Speak My Language (1998)

No reggae act gave itself a more radical makeover than Inner Circle, whose sociopolitical, Rastafarian-minded efforts of the 1970s are quite a contrast to the escapist pop-reggae the Jamaican band favored in the 1990s. More than a few people in reggae's hardcore have denounced Circle as a shameless sellout; nonetheless, its commercial 1990s albums (although definitely not in a class with its 1970s work) aren't without their pleasures. Speak My Language is essentially a reissue of Circle's 1997 release Da Bomb. The sequence ... Read More

No reggae act gave itself a more radical makeover than Inner Circle, whose sociopolitical, Rastafarian-minded efforts of the 1970s are quite a contrast to the escapist pop-reggae the Jamaican band favored in the 1990s. More than a few people in reggae's hardcore have denounced Circle as a shameless sellout; nonetheless, its commercial 1990s albums (although definitely not in a class with its 1970s work) aren't without their pleasures. Speak My Language is essentially a reissue of Circle's 1997 release Da Bomb. The sequence of the songs is pretty much the same, but two tracks are omitted this time: "Book of Rules" and a dancehall mix of "Tell Me." Thus, if one had to choose between Da Bomb and Speak My Language, the former would be a better choice because it's slightly more generous. Obviously catering to the pop market, Speak My Language won't win back those who long for the politically charged Circle of the 1970s. Fun but not mindblowing, this collection is strictly for those who like their reggae laced with lots and lots of pop. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi Read Less