life beaming out of this and his other recordings, he has carved his own niche and continues to mine it’s riches. Long live Bob Marley’s spirit and all his creations.

Listen for a lot of music this week from Ziggy Marley’s “Love is my Religion” on Paul Shugrue’s new music show “Out of the Box” Monday through Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm on Public Radio 89.5 WHRV