Wayne Wonder seems confused. His album is titled No Holding Back, but its lead single is “No Letting Go.” So which one is it, Wayne? Listeners can attempt to sort out that conundrum as they experience 16 songs of Jamaican reggae that showcase Wonder’s range as a musician. From the energetic, vapid “Bounce Along” to the slower, emotional “Just Another Day,” Wonder covers the full spectrum of tempos and rhythms, performing most with an apparent aptitude. Wonder’s smooth, powerful voice aids his performance and it carries some of the album’s lesser tracks. Unfortunately, Wonder does not vary his subject matter as much as his music, and the record’s dominant theme, love, becomes monotonous. Those who have been enamored with “No Letting Go” may also be disappointed because Holding Back has few songs as pop-friendly.
1 1/2 Stars