AMG Review of Voice of Jamaica [Expanded]

Rick Anderson
All Music Guide

The gruff-voiced DJ Buju Banton's major-label debut was well received but did not really establish him as a unique talent; clearly capable of riding a rhythm and interacting well with singers on the handful of combination tracks sprinkled throughout the program, Banton was nevertheless a less-than-original voice and didn't immediately stand head and shoulders above the other rockstone-style DJs who were proliferating in the wake of Shabba Ranks' international success. But pure originality is not needed to make a very fine reggae album, and a very fine reggae album this is. Paired with Wayne Wonder, Banton acquits himself nicely on the slightly overly slick but still enjoyable "Searching," and he shines even brighter with Brian & Tony Gold on "If Loving Was a Crime." "Make My Day" comes just a bit too close to smooth and smarmy R&B, but "Him Take Off" is a muscularly minimal masterpiece. This remastered reissue features two bonus tracks, both originally issued on a promo-only single. Recommended.