Solo Banton – Higher Levels

The past few months have been a very productive time for many of the Reggae artists I feature on the weekly radio show, so when I was sent a link to download Solo Banton’s new album, Higher Levels, I was excited. Solo’s previous album was very good, and I was confident this new album was going to be even better.

The album starts with a huge tune called Mi No Know, an upbeat track carrying a deep lyrical message over a remake of the Baba Boom riddim. It sets the vibe for the whole album.

Keeping the classic Reggae sound through the beats, style and message, Reggae Recipe and Make You Groove hit the mark perfectly too. They are the kind of tunes that not only uplift, but also educate and enlighten spiritually.

Three combination tracks take the album to another level: Politician Knockout featuring YT, Open Your Eyes featuring Michael Prophet and Rejoice featuring Deadly Hunta.

Politician Knockout is a must-hear tune. It deals with the reality of the times we are living in, something that runs throughout much of Solo’s work, but this song stands out from many others of a similar nature. YT and Solo both have very distinctive sounds and flowing lyrical delivery. It is not only on point musically, but will have your foot tapping and your head nodding along with the crucial message.

Open Your Eyes and Never Hear are really smooth tunes, again carrying important messages, which is a theme running through this album.

Rising Sun has a unique intro that soothes the ear before breaking into a relaxed, rootsy riddim. It highlights one of the things I love about Solo’s music: the way his lyrics roll naturally with the rhythm and rhyme. Solid works.

The final song completes the journey for me. Rejoice, the combination with Deadly Hunta over the brand-new Ancient Times riddim from Reality Shock Records, is a deep tune. Make sure you listen to every second of it, because Kris Kemist has a little surprise waiting.

This release really does define Solo Banton as one of the leading UK Reggae artists in my opinion. The combination of Solo working with Kris Kemist and Reality Shock, alongside the touring and live shows, has helped develop him into possibly one of the greatest and fastest-rising UK Reggae artists of this era.

If I had to pick my three favourites, they would be:

1. Politician Knockout feat. YT

2. Open Your Eyes feat. Michael Prophet

3. Rising Sun / Wicked Man / I Could Never

To summarise Higher Levels, it is very well produced. The quality of the music is of a high standard, but just as importantly, the lyrical content and delivery are bang on point, helping Solo stand out on a higher level.

One of the key ingredients of a successful album is variety, and Higher Levels offers a wide spectrum of Reggae. Heavyweight bass combines with solid lyrical content to put Solo Banton’s Higher Levels firmly in my top four albums of 2012.

My own preference is for the Roots riddims and their messages over the Dancehall riddims, but your favourites will naturally come down to personal taste.

Rounding it up, this is a TUFF album. A must-feature for any radio DJ or selecta, and certainly a must-buy for any Reggae lover.

BIG UP to Solo Banton, Reality Shock and everyone involved in the making of what is sure to be a hit album.

Solo Banton Higher Levels review by Gav Pauze 15/10/2012.