Customer Reviews

Friends for Life

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well this one was very difficult for me to rate, If I compare it to his greatest works, I would have to rate it a 3. If I look at the album as a fan of Buju, I have to give it a 5 because outside of Bob Marley he has done something with Reggae music that no cross-over Reggae artist can do. He inspires people, while creating dancehall tunes for people to enjoy. However, it is nice hearing Buju along with Bounty Killer, his long time partner in crime Beresford Hammond, and Marcus Garvey's speach followed by "Up Ye Mighty Race." Yet the one thing that hits me is the fact that Buju has realized that he has dancehall fans, roots rock reggae fan, and somewhat crossover fans, and he attempts to create space for each of these listeners on "Friends For Life."

De glory a de African thru reggae no stop wit Marley
Tanx to de one called Buju Banton
Nuff respect and praises fi go to he
A Buju a spread de trut to de world
Friends For Life a de testament a dis ting
Big up all conscious artist
Wit out dem us lost like Hebrews ina wildaness
Blessings

The career path of Mr. Banton has seen him go from the controversial deejay who raised eyebrows with "Boom Bye Bye", to the reggae icon following the amazing "Til Shiloh". "Inna Heights" further broadened his popularity, and his diversity. With "Unchained Spirit", Buju experimented with a more universal sound. That album was met well by critics, but baffled many as Buju futher distanced himself from the sound which made him popular in the early nineties. After three years, Buju is back with a new studio album "Friends for Life". The result is astounding. Dancehall tracks such as "Paid not Played", "Damn", "Teaser" (with Bounty Killer), "Spectacular" and "Tra La La" (on the Diwali riddim, which is the slickest riddim in years)will please those who have followed Buju from the "Mr. Metion" and "Voice of Jamaica" days. It is ambitious for an artist to cover Peter Tosh's "Mama Africa" but Gargamel does it justice. On "Up Ye Might Race" and "Mr. Nine" Buju approaches the same level of fire and consciousness of "Til Shiloh". Fan's of "Unchained Spirit" in which Buju served more as a singjay than deejay will enjoy "Pensive Mood", "All Will Be Fine", and "Maybe we Are". For the lovers, there are the R&B flavored "Get it on", with longtime collaborator Wayne Wonder, and "Good Times", with the always endearing Beres Hammond and rapper Fat Joe. Perhaps the highlight of the album is "Feeling Grovy" which has Buju deejaying over one of Don Drummond's early ska hits. What makes "Friends for Life" so special, is how Buju effectively broadens his appeal. Many of the tracks have a slight hip-hop feel to them, however this is no crossover album, like some of the work put out recently by Beenie Man and Sean Paul. As Buju has matured as an artist, he seems more comfortable with his sound, which enables him to deliver variety without abandoning his moniker as the "Voice of Jamaica". Buju Banton, and the many producers who worked on the album, have done an excellent job of selecting the right tracks from Buju's arsenal. He may never replicate "Til Shiloh", which is a compliment, not a criticism, but on "Friends for Life" he shows that there's still plenty left in the tank.

This is another in an already long line of good albums put out by Buju Banton. Being an avid Buju listener ever since he first came out, I have seen him at his best and his worst. I'm also aware of what musical genius his immense talent is capable of. While "Friends for Life" may not match "Til Shiloh" critically, it equals, and possibly -dare I say- exceeds it in pure listening pleasure. Nonetheless, it may be unfair to keep comparing all his proceding work to "Til Shiloh", instead, let me accept "Friends for Life" for what it is in itself. It is a truly satisfying listening experience, with diverse yet melodious production throughout, and Banton's unmistakeable trademark wit and lyrical prowess making it well worth adding to your music collection.

buju still has that voice and beat that gives u a little chill i loved the cd but personally i am not to hot on the hip hop beats but in this cd he surely mad me overlook the beat in a few songs and fall into the words. he is expanding his already large variety of songs done in collaboration with other artist but he still know how to keep it real with the conscious vibe and also tell it how it is,"paid not played" was one of the songs i admired most simply because of how the story was u know. he is still and hopefully always will be inspirational.i really want to see him and sizzla and capleton and anthony b do a collabo. i think it would be fantastic

This album is one of my favorite from Buju, next to TIL' SHILOH.
this man is a very powerful man and should be the definition of reggae music. the mixture of dancehall and conscious reggae tracks are perfect together. i would recommend this as a must to any dancehall/reggae fan.

Buju has done it again. I am captured in Buju's pensive mood. The CD is well worth it. From top to bottom it is clearly diverse. Cultural yet hip; proven by tracks like Damn and Get It On. The first 3 tracks (Paid not Played, Tra La La, Teaser are dancehall anthems have you screaming, "Pull Upppppppp!" Cultural tunes like Up Ye Mighty Race, Mama Africa, Maybe We Are and All Will Be Fine tingles the mind.

My favorite:
1. Pensive Mood (hip jazz mixed with wonderful live instuments keeps me rocking to the drumbeat)
2. Maybe We are (conscious words with great vocals)
3. All Will Be Fine (somewhat melancholy background music laced with Buju's haunting lyrics uplift the listener)
4. Mama Africa (sweet love song to Mama Africa)
5. Damn (Buju still keeps hip hoppers and dancehall heads banging)
6. Mr. Nine (one word Pull Upppp - Big Tune)
7. Get It On (irrisistable vocals from Wayne Wonder & Buju keeps the waistline rotating)

I've been giving this CD a chance but can't seem to locate my passion for it. The main reason is I'm hearing a fair amount of tough guy, money, women lyrics that leaving me wanting the old buju. This CD is not of Champions, most of the lyrics should be Untold Stories and it strikes no African Pride!! Instead of Pulling it Up, I'll leave it in the drawer...

This CD give you a little bit of everything for all generations. He immediately starts with a hit "Paid not Played"
that shows how Buju ruled the dancehall scene in the 90's...

I also have to repeat a previous quote from another review "'Til Shiloh was one of the greatest albums ever made, will always be one of the greatest albums ever made, and it established his legend in international music. And today he stands as unarguably the most appreciated living artist in reggae music today."

Buju is unbelievable. Everyone should go out and get this cd as well as all his productions starting with Mr. Mention. Once you do this you will see how Buju has progress throughout the years and you will also have a true sense of how powerful his music has become.

That ruff cut distinct voice grumbles through great dancehall classics but is also versatile for roots type conciousness music Iya.... Thank Shabba Ranks for telling Buju to sing in this fashion as we have all inherited a gem of an artist after Marley, Tosh & Cliff. Here, this album will slightly dissapoint his steadfast Ragga & dancehall fans. Hey, nothing can beat 'Til Shiloh or Inna Heights but do not take away the talent which is personified by Buju. Sure, few tracks are lack-lustre, but his dancehall flair is still unrivalled. He is doing today what Bob Marley did in the 70's and 80's. He is a true Legend ....