When Buju Banton emerged from the Kingston slums in the early 90s, he stirred controversy with a breed of dancehall steeped in the same obsessions with gunplay, sexism and homophobia that characterised hardcore American hip-hop. But after converting to Rastafarianism and scratching to find some more socially conscious and deeply rooted music on 1993's Voice Of Jamaica, Banton (born Mark Myrie) proved that his conscience and creative restlessness were driven by more than mere commercial shrewdness on this, his true breakthrough. Banton seems like a changed man from the get-go.

The spiritually uplifting title prologue segues into a chuckle and the resignation of "'Til I'm Laid to Rest". While Banton ruminates on everything from love and spirituality to geo-politics, the electro dancehall clichés have largely given way to organic, often spiritual music whose African influences are worn as a badge of honour. Banton has been credited with reinventing dancehall here and it's hard to argue. His gruff voice bounds from its previous monotonous rap-ruts with a warmth and a joyous, newfound expressiveness that lights up the infectious "Murderer", the fatalistic "Not An Easy Road", the party time "Hush Baby Hush" (a reworking of the Zodiacs chestnut "Stay"), and even finds some folksy resonance with the acoustic guitar backed "Untold Stories". Guest vocalists Garnett Silk ("Complaint") and Wayne Wonder ("What Ya Gonna Do") add some contemporary R&B touches to Banton's already considerably expanded sense of dynamics. This remastered reissue features three bonus cuts: the B-sides "Rampage" and "Sensemilia Persecution" and a previously Jamaica-only remix of "Champion". --Jerry McCulley

Buju Banton brought forth a brave and honest testimonial album, 24 Jun 2007
This album can easily satisfy any reggae lover and unexpectedly grab hold onto non-reggae listeners into its clutches. Buju is masterful on the mic with his rough sounding style and the production is perfect. It's one of the Best reggae album I own that is constantly on rotation when I'm in the mood for this genre. Buju open the album with the brief a cappella psalm, "Shiloh," which is inspirational and extraordinary to hear. On the next two tracks he explodes with sound and feeling with first "Til I'm Laid to Rest," a melody that is intertwines with an homage to Africa and his faith in the Promised Land. He secondly roles in with one of the most powerful and rawest track "Murderer." It's emotionally written in the repercussion of his friend's killings in which Buju struggles with his grief and fierce desire for vengeance. "Champion" and "It's all Over," proves Buju is still a rudebwoy on these tracks that's just phenomenal. "Untold Stories," is one pretty haunting song that reflects on the world around him that's pleasant to the ears.

It's "Not an Easy Road," shows Banton vulnerable side and continues on opening his soul to the world with "Wanna Be Loved," and also exposes his loneliness on "What Ya Gonna Do" joined by Wayne Wonder that I can't get enough of because there great to mellow out to. On "Complaint" Buju is praising Jah and spreading the heathens before him. "Chuck It So" takes a similar attitude, which he takes on a Big Man, with the 2 Friends Crew softening his vicious assault. Buju turned a 1960 classic "Stay," with "Hush Baby Hush," by slightly adding a lighter note to this event. The last track "Champion [remix]" is a pleasant addition because it reminds me of my club years, the DJ's use to play this number religiously and had a lot of people moving.

`Til Shiloh' is a rare and gentler side to Buju that will have you constantly hitting the repeat button. It's a necessity for any reggae fan and with that I also recommend the album `Inna Heights.'


Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!, 07 Jun 2005
Before i purchased this album i was aware of buju banton being the biggest selling artist in jamaica since Bob Marley however listening to other rastafarian singers such as burning spear i wasn't expecting much. But from the first listen i could tell that this album is special, absolutely brilliant!, truly takes every element that is great about jamaican music and empodies the spirit and buju's wailings stay with you long after the album has finished raw and rugged, unlike any other artist (except maybe Natural Black) this album is unbelivable. This is without doubt Buju's "exodus" it's got roots, dnacehall, bashment it really is simply remarkable i can't express in the vernacular how good this album is. Buy it and you will not be disappointed. My favourite songs off the album are: wanna be loved, untold stories, not an easy road, chuck it so!!! BUY IT

A voice that is the ruffest & gruffest!, 20 Aug 2002
A wicked album! When this was first released, I rinsed it out over and over. The old favourites 'Champion' and 'Murderer' are there, but unlike many albums there are no fillers on this one. Buju's voice is so rough but smooth at the same time. Every tune is full of soul,'Its not an easy road', 'Til Shiloh','Wanna be loved' to name but a few that show just how far this amazingly talented guy has moved since the days of 'Boom Bye Bye'. This album will have you turning up the volume, closing your eyes and wishing you are in a hot country, knowing every word of each track and getting your batty riders on to find the nearest dancehall bashment!!!

