“You’ve got to learn your lessons the hard way,” he affirms on “Be On Your Way”, while he proudly declares his identity on the Nyabinghi-esque “Rastafari” and takes us back in the day with the old favourite “Magic City”. There is hardly anything to complain about listening to Rasta Got Soul, which some even might say channels Bob Marley in his prime. Much like the Marley classics Legend and Catch A Fire, Banton’s Rasta Got Soul hooks listeners with its emphasis on strictly conscious lyrics. And while the world continues to dissect Banton’s recent comments about the world’s obsession with Marley (ignoring other reggae greats), it is safe to say that Banton demonstrates his prominence as a living legend and penchant for crafting evocative and powerful lyrics on this new release.
In short, Rasta Got Soul is juicy Grammy bait; the type of record voters favour when annually deciding who takes home the highly-coveted honour. True to life and full of feeling, the album displays Banton’s talent for introspective and mellow reggae, while speaking to peace, wisdom, and positive vibrations.
DOWNLOAD: “Bedtime Story”, “Lights Out”, “I Rise”, “Lend A Hand” and “Optimistic Soul”
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