Title
Artist
Label
Format
Date
   Album review
Inna Heights
Buju Banton
Germain Records/VP Records
CD
10-11-1997


Tracking list

  1. Our father in Zion
  2. Hills and valleys
  3. Inter lingua
  4. Destiny
  5. African pride
  6. Cry no more
  7. My woman now featuring Beres Hammond
  8. Small axe featuring King Stitt
  9. Inter lingua
  10. Redder than red
  11. Single parent
  12. Inter lingua
  13. Give I strength featuring Ras Shiloh
  14. Close one yesterday
  15. Inter lingua
  16. love dem bad featuring Red Rat
  17. Love sponge
  18. Inter lingua
  19. Mother's cry featuring Jah Mali
  20. 54 /46 featuring Toots Hibbert
  21. Circumstances
Rating : from 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor)

Vocals : 4 Backing : 4/5 Production : 5 Sound quality : 4 Sleeve : 4


At the tender age of 21 Mark Myrie - better known as Buju Banton - delivered his inspirational masterpiece, the highly acclaimed "'Til Shiloh", the follow up to his debut album "Stamina Daddy" and his sophomore "Voice Of Jamaica". Part of Buju Banton's winning formula is his ability to combine the spirit of Bob Marley's legacy with the heart and soul of dancehall music. This essential fusion enables Buju's sound to cut across many cultural and social lines, conscious and spiritual minds as well as the hardcore dancehall crowd. Another element of this winning formula is the instantly recognisable and top-notch production work of Donovan Germain of Penthouse/ Germain Records.

All tracks on this new Buju Banton album are produced by Donovan Germain with the exception of two by Sly & Robbie. The "Inna Heights" album marks the long awaited and eagerly anticipated return of a master in session. It's certainly not easy to match or even outclass "'Til Shiloh", however Buju Banton delivers a solid effort.

The album contains some wicked reggae riddims dominated by the heavy rolling bass line, trademark of the Penthouse production work. On "'Til Shiloh" Buju was stretching his style and he continues to do so on this one. Of course he's still toasting, but it's often done so melodically that it is easy to forget. Buju's teaming up with unexpected reggae vets King Stitt (the first monarch crowned king of DJs) and Toots "Maytal" Hibbert catches the eye, however, the best combination cuts are done with Beres Hammond and Red Rat. Almost every song on this album is good but two that must be mentioned are "Hills and valleys" and "Destiny", on which Buju actually sings!

Next to music the album contains spoken words. In the segments labelled "Inter lingua" Buju Banton delivers his personal thoughts and insights on different subjects.
With "Inna Heights" Buju Banton once again shows that he's able to step forward with a mature and expanded vision radiating flash and energy with fresh perspective.

Teacher & Mr. T.