Max Romeo War Ina Babylon CD

Many of reggae artist Max Romeo's songs on WAR INA BABYLON were co-written by producer Lee "Scratch" Perry. Tracks include "Chase the Devil" and "Stealing In the Name of Jah."

In the early-70's, rude boy Max Romeo shifted his lyrical focus from adolescent sex songs, like his 1968 hit "Wet Dream," to more mature Rastafarian themes. Few imagined that this Rudie would one day record definitive Rasta anthems, but Romeo proved all doubters wrong with the 1976 release of WAR INA BABYLON.

An important ingredient to the enduring quality of the record lies in the contribution of producer Lee "Scratch" Perry and his studio band, The Upsetters. They provide chilling and powerful rhythms seasoned with the usual Perry studio genius--notice, especially, the staccato lead guitar hook in the title track.

But the real strength of the album is in Romeo's strong, imploring tenor voice. When he sings "I'm gonna put on an iron shirt and chase Satan out of Earth" ("I Chase The Devil") it's easy to believe he's not stretching the truth. He peppers the album with simple truisms in songs like "Tan And See" and "One Step Forward"; then relies on simplicity and straight-forwardness in the harrowing "Uptown Babies Don't Cry," where Romeo sings "Hear that little baby crying? Yes she's crying because she's hungry."

Max Romeo proved with WAR INA BABYLON that he was as evocative an observer and storyteller as a grown-up Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye.

Max Romeo's team up with the Upsetters is a dynamite mix. Under the tutoring of famed Reggae producer Lee "Scratch" Perry, they combine with songs that are both soulful and contain an almost fervent religious appeal. Max Romeo transcends his earlier 'Dirty Boy' stage, showing great maturity over his previous albums such as 'Wet Dream'. Universal.

Includes liner notes by Carl Gayle.

Personnel includes: Max Romeo (vocals), Barry Llewellyn, Earl Morgan, Marcia Griffiths, Cynthia Scholas (background vocals).

Mojo (Publisher) (8/02, p.77) - Included in Mojo's 50 Greatest Reggae Albums - "...Dazzling...Lee Perry's most accessible Black Ark production..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.124) - 5 stars out of 5 - "Perry and Romeo's co-writing relationship was tense, but yielded sublime, heartstring tugging tunes - a album every bit the equal of Marley's best."