BUJU BANTON
RASTA GOT SOUL (GARGAMEL)
Originally composed during his 2004 “exile”—when Buju’s visa was confiscated due to a ganja charge—Rasta Got Soul is a strictly roots and culture affair, with the gravelly voiced DJ singing throughout in a return to Til Shiloh form.
That legendary 1995 disc, released on the Loose Cannon imprint of Mercury Records, marked Buju’s ascension from top-ranking dancehall don to internationally acclaimed reggae star. Coming so soon after still-simmering lyrical controversies threatened to consume his career, Buju’s Rasta renaissance was reminiscent of a dreadlocked phoenix rising from the flames. But people forget that Til Shiloh had more than a few dancehall cuts thrown in to keep the party popping, from Dave Kelly’s “Arab Attack” riddim on “Only Man” to Penthouse classics like “Champion” and “Murderer.” By contrast, the sound of Rasta Got Soul remains much more consistent throughout—ranging from Niyabinghi-style drumming and chanting to traditional “organic” roots reggae played by live musicians.
Roots revivalists and dancehall bashers alike may stand up and cheer the retro gesture of Rasta Got Soul, but Buju’s diehard dancehall fans—the ones who loved his 2006 hit “Driver” from the Too Bad album—may be left wanting more. While individual cuts like “I Rise” and “Magic City” are worthy of praise, a bit more variety would be welcome. As nice as the ska rave-up “Little Bit of Sorry” may be, one wishes for a few raw dancehall cuts, “Cowboys” perhaps, or “Any Weh Gal Deh.” The touching, Wyclef-produced duet “Bedtime Stories” may be the sleeper hit here. “Daddy won’t be coming home tonight,” Buju sings, and the sad story rings true—whether you’re a hustler or a soldier or a reggae singer.
Buju Banton's "Rasta Got Soul" is in stores 4/14/09
Tracklisting for Rasta Got Soul
1. “Hurt Us No More”
2. “Magic City”
3. I Rise”
4. “Rastafari”
5. “I Wonder”
6. “A Little Bit Of Sorry”
7. “Affair Of The Heart”
8. “Lend A Hand”
9. “Optimistic Soul”
10. “Mary”
11. “Make You Mine”
12. “Bedtime Story” feat. Wyclef Jean
13. “Sense Of Purpose”
14. “Be On Your Way”
15. “Lights Out”
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