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Nyah Man Chant (VP, 1997)
Along with Prince Malachi's Jah Light, Shalom's Baby I've Got News For You, Isaac Haile Selassie's Unite, and Jahmali's El Shaddai, this is one of the most impressive debut albums of the '90s. Bushman's rich baritone singing voice and cultural style will remind many of Luciano (although Bushman's vocals are a bit deeper), but I think that his range is wider than the more celebrated Luciano. On Nyah Man Chant, he traverses between roots, dancehall, and lovers rock with such self-assured ease, you'd think that he was a veteran in the business. Aiding Bushman in his varied styles is the revered production duo Steely & Clevie, who start the album with the horn-filled roots of the title track, following it up with the straight R&B of the the irresistibly catchy "Remember the Day," the sentimental lovers rock of "She's Gone," and the high-energy digital dancehall of the hits "Rude Boy Life" and "Call the Hearse." Perhaps the best song here, however, combines several styles within one track: "My Day," an inventive version of Ruby & The Romantics' "Our Day Will Come," incorporates an uptempo dancehall beat with an old-fashioned country-western guitar and a gospel-like melody. Sounds odd, but it works. And all the while, Bushman maintains his stellar vocals, which are at once emotional and smooth, cultural and romantic. He definitely deserves more attention than he has gotten thus far.
Track Listing
1. Nyah Man Chant
2. Remember the Days
3. Cannabis
4. Man a Lion
5. Grow Your Natty
6. She's Gone
7. Poor People Power
8. Rude Boy Life
9. Call the Hearse
10. My Day
11. Ain't No Sunshine
12. Anything For Your Love
13. Black Starliner
Total Commitment (Greensleeves, 1999)
If there was still any doubt that Bushman is anything more than a Luciano clone, a listen to Total Commitment should clear things up. Maintaining the variety of styles that he flexed on his debut -- from the catchy roots of "Fire Bun a Weak Heart" to the lovers rock of "Afraid of Commitment" to the old-school dancehall of "Mr. Gunis" to the modern dancehall sound of "Send Dem Come" -- Bushman avoids the sophomore slump, although this album is not quite as stellar as Nyah Man Chant. Just as appealing as his eclecticity is the fact that he never really treads into the sentimentality that Luciano tends to adopt occasionally. He puts forth positive, righteous messages without becoming sappy. Solid yet understated production from veteran King Jammy allows Bushman's lush vocals and rootsy melodies to flow on gems such as "Hard Time," "Give Jah the Praise," "Live Your Life Right," and "Works To Do." It may take a few listens to fully appreciated Total Commitment, but it's worth the effort.
Track Listing
1. Worries and Problems
2. Fire Bun a Weak Heart
3. Afraid of Commitment
4. Mr. Gunis
5. Give Jah the Praise
6. Hard Time
7. Terrible ina di Giddeon
8. Live Your Life Right
9. Works To Do
10. Can't Please You
11. Send Dem Come
12. Babylon Dead
13. Take It Easy