Customer Reviews

Unchained Spirit

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Something doesn't ring true about this album. Actually, several things. The first four tracks are nothing but warmed-over 1970s US soul and gospel - slick, inauthentic, gloopy and faintly nauseating. A ploy to crack the US market, I suspect. Buju Banton is touted as Bob Marley's true heir, but Marley firmly put his cultural stamp on other styles and made them his own; Banton merely appropriates them wholesale, and despite the Jah-talk they sound bland and remarkably unJamaican. That said, there are 12 more tracks - 48 minutes of music - during things improve considerably. But this is a deeply flawed album. If you want cultural dancehall at its finest try super-righteous Sizzla's sophisticated 'Black Woman & Child' or Capleton's hugely exciting 'More Fire'.

This album does not disappoint....it definitely delivers what Buju Banton fans have been waiting for. Tracks such as the '23rd Psalm' w/Gramps, and "We'll Be Alright" w/Luciano keep the mellow mood flowing, whereas the upbeat "Guns & Bombs" and "Girls Dem Phat" will certainly get you rocking. Simply the best!

Buju Banton is a master of styles. He nails gospel, hip-hop, first-wave ska, dancehall, even a punkish redemption song with Rancid. All of it is filtered through reggae backed by an insistent drum machine. Other guest stars include Morgan Heritage and Luciano. There's a gorgeous spiritual vibe that never comes off as soft or New Age-y like a lot of today's reggae. If all the reggae you own is Bob Marley's "Legend," then you should take a chance on this. If you're actually into reggae, this puts most other contemporary artists to shame.

Buju's "Unchained Spirit" is the ultimate in rasta roots reggae music. This is not for the hardcore dancehall fans, but for the passionate ROOTS people! The combinations with Luciano, Stephen Marley, Beres & Gramps amongst others, show the unity spirit here. The bible verses, the praises to Jah Rastafari, all play here along with the roots riddims that we love to hear. Penthouse and Gargamel - a wicked combination. You can't go wrong with this new Buju release. But remember, it's a spiritual meditation vibe flowing thru your speakers! Respect!

buju banton is the next to be on the roots reggae throne.there has been a massive transformation of buju's music after he decided to take it to a spiritual level.he started it with "til shiloh",represented again with "inna heights" and this came with another xplosive spiritual cd which is the (truly) "unchained spirit".buju has been able to provide another food for the soul with this new cd,he has tracks like "psalm 23","sudan", and all that i can say is that the true reggae fans know what i am talking about and i do not need hype this cd before you get,just go get and you see for ya self.

Big up to Buju for a big big showing. This album is much closer to roots reggae and a little less dancehall than Shiloh or Inna'....it not what i expected (dancehall) but the love for roots reggae bring it tru. the lyrics are typical Buju and inspire. The music is good, but the recording is a little less than perfect. Maybe cuz, not on VP????? Nuff respect!!!! Keep on Buju.....

Many people hail Buju as the new reggae king since "Til Shiloh" Some people were then dissapointed(not me) by "Inn Heights" his next CD. Now we have "Unchained Spirits" with Buju trying to try some different stlyes to expand his audience. There is a ska song called "Better Must Come" and a rock and roll type song "Misty Days". The latter of which I could've done without. Sudan,23Psalm and voice of Jah are slow spiritaul songs that are just OK IMO. The rest of the Cd is very good though. Duets w/Beres Hammond,Wayne Wonder and Luciano are very good as well. As long as you dont expect a "Til Shiloh" caliber CD you will enjoy this release, if you are you might be dissapointed.

You gotta love Buju, and give him credit for keeping the vibes alive. Now before I go deep into this album, I will first say although this is good set of music, his previous albums Til' Shiloh and Inna Heights surpass it easily. Why? Well it is obvious that Buju was experimenting with a more ecclectic sound here, spreading himself a little too thin for my tastes. However that doesn't mean that this is not a good album. Even from the Intro is another beautiful prayer unto JAH, it sets you almost in a cathedral church atmosphere. Then comes the 23rd Psalm featuring Gramps from Morgan Heritage... it is a beautiful peace, slow and made for meditation. Alot of good tunes here strongest ones come with his collaborations. Luciano always blesses a song and such is We'll Be Alright, Pull It Up with Beres Hammond is a great feel good hit, Stephen Marley (who sounds the most like his father) brings some great Roots music into the mix, Reunion with Wayne Wonder is a bass-thumping Dancehall tune. Some of my other favorite songs are Mighty Dread which has a Ska flavor and Life is a Journey which positively enforces that "life is a journey, never a burden"... yes I, fe real Buju, done tell dem. My overall opinion? Good, too many good songs here to pass up.

Buju Banton has definitely matured a lot since last we heard him on his "Inna Heights" cd. I was personally wondering when the maturity would occur, as I found "Inna" to be somewhat flat and certainly very disappointing in comparison to his very strong earlier works "Mr. Mention, " and the modern classic "'Til Shiloh."

I am impressed by Buju's latest effort. His range sounds great, and he is showing signs that he wants to be the modern leader of reggae. If he can keep it going based on the momentum of the lps standout tracks, "Sudan," "Voice of Jah," and "Guns and Bombs" (a modern day "Police and Thieves"?), Buju will reign supreme.

This lp is no "'Til Shiloh," but at the same time, it shows signs that Buju is ready to surpass it...This lp comes highly recommended and could become a modern classic.

Buju has become one of the greatest artist of all times. Unchained spirit is another chapter in the great book of Buju. Over the years I have watch him grow into his music from Quick to Bonaide Love to Boom Bye Bye to Girl you make my day to Til Shiloh to Hills and Valleys to the latest song Poor old man. If you keep up with his music you can tell he gets stronger and wiser with time.