"I know the West will crumble someday," sings
Bushman, but that didn't stop him from recording a positive and uplifting set of songs for
Higher Ground. His socially conscious lyrics are more workmanlike than imaginative, and the music itself is somewhat short on idiosyncracies, but this is a consistently solid album nonetheless.
Bushman's soulful, R&B-tinged vocals (which may remind some of
Luciano) are quite engaging, as are the
Dean Fraser-arranged backing vocals by the Daffodils. The album, which was expertly produced by Lloyd "King Jimmy" James, also benefits from a superb lineup of studio musicians, including such big names as
Steely & Clevie and
Sly & Robbie. If you enjoy modern roots reggae and dancehall music, there's a good chance that you'll enjoy this album. ~ Todd Kristel