Buju Banton brought forth a brave and honest testimonial album, 24 Jun 2007
This album can easily satisfy any reggae lover and unexpectedly grab hold onto non-reggae listeners into its clutches. Buju is masterful on the mic with his rough sounding style and the production is perfect. It's one of the Best reggae album I own that is constantly on rotation when I'm in the mood for this genre. Buju open the album with the brief a cappella psalm, "Shiloh," which is inspirational and extraordinary to hear. On the next two tracks he explodes with sound and feeling with first "Til I'm Laid to Rest," a melody that is intertwines with an homage to Africa and his faith in the Promised Land. He secondly roles in with one of the most powerful and rawest track "Murderer." It's emotionally written in the repercussion of his friend's killings in which Buju struggles with his grief and fierce desire for vengeance. "Champion" and "It's all Over," proves Buju is still a rudebwoy on these tracks that's just phenomenal. "Untold Stories," is one pretty haunting song that reflects on the world around him that's pleasant to the ears.

It's "Not an Easy Road," shows Banton vulnerable side and continues on opening his soul to the world with "Wanna Be Loved," and also exposes his loneliness on "What Ya Gonna Do" joined by Wayne Wonder that I can't get enough of because there great to mellow out to. On "Complaint" Buju is praising Jah and spreading the heathens before him. "Chuck It So" takes a similar attitude, which he takes on a Big Man, with the 2 Friends Crew softening his vicious assault. Buju turned a 1960 classic "Stay," with "Hush Baby Hush," by slightly adding a lighter note to this event. The last track "Champion [remix]" is a pleasant addition because it reminds me of my club years, the DJ's use to play this number religiously and had a lot of people moving.

`Til Shiloh' is a rare and gentler side to Buju that will have you constantly hitting the repeat button. It's a necessity for any reggae fan and with that I also recommend the album `Inna Heights.'


Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!, 07 Jun 2005
Before i purchased this album i was aware of buju banton being the biggest selling artist in jamaica since Bob Marley however listening to other rastafarian singers such as burning spear i wasn't expecting much. But from the first listen i could tell that this album is special, absolutely brilliant!, truly takes every element that is great about jamaican music and empodies the spirit and buju's wailings stay with you long after the album has finished raw and rugged, unlike any other artist (except maybe Natural Black) this album is unbelivable. This is without doubt Buju's "exodus" it's got roots, dnacehall, bashment it really is simply remarkable i can't express in the vernacular how good this album is. Buy it and you will not be disappointed. My favourite songs off the album are: wanna be loved, untold stories, not an easy road, chuck it so!!! BUY IT

A voice that is the ruffest & gruffest!, 20 Aug 2002
A wicked album! When this was first released, I rinsed it out over and over. The old favourites 'Champion' and 'Murderer' are there, but unlike many albums there are no fillers on this one. Buju's voice is so rough but smooth at the same time. Every tune is full of soul,'Its not an easy road', 'Til Shiloh','Wanna be loved' to name but a few that show just how far this amazingly talented guy has moved since the days of 'Boom Bye Bye'. This album will have you turning up the volume, closing your eyes and wishing you are in a hot country, knowing every word of each track and getting your batty riders on to find the nearest dancehall bashment!!!

WOW!!, 17 Jan 2007
I've always loved Buju and his music, but when I bought this cd I thought that after all these years he would have to go the way of other recording artistes of using mediocre fillers around two hits to complete the ablum. I was certainly wrong! This is album is amazing!! No track skipping!! I danced, laughed, deejayed with him and just loved it!! Buju is deep into the hardcore dancehall while drawing everyone in with him. Even if you only like toned down reggae music you will love this.
AMAZING!!!

