Collie Buddz – Good Life
Track Listing:
1.) Control
2.) Lovely Day
3.) Part of My Life
4.) Save Me from the Rain ft. Kat Dahlia
5.) Good Life
6.) I Got You
7.) Used to ft. Kreesha Turner
8.) Level ft. P-Lo
9.) Yesterday ft. Jody Highroller & Snoop Dogg
10.) Glass House
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: May 19th, 2017
Record Label: Harper Digital Entertainment
Official Website: Collie Buddz Website
Artist Background:
New Orleans-born and Bermuda-bred singer Collie Buddz has made a name for himself toeing the line between reggae and dancehall. Born Colin Harper, Collie Buddz burst on the scene with incredibly catchy hits like “Come Around” and “Sensimilla” off his 2007 self-titled debut album. Buddz has also released a pair of EPs, Playback (2011) and Blue Dreamz (2015). A decade since Collie Buddz dropped, the vocalist and producer is back with another full-length album titled Good Life.
Album Review:
10 years after the release of his self-titled debut album, Collie Buddz returns with his 10-track sophomore album Good Life. Don’t let the title fool you though. Of course Collie Buddz hits on his familiar themes: weed, women, and partying. But he also touches on hardship and pushing through personal struggles. Paralleling the highs and lows of life that Collie Buddz sings about, Good Life goes through its own ups and downs.
Good Life gets off to a slow start. The first three songs, “Control”, “Lovely Life,” and “Part of My Life” are all somewhat generic, lacking that certain swagger we’ve come to know Collie Buddz for over the years. The chorus on “Control” has some slick vocal layering, but overall these tracks don’t scratch very far beneath the surface.
Fortunately, the album picks up at “Save Me from the Rain,” a track featuring the extremely gifted Miami vocalist Kat Dahlia. The pair’s unique vocal styles compliment each other perfectly. Buddz delivers a couple of strong verses, while Dahlia provides an ear-worm hook. But it’s Dahlia’s bridge in the last third of the song, her voice slightly quivering, that takes the song to a whole other level.
The title track “Good Life” is another miss, but the album’s uptick continues with “I Got You,” “Used to” featuring Kreesha Turner, and “Level” featuring P-Lo. “I Got You” is a smooth blend of pop and dancehall. It’s difficult to keep up with Collie Buddz’ thick accent, but often times that’s when he’s at his very best. “Used to” has that “song of the summer” feel to it. The synthesizer hook is simply mesmerizing. The production is on point throughout Good Life, but it’s particularly impressive on “Used to.” “Level” is another catchy, well-produced track that leans in the hip hop direction.
Despite being joined by Snoop Dogg and Jody Highroller (aka Riff Raff), “Yesterday” doesn’t live up to the hype you’d expect from the big names on board. However, Good Life ends on a high-note with “Glass House.” Over a tight, no-frills reggae rhythm, Collie Buddz sings, “I’m on another level, burn out di devil, you live in a glass house don’t fling pebble.” He experimented with some new sounds on Good Life, but “Glass House” is vintage Collie Buddz.
Good Life has its hits and misses, but it’s a solid album overall. The production is top-notch throughout, and there are definitely a handful of songs worthy of being added to your party playlist this summer. Collie Buddz has a good grasp of intertwining reggae, dancehall, pop, and hip hop. That’s clearly evident on Good Life. Though his collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Jody Highroller fell flat, Collie’s tracks with Kat Dahlia and Kreesha Turner are exceptional. It’s an up and down album with a few gems worth finding.
Written & Reviewed By: Brian Winters
[Editors Note: All reviews are reflective of the album in it’s entirety, from start to finish. These reviews are the honest opinion of each writer/reviewer expressing their feedback as a genuine fan of the music. Each star rating reflects their review of the album, NOT the band. Music is subjective. Regardless of the review or star rating, we encourage you to listen to the music yourself & form your own opinion. Spread the awareness of all music in its art & contribution]
Watch: Collie Buddz – “Used To” (feat. Kreesha Turner)