Burning Spear | ||
| Allmusic Biography : One of the most brilliant and respected roots artists in Jamaicas history, Burning Spear (aka Winston Rodney) has unleashed a host of classic dread records over the years. Part Rastafarian preacher, part black historian, more than any other roots artist, Burning Spear has illuminated Rastafarianism in song, sharing his beliefs with an avid public. Born in St. Anns Bay, Jamaica, in 1948, it was another St. Anns native, Bob Marley, who set Rodney off to Kingston and a fateful meeting with Studio One head Coxsone Dodd. Although the Wailers had departed the label three years earlier in 1966, Marley still believed that it was the best place for a new talent to start. Rodney took his advice and, with singing partner Rupert Willington in tow, auditioned three songs for the producer. Dodd immediately picked one, "Door Peep," as the pairs debut. Before its release, however, Rodney chose the name Burning Spear for the duo. It was a moniker heavy with history and had formerly been bestowed upon Jomo Kenyatta, the Mau Mau leader who eventually became the president of Kenya. Soon after "Door Peep" landed in the shops, Burning Spear expanded to a trio with the enlistment of Delroy Hinds, brother of "Carry Go Bring Come" Justin. It was with this lineup that Burning Spear released a series of singles on Studio One, including the 1972 Jamaican smash hit "Joe Frazier (He Prayed)." The following year brought the groups debut album, Studio One Presents Burning Spear, with Rocking Time coming hard on its heels in 1974. These records only hint at what was to come, even if the group had early on established their own unique sound with Rodneys chanted vocals the focus and Willington and Hinds providing sweet accompaniment. Rodneys lyrics were pregnant with emotions, righteous anger at oppression, but aglow with a deep sense of spirituality. The early song titles speak for themselves -- "Ethiopians Live It Out," "Zion Higher," "We Are Free" -- all obviously revolving around the cultural themes of oppression, repatriation, and religious devotion, but their power was somewhat stunted by the typical Studio One arrangements. However, Burning Spear could count themselves lucky, for at least Dodd was releasing their recordings. During this same period, the producer was letting the Abyssinians rot rather than chance releasing their plaintive and devotional songs. Understandably then, over time Burning Spear would revise many of the songs first cut at Studio One and theyd all gain mightily in atmosphere via the new arrangements and production. More singles followed, but the trio seemed unable to repeat "Joe Frazier"s success; in 1975, they split with Dodd and joined forces with producer Jack Ruby. Their initial session produced immediate results; "Marcus Garvey," meant for sound system play only, was so successful that Ruby was forced to release it as a single. Its follow-up, "Slavery Days," proved its predecessor was no fluke. Inevitably, Dodd sought to take advantage of his former trios new-found popularity and released a clutch of singles in response, taken from Spears earlier sessions with him. Meanwhile, the group began recording their next album with Ruby and accompanied by the Black Disciples, a phenomenal studio band featuring some of the islands greatest musicians. The end result was the Marcus Garvey album, one of the greatest Jamaica has ever unleashed. Its heavy roots sound, dreamy, haunting atmospheres, and powerful lyrics capture the imagination and never let go. It was after the album took Jamaica by storm that the Island label stepped in and signed Burning Spear. However, they immediately outraged the trio by remixing the record for white consumption. An equally light dub mix, Garveys Ghost, was a weak attempt at a peace offering and did little to soothe Rodneys fury. To ensure that he maintained control in the future, the singer now set up his own label, Spear, debuting it with the single "Travelling," a new version of the old Studio One cut "Journey." Two more singles, "Spear Burning" and "The Youth," swiftly followed. In 1976, Burning Spear released their successor to Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills. Again accompanied by the Black Disciples and overseen by Ruby, much of the album revolved around rural themes. The set also boasts an impressive new version of the groups debut release, "Door Peep," and the stunning club hit "The Lion." An excellent dub version, remixed by Sylvan Morris, accompanied the album. By the end of the year, however, Rodney had broken not just with Ruby but with his two bandmates. Retaining the Burning Spear name, the singer now set out on his own and self-produced his next album, Dry and Heavy. Recorded at Harry Js studio and with the Black Disciples still in tow, the singer laid down an album awash in sound, with the musicians contentedly jamming between the songs verses. Once more he revisited a number of older offerings, including "Swell Headed," reinvented as "Black Disciples." Sylvan Morris was again asked to remix a dub companion. By now, Burning Spear had amassed a sizeable following in the U.K. and in October of 1977, Rodney made his first appearance in the country, backed by the local reggae band Aswad. A ferocious show at