It has often been said that music is the universal language. And, if that’s so, no one speaks it better than Papa San. He opens his latest release, the astonishing, compelling, arresting Real & Personal, with a question that almost teases the listener to try and answer it. “Is it rock? Is it roll? Is it reggae?” Papa San asks, as machine-gun volley of percussion, crunching metal guitars and synths pound into play on the sizzling “More Life.”

And, of course, the answer is simply, “Yes! All of the above.” But the trip has only begun. It would be more accurate to just say it’s international, Jamaican, “new-school” Dancehall superstar, Papa San: back, bold, and in your face like never before. With a sound completely his own—and constantly evolving—Papa San stretches Gospel to places only he could take it

“Dancehall” music is a highly rhythmic and rapped spin on the traditional melodic reggae groove of masters like Bob Marley, and Papa San was pivotal in birthing it on the world music scene some twenty years ago. Today, he still tips his hat to the past, and reveres his forebears—from Marley to Jimmy Cliff, and Toots & the Maytals—but Papa San has long since moved on—even since his last, award-winning smash project, God N I.

“You can’t sit still, “ he says. “Sure, this is still Dancehall, but it’s new-school. It’s some things that are familiar, and some that are brand new. It’s what the Lord gives me, and what comes out of my head and my heart. And I let it take me wherever it does. There are no boundaries—to God, or to music.”

In 1997, Papa San, a long-established king of Dancehall and World music, had what he describes as a supernatural visitation, and committed his life to Jesus Christ. The content of his songs changed to convey his newfound faith in the Gospel, but the mighty grooves, unforgettable hooks and mile-a-minute words and rhymes continued to soar, pour and roar forth. You can’t have a culmination on a journey that never ends—and make no mistake, after 20 years and almost as many albums, Papa San has not once even slowed down—but Real & Personal is definitely the most dramatic, captivating, and downright thrill-a-minute ride in his long and preeminent career.

The album’s 11 new Papa San originals each take the listener to a place of its own, and when everything stands out so distinctly, it’s impossible to list any one or two stand outs. Still, if get through just “More Life” alone, and are less than dazzled and devastated, you might want to head for the nearest ER and make sure you’ve still living. As Papa San and a pile-driving rhythm section pound home the message of eternal life through Christ, a soulful—even sweet—female vocal ensemble moves in, above, around and through it all with a classic, too-cool and catchy, melodic chorus.

Yes, Papa San is back indeed, and kicking it harder than ever for Christ.