Buju Banton brought forth a brave and honest testimonial album, 24 Jun 2007
This album can easily satisfy any reggae lover and unexpectedly grab hold onto non-reggae listeners into its clutches. Buju is masterful on the mic with his rough sounding style and the production is perfect. It's one of the Best reggae album I own that is constantly on rotation when I'm in the mood for this genre. Buju open the album with the brief a cappella psalm, "Shiloh," which is inspirational and extraordinary to hear. On the next two tracks he explodes with sound and feeling with first "Til I'm Laid to Rest," a melody that is intertwines with an homage to Africa and his faith in the Promised Land. He secondly roles in with one of the most powerful and rawest track "Murderer." It's emotionally written in the repercussion of his friend's killings in which Buju struggles with his grief and fierce desire for vengeance. "Champion" and "It's all Over," proves Buju is still a rudebwoy on these tracks that's just phenomenal. "Untold Stories," is one pretty haunting song that reflects on the world around him that's pleasant to the ears.

It's "Not an Easy Road," shows Banton vulnerable side and continues on opening his soul to the world with "Wanna Be Loved," and also exposes his loneliness on "What Ya Gonna Do" joined by Wayne Wonder that I can't get enough of because there great to mellow out to. On "Complaint" Buju is praising Jah and spreading the heathens before him. "Chuck It So" takes a similar attitude, which he takes on a Big Man, with the 2 Friends Crew softening his vicious assault. Buju turned a 1960 classic "Stay," with "Hush Baby Hush," by slightly adding a lighter note to this event. The last track "Champion [remix]" is a pleasant addition because it reminds me of my club years, the DJ's use to play this number religiously and had a lot of people moving.

`Til Shiloh' is a rare and gentler side to Buju that will have you constantly hitting the repeat button. It's a necessity for any reggae fan and with that I also recommend the album `Inna Heights.'


Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!, 07 Jun 2005
Before i purchased this album i was aware of buju banton being the biggest selling artist in jamaica since Bob Marley however listening to other rastafarian singers such as burning spear i wasn't expecting much. But from the first listen i could tell that this album is special, absolutely brilliant!, truly takes every element that is great about jamaican music and empodies the spirit and buju's wailings stay with you long after the album has finished raw and rugged, unlike any other artist (except maybe Natural Black) this album is unbelivable. This is without doubt Buju's "exodus" it's got roots, dnacehall, bashment it really is simply remarkable i can't express in the vernacular how good this album is. Buy it and you will not be disappointed. My favourite songs off the album are: wanna be loved, untold stories, not an easy road, chuck it so!!! BUY IT

A voice that is the ruffest & gruffest!, 20 Aug 2002
A wicked album! When this was first released, I rinsed it out over and over. The old favourites 'Champion' and 'Murderer' are there, but unlike many albums there are no fillers on this one. Buju's voice is so rough but smooth at the same time. Every tune is full of soul,'Its not an easy road', 'Til Shiloh','Wanna be loved' to name but a few that show just how far this amazingly talented guy has moved since the days of 'Boom Bye Bye'. This album will have you turning up the volume, closing your eyes and wishing you are in a hot country, knowing every word of each track and getting your batty riders on to find the nearest dancehall bashment!!!

WOW!!, 17 Jan 2007
I've always loved Buju and his music, but when I bought this cd I thought that after all these years he would have to go the way of other recording artistes of using mediocre fillers around two hits to complete the ablum. I was certainly wrong! This is album is amazing!! No track skipping!! I danced, laughed, deejayed with him and just loved it!! Buju is deep into the hardcore dancehall while drawing everyone in with him. Even if you only like toned down reggae music you will love this.
AMAZING!!!

Probably the best reggae artist ever....as good as Bob., 12 Dec 2000
I first heard B.Banton on the box, with the single "Destiny" on which i instantly thought it was Bob Marley. When i found out who it was i just had to get "Inna Heights", and so should everybody! This album is superb every track is just as good as "Destiny". As well as the fantastic songs Buju talks about his inspirations and influences from childhood to present day between tracks, this gives you an insight of the man and his music. This album is a must try for any Bob Marley fan and a must buy for reggae fans in general.

Buju Banton brought forth a brave and honest testimonial album, 24 Jun 2007
This album can easily satisfy any reggae lover and unexpectedly grab hold onto non-reggae listeners into its clutches. Buju is masterful on the mic with his rough sounding style and the production is perfect. It's one of the Best reggae album I own that is constantly on rotation when I'm in the mood for this genre. Buju open the album with the brief a cappella psalm, "Shiloh," which is inspirational and extraordinary to hear. On the next two tracks he explodes with sound and feeling with first "Til I'm Laid to Rest," a melody that is intertwines with an homage to Africa and his faith in the Promised Land. He secondly roles in with one of the most powerful and rawest track "Murderer." It's emotionally written in the repercussion of his friend's killings in which Buju struggles with his grief and fierce desire for vengeance. "Champion" and "It's all Over," proves Buju is still a rudebwoy on these tracks that's just phenomenal. "Untold Stories," is one pretty haunting song that reflects on the world around him that's pleasant to the ears.

