Irie Ites Records, 2024
Following on from his previous three albums with Reality Shock Records, Solo Banton is back, this time in collaboration with the Irie Ites crew. In This Time is a strong and energetic release, with Solo bringing his lyrical ingenuity and vintage deejay style that has seen him take the reggae world by storm. In addition to good lyrics and instrumentation there are a few choice dub mixes included.
The album kicks off with “Dem Gone”, an ode to the ones we have loved and lost. This is a personal song which many of can relate to, it has a very touching lyric over a melodious rhythm backed by the Irie ites. The title track, “In This Time” is on a rendition of the ‘Leave Ya’ riddim. Solo talks about the double standards of life and how oppressors act like they are the oppressed. Solo makes no bones and goes in on this subject hard.
“Show me your company, I will show you who you are” – this is an old time saying, but it sums up the moral of the story on “Acting Like That”. Solo relays the importance of staying away from people that like to cause trouble. It’s cleverly written, name dropping on a well produced version of Max Romeo’s “One Step Forward”. This track also features the vocals of Joe Yorke. “Aroma” is one for the herbalists around the world, celebrating the love and uses of the herb. It utilises another tough riddim, a rendition of a backing track referred to as “English Woman” or “Cool Profile”, two notable versions from 1983. It’s most recently referred to as “Stand Up” due to the Kabaka Pyramid version.
On “My Youth”, Solo addresses the younger generation not having respect for their elders. Solo gives them a lesson about running before they can walk and not wanting to hear when words of wisdom are told to them. “Money and Ting” is over a tough riddim where Solo narrates the story of finding a soulmate. On “Pass Them”, Solo discusses how people always judge you by their own limitations. Over a solid cover of the “Ram Dancehall” rhythm on “Don’t It”, Solo and partner in crime Spectacular, talk about praising the king and living life through righteous works.
Ending with several dub cuts, the album affirms Solo’s place as an on-point social commentator as well as his ability to entertain and inspire.
More info:
Solo Banton Facebook
Irie Ites
