Paradise, the third studio album from California-based reggae artiste Joseph Israel, released last July via Lions of Israel Inc and it debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Reggae album chart. It re-enters the chart at number 43.

Paradise features 14 tracks, including People Need Love featuring Tarrus Riley, Gentleman and Josey Wales. Other tracks include The Son, Give Love, Feel at Home, Journey, Success, and Just You Wait.

Israel’s debut album Gone are the Days peaked at number 11 in 2007.

Born Joseph Montgomery Fennel in Tulsa, Oklahoma ,the 40-year-old singer is described musically as having a “blend of soul, jazz, folk, world, and reggae”. He has collaborated with many well-known performers in the reggae genre, including Ziggy Marley and Matisyahu.

He was exposed to reggae music by his father and uncle, who were enthusiasts who often travelled to Jamaica. At age 12, Joseph said he received his first reggae cassettes — Bob Marley, Legend; Peter Tosh, Wanted Dread and Alive; Jimmy Cliff, Special; and Burning Spear.

“Their music really inspired me to become who I am. They were speaking about the truth, humanity and about changing things in a positive way. And even when things are tough we must keep going. So, I found a common thread in reggae music that spoke to my heart,” he said.

— Kevin Jackson