It's "Not an Easy Road," shows Banton vulnerable side and continues on opening his soul to the world with "Wanna Be Loved," and also exposes his loneliness on "What Ya Gonna Do" joined by Wayne Wonder that I can't get enough of because there great to mellow out to. On "Complaint" Buju is praising Jah and spreading the heathens before him. "Chuck It So" takes a similar attitude, which he takes on a Big Man, with the 2 Friends Crew softening his vicious assault. Buju turned a 1960 classic "Stay," with "Hush Baby Hush," by slightly adding a lighter note to this event. The last track "Champion [remix]" is a pleasant addition because it reminds me of my club years, the DJ's use to play this number religiously and had a lot of people moving.

`Til Shiloh' is a rare and gentler side to Buju that will have you constantly hitting the repeat button. It's a necessity for any reggae fan and with that I also recommend the album `Inna Heights.'


Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!, 07 Jun 2005
Before i purchased this album i was aware of buju banton being the biggest selling artist in jamaica since Bob Marley however listening to other rastafarian singers such as burning spear i wasn't expecting much. But from the first listen i could tell that this album is special, absolutely brilliant!, truly takes every element that is great about jamaican music and empodies the spirit and buju's wailings stay with you long after the album has finished raw and rugged, unlike any other artist (except maybe Natural Black) this album is unbelivable. This is without doubt Buju's "exodus" it's got roots, dnacehall, bashment it really is simply remarkable i can't express in the vernacular how good this album is. Buy it and you will not be disappointed. My favourite songs off the album are: wanna be loved, untold stories, not an easy road, chuck it so!!! BUY IT

A voice that is the ruffest & gruffest!, 20 Aug 2002
A wicked album! When this was first released, I rinsed it out over and over. The old favourites 'Champion' and 'Murderer' are there, but unlike many albums there are no fillers on this one. Buju's voice is so rough but smooth at the same time. Every tune is full of soul,'Its not an easy road', 'Til Shiloh','Wanna be loved' to name but a few that show just how far this amazingly talented guy has moved since the days of 'Boom Bye Bye'. This album will have you turning up the volume, closing your eyes and wishing you are in a hot country, knowing every word of each track and getting your batty riders on to find the nearest dancehall bashment!!!

WOW!!, 17 Jan 2007
I've always loved Buju and his music, but when I bought this cd I thought that after all these years he would have to go the way of other recording artistes of using mediocre fillers around two hits to complete the ablum. I was certainly wrong! This is album is amazing!! No track skipping!! I danced, laughed, deejayed with him and just loved it!! Buju is deep into the hardcore dancehall while drawing everyone in with him. Even if you only like toned down reggae music you will love this.
AMAZING!!!

Probably the best reggae artist ever....as good as Bob., 12 Dec 2000
I first heard B.Banton on the box, with the single "Destiny" on which i instantly thought it was Bob Marley. When i found out who it was i just had to get "Inna Heights", and so should everybody! This album is superb every track is just as good as "Destiny". As well as the fantastic songs Buju talks about his inspirations and influences from childhood to present day between tracks, this gives you an insight of the man and his music. This album is a must try for any Bob Marley fan and a must buy for reggae fans in general.

What reggae is all about., 25 May 2001
When I first listened to this album it hit me like a bullet. Having first listened to his pre-rasta music, it was amazing to see how far Buju has come. This is his latest album, which demonstrates his amazingly flexible voice. This quality is shown in track 1: Intro. This was the first song he played at his concert at the London Astoria in early May, which I was fortunate enough to go to. It proved that his voice was pure talent. My personal favourite on this album is track 7: Life Is A Journey. I feel that this has the most signifcant meaning, which is felt because of the passion in his voice when he sings it. The album is a true example of why we love reggae, because of the meaning behind the lyrics and the melody. Check it out.

What reggae is all about., 25 May 2001
When I first listened to this album it hit me like a bullet. Having first listened to his pre-rasta music, it was amazing to see how far Buju has come. This is his latest album, which demonstrates his amazingly flexible voice. The quality of his voice is shown in track 1: Intro. This was the first song he played at his concert at the London Astoria in early May, which I was fortunate enough to go to. It proved that his voice was pure talent. Ny personal favourite on this album is track 7: What is life. I feel that this has the most signifcant meaning, which is felt because of the passion in his voice when he sings it. The album is a true example of why we love reggae, because of the meaning behind the lyrics and the melody. Check it out.

