Uwe Banton – Mental War – Review
Bouncing from the success of the first few reviews I posted on Facebook I was even more excited when receiving Uwe Banton’s brand new Album “Mental War” and when asked for feedback I saw this as a great opportunity to write another album review and create an album review section on Pauzeradio.com. I have to say knowing Uwe’s natural talent to sing and play instruments, I had no doubt at all that the album was going to be huge and I waited until 2am, in the silence of the night before turning on the studio to listen.
Right from the first song “Work” featuring Mikey General we are blessed with tight production making it a ear catching combination, such a big tune, which has a solid message delivered with conviction and true belief that music can make a difference. Positive role models are needed in these times and this song is mind food, appealing to every generation. Its good to hear a Reggae artist singing without autotune and again Uwe brings to us another hit song called “From Yuh A Walk With Jah” This song taps into our mind not just vocally but musically too. High production standards matched with high quality singing is the recipe for a great album.
“Mental War” the album title track featuring Jah Messenger Luciano is not just a chart worthy tune, like all the songs on this album, but spiritually connects us; the listener to absorb the positive message, Roots Reggae at its finest. This is a great combination created by possibly two of the leading Reggae singers of our time.
Keeping it moving with “Better Know” featuring Cornadoor and not just Cornadoor’s lyrical talents put to the test here but also his riddim track writing skills, played tightly by the Evolution Band. Another solid combination with both artists unique sounds, touching on messages of truth and rights which positively flows. Good to hear these two artists together on a riddim. The next track “Cant Forget” continues with top quality production, tight lyrical content and deliverance you really can’t forget this song from the sweet baseline to the strong musical rifts this song stands out not only by being musical but the lyrical content, as so does this album on a whole as we can relate to it. Real life stories.
“No Control” featuring Jahcoustix on the No Doubt riddim is another hit song, just as big as Tarrus Riley cut on the same riddim. “No Control” takes you on a journey with its deep melodic flow that not only captivates our ear but allows us to know the lyrics and sing along by the second chorus. One of my favourites songs “Thought I’d Let You Know” is a regular feature in the Unique Reggae Mix Show. This song you can feel and it has catchy hook lines that again touch on real life situations that at some time in our lives we have experienced in some way shape or form.
Taking it down a notch we have a hypnotising introduction with “Ithiopian Ites” Uwe offers us wise words again delivered in a manor that is unforgettable. Another favourite on a musically brilliant album. Taking us on to “Put It Down” which rounds up the journey of “Mental War” and what a song to complete the journey with. Soothing sounds from the first note, this song covers an obvious message from the title but its a message that needs to be heard and learnt.
After doing a top three songs in the previous reviews I have found it too hard to just pick three songs so here is my round up of the top 5 songs from this album according to my ears. Again its 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 it is flawless and for everyone that loves to hear not just top quality production but also top quality vocals with deep healing uplifting messages. A musical album which is a real treat. I do not have a single thing to say against Mental War and This album with its high standard makes it into my top 5 albums of 2012.
It also makes it into my top 10 albums of all time along with Dub Judah’s “Better To Be Good” Buju Banton’s “Til Shiloh” and Mikey Generals “Exalt Jah” to name a few.
Released by AL.TA.FA.AN.
Copyright: 2012 Rasta Yard Records.
Release Date 23/11/12
Written by Gav Pauze – Pauzeradio.com 17/10/12
MP3 Download: Mental War
