"Backfire" — the most stirring cut — typifies Noland's prevailing sound, a kick to his past but equally "today" in potency and appeal.

His phrase-ology often is influenced by Jamaican formats (check out "Mercy, Mercy" and "Slow It Down"). He eases into the folk motif on "Do You Feel Like You Free" and "Forever Young." Categorically speaking, "Master Blaster" might be termed blues.

The original songs possess a power and purity of their own, laced with anguish and anxiety. This isn't angry music, it's an outlet for creativity and espression— with unrelenting bass riffs and occasional moans from the saxes.

The tales are in the titles: "Fatalist," "Desperation," "Conflict Resolution," "3 Page Letter." Yet there are breaks of blue in the sky — with such uplifting, toe-tapping tunes as "Unlock Your Door" and "Echoes of Joy."

There's even a commercial cut in "451," that reflects on intellectual liberation and a quest for personal freedom.

The guitar-strumming singer is best on such classics as "I Don't Need a Thing at All," "Welcome to My World," "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers," "Working Man Blues" and "Life's Railway to Heaven."

John Cruz adds his ki ho'alu and guitar prowess on a couple of tracks; the Cruz Sisters add harmony on a bonus local cut.