Customer Reviews

Bonafide

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this on cassette, many years ago because of the song "Close To You" (I didn't even know who Maxi Preist was). I was very pleased to find that I had added some great music to my collection. The reggae rythms make me think of being in the Carribean, on the beach, with an umbrella drink. It's definitely worth upgrading to the CD.

This is definitely one my favorite contemporary reggae albums. I purchased it at the time of release and fourteen years later I still can't get enough. I am not a fan of hard reggae but definitely appreciate this genre of the music and Maxi Priest just combines all the right elements to give it a smooth, elegant but definitely reggae feel. Bonafide surely gave him unprecedented recognition because it is the production after Wild World, which opened the doors to a great contemporary era in reggae- the 90's. This cd is a winner through and through. You probably will listen to it several times before taking a breather. My favorites are Best of me, You and Sure fire love. Treat yourself to this "Bonafide" album. This is contemporary reggae in its splendor.

Bonafide: Is my favoriate lovers music album, I have to buy another one cause my girlfriend has it.I remember the first time I herd maxi priest and seen his "Wildworld" video I was immediatly blown away by his voice (I still am)and had to find out where I could get that album. That album is awesome too. But little did I know what other beautiful songs were on the Bonifide Album till I herd a friend of mine play the song "You" and I just had to have that Cd. When I listened to the "Bonafide" I could not get enough of it This happend ten years ago and I still listen to it. I honestly listen to it all day and not get tired I especally love "Never did say goodby" "Space in my Heart" "Best of Me" thats my girlfriends favoriate. Give it a try let it play and believe me get ready cause you will be definately moved by this beautiful music from a beautiful voice and a fan, turn it up loud!

Like everyone else in the world who has ever bought this tape, I bought it because Close to you, was the hottest single in 1990. When i made my purchase little did I know i was buying a CD that would bring me many years of joy. The first time I just listened to close to you. Then the second time I lestined to it I decided to lestin to the whole side of the tape, and was completly knocked over when i heard the songs "just a little bit longer" and " human work of art", along with all the other songs on that side. Now I lestin to it when I find myself a little down, or when I'm dating someone and i want to turn up the heat a little bit on our relationship. It always seems to work. This is one of the most romantic, albums I have ever owned and will continue to replace it as long as it keeps working for me,(and my love life)... I also did not know that at the turn of the melluim it would still be my favorite CD. I am 39 and have been buying albums for 3 decaides, in the course of the last 10 years I have bought 12 copies of Bonafide, and will continue to replace it when ever needed. I would also like to add that the reason I have to keep replacing it is because it has been riped off me 7 times and 6 times i wore it out. I'm sure you will get as much joy with it over the years that i have.

I never though I would think any "Priest" was sexy. Maxi Priest has a very seductive voice, he is gorgeous and he looks like he can talk any woman into doing anything.......and his lyrics are very passionate and they pierce the soul. I don't know if he writes his own songs....but this man is good at what he does.

I was driving along the ocean the other day and one of Art Porter's CD's, Pocket City, was playing. About half way through, "Close to You", comes on, only just Art on the sax. All I could remember was that, this song was one of my all time favorites, and years ago, I had listened to it over and over. I finally got home, and searched for the CD, found it and began playing it. It just reaffirmed that this CD was truly ground breaking, reggae, a little hip hop, and the the music is off the chart. Kind of takes you back.

I strongly recommend all fans of reggae music or pop music to have this particular album of the Maxie Priest. Maxie Priest voice is strong and beautiful, lyrics is great too. My favorite song is I just wanna be close to you. i can listen it over and over again

This was a CD that I struggled to find. I first heard the music on tape back in the early 1990s. I loved it then and still love it now. I rediscovered the CD version in about 1997/1998. I realised how powerfull all the songs are. It just keeps bringing back good memories. I especially like "Never did say goodbye" and "Space in my heart". Then there is "Close to you" and all the other great songs. I love listening to this music when I'm on the long road.

In his career, Maxi Priest has tackled roots reggae, straight r&b, pop, dancehall and of course lover's rock. Whether they are ballads or uptempo tunes he truly can sing anything. He has an innate ability to entertain with his lovely voice. Maxi is a charismatic and skilled performer as well and it shows in his music. Many people don't consider his music "real reggae" or some question Maxi Priest's credibility as a reggae artist. But I would consider him a reggae legend just for helping to change the face of reggae and expanding the culture/fanbase.

In my opinion this is his best overall effort but I enjoy all of his albums as each one shows a different side of Maxi. Anything by Maxi is worth a listen, but this album is an excellent starting point.

As usual Maxi Priest sings his heart out as real as if he is singing to his actual lover. When you hear his voice you hear his passion, longing, and desperation or simply his joy. He is very good at setting the atmosphere or mood. The songs all transition nicely and come together to create a consistent flow to the album. It is a mix of reggae, pop, r&b, and dance music with some songs leaning one way or the other. Some have a little of it all. Around the time that this album was released much of the music started to become more fusion. It was very popular at the time and Maxi Priest became known for his reggae fusion sound.

Every song on the album is wonderful, here are some of the standouts:

JUST A LITTLE BIT LONGER - CLOSE TO YOU was the biggest hit from this album, and while I still love it. I've come to prefer JALBL as it has more of that type of reggae vibe that I like and the lyrics connect to me more.

BEST OF ME - This is probably my favorite song on the album. I love the lively trumpets in the beginning. I also enjoy the little additional musical sounds throughout the song (especially in the first half). The sentiment of the song sticks with me.

SPACE IN MY HEART - A heartbreaking, beautiful ballad. It is sung with such a picture of pain and sincerity. Produced by Jazzie B of Soul II Soul. R&B tune.

HUMAN WORK OF ART - A wonderful concept. Pleasantly well executed. Love the way he sings the chorus. Nice lighthearted beat.

YOU - Another passionately sad tune from Maxi. Moving and honest. Great reggae feel.

SURE FIRE LOVE - Had to mention this as it battles the sadness of the last track and for me they are like a pair. It's a straightforward upbeat love song, I appreciate the music and love the little "mannerisms" and pronunciations Maxi uses.

Maxi Priest is easy listening Reggae, very bouncy and happy. He has a smooth voice and is enjoyable to listen to. I can play the CD at work, and even with my parents in the car. It's better than I'm making it sound!