With the dancehall electro-beats, obsession with violence, and homophobia that characterised his earliest releases, the then-teenaged Buju Banton (born Mark Myrie of Salt Lane, Kingston) couldn't escape troubling parallels with some of his early 90s American hip-hop counterparts. But a conversion to the popular Jamaican cult of Rastafarianism--and crucially, Voice of Jamaica--seemed to mark a dramatic turning point for both Banton's soul and music. Indeed, he quickly turned from the gay-bashing "Boom Boom Bye Bye" to promoting AIDS awareness and condoms on this 1993 album's groundbreaking "Willy (Don't Be Silly)". But it takes considerably more than a (shrewdly?) reformed social conscience to make great reggae. Still leaning on the electro-heavy production of early 90s dancehall and relying on a repetitive, growling delivery that doesn't exactly break new ground for either rhythm or rhyme, Banton bullies his way through heart-on-the-sleeve consciousness raisin! g ("Deportees", "Willy", "No Respect", "Wicked Act"), more typical boasts ("Good Body"), and romance ("Red Rose", "Make My Day", "Commitment") alike. Still, listen closely and you'll hear some more organic elements (and pop consciousness) seeping through the bluster, harbingers of his groundbreaking 1995 Til Shiloh. This remastered reissue features two bonus tracks ("Vigilante" and a dub-heavy remix of "Deportees") originally available as a promotional-only single. --Jerry McCulley

Buju Banton brought forth a brave and honest testimonial album, 24 Jun 2007
This album can easily satisfy any reggae lover and unexpectedly grab hold onto non-reggae listeners into its clutches. Buju is masterful on the mic with his rough sounding style and the production is perfect. It's one of the Best reggae album I own that is constantly on rotation when I'm in the mood for this genre. Buju open the album with the brief a cappella psalm, "Shiloh," which is inspirational and extraordinary to hear. On the next two tracks he explodes with sound and feeling with first "Til I'm Laid to Rest," a melody that is intertwines with an homage to Africa and his faith in the Promised Land. He secondly roles in with one of the most powerful and rawest track "Murderer." It's emotionally written in the repercussion of his friend's killings in which Buju struggles with his grief and fierce desire for vengeance. "Champion" and "It's all Over," proves Buju is still a rudebwoy on these tracks that's just phenomenal. "Untold Stories," is one pretty haunting song that reflects on the world around him that's pleasant to the ears.

It's "Not an Easy Road," shows Banton vulnerable side and continues on opening his soul to the world with "Wanna Be Loved," and also exposes his loneliness on "What Ya Gonna Do" joined by Wayne Wonder that I can't get enough of because there great to mellow out to. On "Complaint" Buju is praising Jah and spreading the heathens before him. "Chuck It So" takes a similar attitude, which he takes on a Big Man, with the 2 Friends Crew softening his vicious assault. Buju turned a 1960 classic "Stay," with "Hush Baby Hush," by slightly adding a lighter note to this event. The last track "Champion [remix]" is a pleasant addition because it reminds me of my club years, the DJ's use to play this number religiously and had a lot of people moving.

`Til Shiloh' is a rare and gentler side to Buju that will have you constantly hitting the repeat button. It's a necessity for any reggae fan and with that I also recommend the album `Inna Heights.'


Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!, 07 Jun 2005
Before i purchased this album i was aware of buju banton being the biggest selling artist in jamaica since Bob Marley however listening to other rastafarian singers such as burning spear i wasn't expecting much. But from the first listen i could tell that this album is special, absolutely brilliant!, truly takes every element that is great about jamaican music and empodies the spirit and buju's wailings stay with you long after the album has finished raw and rugged, unlike any other artist (except maybe Natural Black) this album is unbelivable. This is without doubt Buju's "exodus" it's got roots, dnacehall, bashment it really is simply remarkable i can't express in the vernacular how good this album is. Buy it and you will not be disappointed. My favourite songs off the album are: wanna be loved, untold stories, not an easy road, chuck it so!!! BUY IT

A voice that is the ruffest & gruffest!, 20 Aug 2002
A wicked album! When this was first released, I rinsed it out over and over. The old favourites 'Champion' and 'Murderer' are there, but unlike many albums there are no fillers on this one. Buju's voice is so rough but smooth at the same time. Every tune is full of soul,'Its not an easy road', 'Til Shiloh','Wanna be loved' to name but a few that show just how far this amazingly talented guy has moved since the days of 'Boom Bye Bye'. This album will have you turning up the volume, closing your eyes and wishing you are in a hot country, knowing every word of each track and getting your batty riders on to find the nearest dancehall bashment!!!

