Track Listing

1. One Step Forward
2. Uptown Babies Don't Cry
3. I Chase the Devil
4. War Ina Babylon
5. Norman
6. Stealing in the Name of Jah
7. Tan and See
8. Smokey Room
9. Smile Out of Style

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101076 in Music
• Released on: 1991-03-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Extra tracks, Import

Customer Reviews

Reggae Classic
I thought surely when I heard this record that it was a "greatest hits" compilation. It was so consistent and sure. Prior to this record, Max Romeo had a reputation for sexually explicit (for the times) and sexually suggestive lyrics. This record shows his socio-political consciousnes with such tracks as "Uptown Babies Don't Cry," "One Step," and the title track.

The only bad thing about this recording is that it makes me wistful for the days when razor-sharp super tight rhythm sections, wonderful harmonies, activist lyrics and good melodies were standard fare in Jamaican music. Sadly, automation and dancehall simplicity have eaten the music.

Nonetheless, Lee Scratch Perry and the Upsetters put a fine gloss on Max's diamond. Complete with rootsy scratch style guitar and the musicality of the Jamaican patois, this record is a classic example of what reggae used to be at its best.

Classic
This is some seriously classic roots, people! The fun starts with the powerfull one step forward and never really lets. Stealing in the Name of Jah is beathtaking - the first time I heard I couldn't believe a song this good could exist. I Chase the Devil, War ina Babylon and One Step Forward see the album at a fierce boil threatening the incinerate an unattended iPod. I walked into a public restroom belting out the "ahhhhhh's" in the begginning of Tan and See and I swear I was about the get stomped on by some mean looking biker dudes.

Pick this one up at the same time you get Junior Murvin "Police and Thieves."

The albums are companions from one of Lee Perry's strongest periods as Producer and deserve to be heard together.

Max Romeo grows up into a soulful and spiritual adult.
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". Always insightful and entertaining, "War Ina Babylon" features two of the best Reggae songs in this reviewers opinion: "Smile outta Style, and the title track "War Ina Babylon". While not for the ears of those who have only known reggae threw popular act's ie, UB40 and Big Mountain, those who have bought Bob Marley albums other than just the two Legend CD's are in for a delight.