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Uwe Banton – Mental War
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Bouncing from the success of the first few reviews I posted on Facebook, I was even more excited when I received Uwe Banton’s brand-new album, Mental War. When I was asked for feedback, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to write another album review and create a dedicated review section on Pauzeradio.com.
Knowing Uwe’s natural ability as both a singer and musician, I had no doubt that this album was going to be something special. I waited until 2am, in the silence of the night, before turning on the studio and listening properly.
Right from the first song, Work featuring Mikey General, we are blessed with tight production and an ear-catching combination. It is a big tune with a solid message, delivered with conviction and a genuine belief that music can make a difference.
Positive role models are needed in these times, and this song is mind food that can appeal across generations.
It is also refreshing to hear a Reggae artist singing naturally without Auto-Tune, and Uwe follows with another strong tune, From Yuh A Walk With Jah. This song taps into the mind not just vocally, but musically too. High production standards matched with high-quality singing are the recipe for a great album.
The title track, Mental War, featuring Jah Messenger Luciano, is not only chart-worthy but spiritually connects with us as listeners, allowing the positive message to really sink in. This is Roots Reggae at its finest and a great combination from two of the leading Reggae singers of our time.
Keeping things moving, Better Know features Cornadoor, whose talents are not only tested lyrically but also through his riddim-writing skills, played tightly by the Evolution Band. It is another solid combination, with both artists bringing their own distinctive sound to messages of truth and rights. It is good to hear these two artists together on a riddim.
The next track, Can’t Forget, continues the album’s high standard of production, lyrical content and delivery. From the sweet bassline to the strong musical riffs, this song stands out both musically and lyrically.
Like much of the album, the strength comes from being able to relate to what is being sung. These are real-life stories and situations.
No Control, featuring Jahcoustix on the No Doubt riddim, is another hit tune and, to my ears, stands up alongside Tarrus Riley’s cut on the same riddim.
The song takes you on a journey with its deep melodic flow. It not only captures the ear, but has the kind of chorus you can already find yourself singing along with by the second time around.
One of my favourite tracks, Thought I’d Let You Know, is already a regular feature on the Unique Reggae Mix Show. This is a song you can genuinely feel, with catchy hook lines that again touch on real-life situations most of us will have experienced in one way or another.
Taking things down a notch, Ithiopian Ites opens with a hypnotising introduction. Uwe offers wise words, once again delivered in a way that is difficult to forget. It is another favourite on what is proving to be a musically brilliant album.
That takes us to Put It Down, which rounds off the journey of Mental War, and what a song to finish with. Soothing from the first note, it deals with a message that may seem obvious from the title, but it is still one that needs to be heard and understood.
After trying to choose only three songs in my previous reviews, I have realised that three is simply not enough. So here is my top five from Mental War, according to my ears. As always, it comes down to personal preference:
Thought I’d Let You Know
Work feat. Mikey General / Mental War feat. Luciano
Better Know feat. Cornadoor
Ithiopian Ites
From Yuh A Walk With Jah
To summarise this album, I have to say that it is flawless.
For anyone who loves not only high-quality production but also strong vocals and deep, healing, uplifting messages, this album is a real musical treat. I genuinely do not have a single thing to say against Mental War.
Its consistently high standard puts it firmly into my top five albums of 2012.
It also makes it into my top ten albums of all time, alongside Dub Judah’s Better To Be Good, Buju Banton’s ’Til Shiloh and Mikey General’s Exalt Jah, to name just a few.
Released by AL.TA.FA.AN.
Copyright: 2012 Rasta Yard Records
Release date: 23/11/2012
Uwe Banton Mental War review by Gav Pauze, 17/10/2012