UNCHAINED SPIRIT

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.com
A new record from reggae's leading contemporary vocalist is an event, especially since three years separate Unchained Spirit from Inna Heights. He's still very much a leader of the conscious, spiritual movement in the music, wearing the heritage of Bob Marley. And he takes chances, as his version of "23rd Psalm" shows--a soft, evocative beginning to a record that pushes at the genre's boundaries, even as it makes nods toward dance hall on "Pull It Up" (which features the excellent Beres Hammond). But Banton and his gravelly voice seem to have his heart in the '70s, as "Better Must Come" shows all too clearly. Labelmates Rancid show up on the edgy "No More Misty Days," which, oddly, has echoes of U2. Banton has never felt himself constrained by reggae; instead it's always been his springboard--but never more so than here, where the reggae spring has made this album worth the wait. --Chris Nickson

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2004-02-24 rating:
Yes!!!!
Two words...get it...no three words...get it NOW..seriously..go..now..

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review by: date: 2003-11-20 rating:
Notable but not as good as some of his earlier efforts
Ok, at first the album is a little disappointing. Much of this is due to the fact that I had finished listening to TIL SHILOH. Now that was a great album, probably the best album since Bob Marley. Unchained Spirit on the other hand really starts to sound good after the 3rd listening. Buju really decided to go with a more modern feel with this album. The results strike you as somewhat commercial and lacking the depth of his previous efforts. However, there are several notable tracks that include "Sudan", "Mighty Dread" and "Poor Old Man (featuring Stephen Marley)". It has a lighter feel than I am used to with Buju Banton. However, the lightness allows you to listen to it over and over without it weighing on you.

Jah Bless.

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review by: jahsh_concurz date: 2003-08-20 rating:
Reggae Evangelist
You gotta love Buju, and give him credit for keeping the vibes alive. Now before I go deep into this album, I will first say although this is good set of music, his previous albums Til' Shiloh and Inna Heights surpass it easily. Why? Well it is obvious that Buju was experimenting with a more ecclectic sound here, spreading himself a little too thin for my tastes. However that doesn't mean that this is not a good album. Even from the Intro is another beautiful prayer unto JAH, it sets you almost in a cathedral church atmosphere. Then comes the 23rd Psalm featuring Gramps from Morgan Heritage... it is a beautiful peace, slow and made for meditation. Alot of good tunes here strongest ones come with his collaborations. Luciano always blesses a song and such is We'll Be Alright, Pull It Up with Beres Hammond is a great feel good hit, Stephen Marley (who sounds the most like his father) brings some great Roots music into the mix, Reunion with Wayne Wonder is a bass-thumping Dancehall tune. Some of my other favorite songs are Mighty Dread which has a Ska flavor and Life is a Journey which positively enforces that "life is a journey, never a burden"... yes I, fe real Buju, done tell dem. My overall opinion? Good, too many good songs here to pass up.

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review by: date: 2002-05-01 rating:
The hype
Buju Banton's Unchained Spirit once again proclaim why he is a dominant force in the reggae industry. As one of the most celebrated Reggae artist his music continues to reach new hieghts. The simplicity of his melody and rustic vocals claim sheer perfection of an artist beyond his young age. While his music has changed over the years from his first alblum, Butu continues to display a rarity that most artist today lack, insight. His music captivates audience worldwide with its seductive and revealing insland splendor.
Butu's music takes you on a journey of social awareness as he challeges us to discover and claim our inner self.
Sit Back, and enjoy the Hype of Buju Banton.


review by: date: 2000-12-22 rating:
Best reggae album 2000
The album is a classic. It grows on you. Some of the songs, ie 'better must come' & 'mighty dread' are powerful. Buju's intro, like his others are anthemic. Buju next effort however needs to shore up his hardcore dancehall fans with a balance album like Shiloh.

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