Best Of Buju Banton CD

Personnel includes: Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Maxi Priest, Los Pericos, Ras Shiloh.
Producers: Donavan Germain, Robert Livingston, Bobby "Digital" Dixon.
Compilation producer: Dana G. Smart.
Recorded between 1993 & 1997. Includes liner notes by Karyl Walker.
Personnel: Buju Banton (vocals); Bahiano (vocals); 2 Friends Crew, Marcia Griffiths, Tony Gold, Brian Gold (background vocals).
Audio Remixers: Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Rob "Fonksta" Bacon.
Liner Note Author: Karyl Walker.
Photographers: David Katz; Adrian Boot; Al Pereira; Tim Barrow.
Arranger: Los Pericos.
The Best of Buju Banton provides a concise look at his dancehall and reggae work, collecting definitive tracks, duets, and remixes. Songs like "Deportees (Things Change)," "Circumstances," and "Murderer" capture the harder-hitting side of his raspy singing style, while "Destiny" reflects the lighter, romantic aspects of his music. The album features no less than three collaborations -- "Wanna Be Loved" with Los Pericos, "Heartbreak Lover" with Maxi Priest and Beres Hammond, and "Give I Strength" with Ras Shiloh -- which could be a lot for an 11-track collection, but since these songs blend in so well with the rest, it's not really noticeable. A remix of "Champion" rounds out this compilation, which isn't as in-depth as either Best of the Early Years 1990-1995 or The Ultimate Collection, but does offer a decent sampling of Banton's different styles. ~ Heather Phares