Upside Down 2020
72 min · 20 tracks · reggae
Buju Banton blends deep reggae grooves with socially conscious lyrics, creating a vibrant and uplifting soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blessed — This track encapsulates an uplifting message of gratitude, showcasing Buju's signature vocal delivery while resonating deeply with listeners during challenging times.
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Rising Up — A powerful anthem that speaks to resilience and empowerment, this song reflects Banton's personal journey and broader societal themes, making it resonate widely.
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The World is Changing — In this track, Banton addresses global issues with poignant observations, blending traditional reggae rhythms with a sense of urgency that reflects contemporary concerns.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional reggae with contemporary themes but lacks strong cohesion due to its length and varied pacing.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate traditional reggae instrumentation, including prominent bass lines and rhythmic guitar skanks, while others experiment with modern production techniques.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- celebration of resilience and unity
- heartfelt lyrics for emotional connection
- consistent journey with uplifting themes
- for communal listening experiences
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2020, Upside Down 2020 is Buju Banton's first studio album after his release from prison, marking a significant comeback. This album follows his critically acclaimed work before his incarceration and showcases a matured perspective on life and society.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Damian Marley· Protoje· Sizzla
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The World is Changing
A verse where Buju shifts from discussing personal experiences to addressing collective global challenges directly.
This transition broadens the scope of the song, connecting individual struggles to larger societal issues and emphasizing a call to action.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lamb of God 2:43
- 2 Yes Mi Friend 4:14
- 3 Buried Alive 3:52
- 4 Blessed 3:24
- 5 Memories 4:01
- 6 Lovely State of Mind 4:06
- 7 Appreciated 3:13
- 8 Trust 3:06
- 9 Cherry Pie 3:35
- 10 Beat Dem Bad 3:22
- 11 Good Time Girl 3:15
- 12 Call Me 3:50
- 13 Moonlight Love 3:13
- 14 Cheated 2:53
- 15 Steppa 3:25
- 16 The World is Changing 3:54
- 17 400 Years 4:08
- 18 Rising Up 4:24
- 19 Helping Hand 3:52
- 20 Unity 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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