Keeping reggae both relevant and romantic for new generations, Hawaii trio Maoli updates the genre with modern pop and country touches while foregrounding lead singer Glenn Awong’s poignant delivery. That combined warmth guides original ballads like 2023’s “Country Boy” and works just as effectively on soothing covers like the band’s 2020 version of Stevie Wonder’s hopeful “A Place in the Sun”—complete with a stripped-down ukulele section at the end—and 2022 take on David Grace’s country-soul love letter “I Would Look Good on You”. Awong’s voice especially shines on 2018’s “Mercy”, which opens with gospel-like solemnity before those reliable reggae rhythms kick in and the singer gamely challenges the subject to go ahead and break his heart. Other songs cosy up closer to vintage soul (2008’s “No One”) and contemporary country (2022’s “Whiskey Doesn’t Work”), but Awong’s lovestruck pleadings remain a running theme against the band’s slinky, satiny sound.