Buju Banton - Too Bad (2006)

Artist: Buju Banton
Album: Too Bad
Genre: Reggae: Dancehall
Release Date: 2006
Label: Gargamel Music
RIYL: Sizzla, Beenie Man

Rating: ***

Buju Banton is one of the greatest dancehall artists of the 90s. Along with Sizzla and Capleton, he helped create the roots dancehall movement. This album, however, is a return to old form for Buju, it is entirely a dancehall album, lacking any of the spiritual music he is well known for. Booming bass lines make for a great driving album. Filled with songs for the ladies and party numbers, it contains no social critique (other than the final song "Fast Lane"). Regardless, Buju's skills as a toaster and a DJ remain impressive. His use of the "Wipeout" song as backing for his aggressive toasting on the stand out track, "Me & Oonu", make for an exhilarating listening experience. However, regardless of a number of good to great songs none of the tunes on this album stand up to the best dancehall songs on his roots albums (1995's single "Champion" comes to mind). It's greatest fault is perhaps that there just isn't as much variety here as one has come to expect from a Buju Banton LP.Recommended for general fans of dancehall, but those more interested in Buju's roots work should stick to his other albums.

1. You're Night Tonight ****
2. Try Offa Yuh *****
3. Nothing ***
4. Too Bad ***
5. Waistline ****
6. Jig **
7. Me & Oonu *****
8. 'Till It Bend ****
9. Hey Boy **
10. Go Slow ***
11. Driver A. *****
12. Girl U Know ***
13. Lonely Night ***
14. Who Have It ****
15. Better Day Coming ***
16. Don & Dupes ***
17. Fast Lane ****