WOW!!, 17 Jan 2007
I've always loved Buju and his music, but when I bought this cd I thought that after all these years he would have to go the way of other recording artistes of using mediocre fillers around two hits to complete the ablum. I was certainly wrong! This is album is amazing!! No track skipping!! I danced, laughed, deejayed with him and just loved it!! Buju is deep into the hardcore dancehall while drawing everyone in with him. Even if you only like toned down reggae music you will love this.
AMAZING!!!

Probably the best reggae artist ever....as good as Bob., 12 Dec 2000
I first heard B.Banton on the box, with the single "Destiny" on which i instantly thought it was Bob Marley. When i found out who it was i just had to get "Inna Heights", and so should everybody! This album is superb every track is just as good as "Destiny". As well as the fantastic songs Buju talks about his inspirations and influences from childhood to present day between tracks, this gives you an insight of the man and his music. This album is a must try for any Bob Marley fan and a must buy for reggae fans in general.

What reggae is all about., 25 May 2001
When I first listened to this album it hit me like a bullet. Having first listened to his pre-rasta music, it was amazing to see how far Buju has come. This is his latest album, which demonstrates his amazingly flexible voice. This quality is shown in track 1: Intro. This was the first song he played at his concert at the London Astoria in early May, which I was fortunate enough to go to. It proved that his voice was pure talent. My personal favourite on this album is track 7: Life Is A Journey. I feel that this has the most signifcant meaning, which is felt because of the passion in his voice when he sings it. The album is a true example of why we love reggae, because of the meaning behind the lyrics and the melody. Check it out.

What reggae is all about., 25 May 2001
When I first listened to this album it hit me like a bullet. Having first listened to his pre-rasta music, it was amazing to see how far Buju has come. This is his latest album, which demonstrates his amazingly flexible voice. The quality of his voice is shown in track 1: Intro. This was the first song he played at his concert at the London Astoria in early May, which I was fortunate enough to go to. It proved that his voice was pure talent. Ny personal favourite on this album is track 7: What is life. I feel that this has the most signifcant meaning, which is felt because of the passion in his voice when he sings it. The album is a true example of why we love reggae, because of the meaning behind the lyrics and the melody. Check it out.

Buju at his best, rough tough & ready just how we like him, 06 Feb 2002
His best collection to date, classic Buju Banton will have you jamin at your car wheel and blasting it out full volume, (being a white middle class f/male living in Eltham it was an experience!)His characteristic voice makes him Worldly recogniseable and this CD definetely does him justice. I feel he chose the tracks personally to compile his real favourites basically because he puts all his heart and soul into each song, there is not one song I skip through. Sometimes serious issues but done in a comical way with excellent musical backing that will have you moving or at least taping your feet.

Like a bulging omnibus edition, Friends for Life is pushing very close to the 80-minute CD maximum, crammed with a very varied crop of 19 songs. Buju Banton departs from the uppity dancehall jogging that still forms the familiar heart of this set, skirting around smooth balladry, ranting rap, roots reggae and even old fashioned ska. It's Buju's prickly-throated couplets that ensure this album still feels like a rounded statement, particularly when the producers and backing musicians are also a mixed crew. There's lone player-engineers like Troyton and Steven "Lenky" Marsden, the latter scoring high with his infectious "Tra-La-La", while hard-edged duos Steelie & Clevie and Cool & Dre lend "Hooked on the Love" and "Damn" a pneumatic push.

Banton's lyrics are aimed thrustingly at the ladies (especially on the opening three tracks), but at the same time, they're strangely surreal. The smoothie "One to One" sounds like Bob Marley via Wyclef Jean, but then Buju makes a serious move towards a cluster of anti-racism messages. It's a shame that these are the numbers that cry out for a harder musical delivery. "Good Times" has Beres Hammond guesting along with rabid rapper Fat Joe and for the old timers there's a winning version of Peter Tosh's "Mama Africa" and the repeated presence of Sly Dunbar. --Martin Longley