Escape From Babylon

The roots reggae scene is always a space for new gems, and Alborosie's Escape From Babylon is no exemption. This 2009 nine-track record from the Italian-Jamaican artist is a sonic voyage filled with thematic and genre diversity that ranges from Dancehall, Dub, and Reggae. In this post, we'll dive deep into the background of Alborosie, get a feel of the music included in Escape From Babylon, pick out the best songs, and tape in some critical observations.
Before going any further, it's worth noting that Alborosie's music career began as a reggae musician and producer on the Italian music scene. His passion for the genre inspired him to travel to Jamaica in the early 2000s, where he immersed himself in the country's reggae music scene. He later developed a friendship with Jamaican reggae musician Anthony B, who had a significant influence on his music and inspired the track titled Waan The Herb, which is featured in the album.
Escape From Babylon opens with a track titled Kingston Town, a reflection of Alborosie's experience in Jamaica's capital city. Characterized by its dub-like synthesizer sound, the song blends Jamaican urban living with the beats that made Alborosie successful in the music scene. One of the most innovative sections of the album is on the fourth track, Polizia, where Alborosie, skillfully combines reggae and stomping rock in his lyrics' resounding activism against police brutality.
The album's titular track follows, Escape From Babylon. It embraces a different thematic approach from Alborosie's norm, switching it up to address mental slavery. Though the song was initially perceived as a Jamaican cry against poverty, the message behind it embodies the album's essence of embracing liberation in its various forms. The following track, Dung A Babylon, injects high energy and is distinctively catchy.
In I Rusalem, Alborosie collaborates with another reggae and roots music legend, Michael Rose. The song's context reflects biblical scriptures and prophecy, and it's among the most popular tracks on the album. In the track, Alborosie brings together old and new music styles, as well as explores the idealistic side of his music.
The album concludes with the track, No Cocaine. It's a rework from His Greatest Hits Live, which features Alborosie's first break into the Jamaican music scene. He sings about the wickedness behind white powder. Furthermore, the song's lively alternative sound allows the closing of the album with a high note.
Alborosie's Escape From Babylon displays a soundly crafted album from start to finish. The album's diversity, resilience, and lyrical activism remain major highlights even a decade later. Alborosie undeniably puts forth his talent for music production and captures the essence of Jamaican roots music in varying contexts. Many will argue that Escape From Babylon has earned itself a spot among the top reggae albums of all time. Its unique blend of genres, themes, and collaborations with notable artists is remarkable, making it a must-hear for any music enthusiast.
Alborosie's Escape From Babylon displays a soundly crafted album from start to finish. The album's diversity, resilience, and lyrical activism remain major highlights even a decade later. Alborosie undeniably puts forth his talent for music production and captures the essence of Jamaican roots music in varying contexts. Many will argue that Escape From Babylon has earned itself a spot among the top reggae albums of all time. Its unique blend of genres, themes, and collaborations with notable artists is remarkable, making it a must-hear for any music enthusiast.