Solo Banton – Higher Levels – Review

This past few months have been a very productive time for many Reggae artists that I feature in 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 sure that this new album was going to be even better.

The album starts with a huge tune called “Mi No Know” an upbeat tune with a deep lyrical message on a remake of the Baba Boom riddim. This song sets the vibes for the whole album. Keeping the classic Reggae sound with the beats, style and message in the music “Reggae Recipe” and “Make You Groove” hit the mark perfectly too, a sure fire recipe that will not just uplift you but educate and enlighten you spiritually.

Three combination songs take this work to a next level “Politician Knockout featuring YT, Open Your Eyes featuring Michael Prophet and Rejoice featuring Deadly Hunta, balance out the album in fine style. Politician Knockout is a must hear song, it covers real life in the times we are in and dealing with now, as does all of Solo’s work but this song stands out from most of a similar nature. YT and Solo both have very unique sounds along with flowing lyrical deliverance that is not only on point but will get your foot tapping to the rhythm and head nodding agreeing with their crucial message to world.

“Open Your Eyes” and “Never Hear” are really smooth tunes again with a really important message, which is this album through and through. “Rising Sun” has a unique intro that soothes your ear before breaking down into a relaxed rootsy riddim. This allows you to hear again one of the things i love about Solo’s music, it rolls with rhythm and rhyme. Solid works.

The last song on the album really completes the journey for me. The combination with Deadly Hunta on the brand new “Ancient Times riddim” fresh out of Reality Shock Records, it is a very deep song and make sure you listen to every second of it as Kris Kemist gives us a little surprise. This release really does define Solo Banton as being a leading UK Reggae artists in my opinion. I think that the combination of Solo working with Kris Kemist (Reality Shock) and all the touring and live shows have helped develop Solo into possibly one of the greatest and fastest rising UK Reggae artists of this era.

My favourite 3 songs if I had to pick are:

  1. Politician Knockout feat YT
  2. Open Your Eyes feat Michael Prophet
  3. Rising Sun/Wicked Man/I Could Never

To summarise this brand new album “Higher Levels” from Solo Banton i would say it is very well produced. Not only is the quality of the music of the highest standard but also the lyrical content and lyrical deliverance is bang on point making Solo stand out on a Higher Level! One of the key points to a successful album is that it has variety and this new album offers a full spectrum of Reggae. Combining heavyweight bass with solid lyrical content which without a doubt puts Solo Banton’s “Higher Levels” in my top 4 albums of 2012. My preference is the roots riddims and messages over the dancehall riddims but its down to your preference as to your favourites. Rounding up I say it is a TUFF album, a must feature for any radio DJ/selecta and certainly a must buy for any Reggae lover.

BIG UP to Solo Banton, Reality Shock and everyone involved in the making of this sure to be Hit album.

Written by Gav Pauze – Pauzeradio.com 15/10/12

Solo Banton CD

MP3 Download: Higher Levels

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