Londons Rainbow Theatre was captured for posterity on the Live album. For 1978s Social Living, Rodney made some changes. The Black Disciples remained at his side, but were buttressed by members of Aswad. The singer brought in Karl Pitterson to co-produce with him, while recording was split between Harry Js and Compass Point in the Bahamas. The end result was a scintillating album that mixed jazzy stretches with deep roots and anthemic reggae, notably on the single "Civilized Reggae." Sylvan Morris dub mix was released the next year. The year 1979 was a momentous one, as Rodney took a leading role in the seminal Rockers movie; his a cappella performance of "Jah No Dead" was one of the films standout moments. The singer had appeared at the inaugural Reggae Sunsplash the year before, and was invited back again that year, in 1980, and he appeared regularly throughout the rest of the festivals history. His relationship with the Island label came to an end and Spear, too, folded with its final release of Burning Spears own "Nyah Keith." As the new decade dawned, Rodney launched the Burning Spear label, and signed it to the EMI label. But the singer hadnt cut all ties with his past and he recorded his new album, Hail H.I.M., at Bob Marleys Tuff Gong studio with Black Disciple and Family Man Barrett co-produce it. Sylvan Morris was again engaged to remix a dub version. These five studio albums, starting with Marcus Garvey, remain a seminal canon of dread roots, a string of recordings so strong that no other artist in the field has equalled them. They remain a fiery legacy, not just of the artist, but of the time. In 1982, Rodney inked a deal with the Heartbeat label in the U.S., and recorded his debut album for them, Farover. The album featured a new backing group, the Burning Band, and it was apparent that the artist was now entering a new musical era. While Farover remained suitably steeped in roots, for the first time Rodney was beginning to seriously explore non- cultural themes, a shift the "Shes Mine" single drove home. The Fittest of the Fittest continued down this path the following year, but there was more sparkle found on 1985s Resistance, which was nominated for a Grammy. That was Burning Spears final album for Heartbeat and Rodney next signed a deal with the independent Slash label. His debut for them, People of the World, earned another Grammy nomination. Its follow-up, 1988s Mistress Music, suffered from poor production, but better was the Live in Paris: Zenith album recorded at a show in May and released the same year. Running through a set of greatest hits, the album garnered another Grammy nomination, but saw the end of the Burning Band, which dissolved upon the completion of Burning Spears European tour. Two years later, Rodney was back with a new backing group and incredibly re-signed to Island, opening his account for them with Mek We Dweet. By now, Burning Spear was recording the kind of consumer friendly roots Island had always wanted. The album, while a simmering blend of jams and jazz, pop, and reggae lite, was far removed from the artists seething early work for the label. However, Rodneys stagework remained ferocious and American audiences were treated to some stunning live performances at the Sunsplash U.S. shows. Odd as it may sound, the artist was asked for a track for Deadicated: A Tribute to the Grateful Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute album. His version of "Estimated Prophet" was less a tribute to the kings of psychedelic jams, than a simmering tribute to classic roots. That album appeared in 1991, the same year as Burning Spears own Jah Kingdom, which while as light as its predecessor, contains a remarkable hypnotic atmosphere. After its release, Rodney once again severed his ties with Island and moved back to the Heartbeat label. 1993s The World Should Know, another Grammy-nominated album, inaugurated the new partnership and was cemented the following year with Love and Peace: Live 1994. The live album features some of Rodneys most ferocious recordings in years, and it was now on-stage that the artist was arguably delivering his best work. Burning Spear toured constantly, and successfully, across the decade, to the detriment of recording time. Still, the artist continued to release albums on a biannual basis, beginning with Rasta Business in 1995, it too earned a Grammy nomination. As did Appointment with His Majesty, which saw Rodney experimenting with a distinctly folky sound. However, always a bridesmaid but never a bride, it seemed the artist was destined to be the eternal also-ran at the Grammys. That changed in 1999 when Calling Rastafari finally garnered the trophy. It was a deserving win; the album, moodier and more introspective than anything since the early crucial five, simmers across the grooves and many of the tracks have an unexpected sharpness to the lyrics. The album was supported by a major American tour. Spear started his own record label, Burning Spear Records, and released Freeman in 2003, followed by the hopeful Our Music in 2005. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 47 Title: Studio One Presents Burning Spear Released: 1973 Tracks: 12 Duration: 40:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Ethiopian Live Out (03:10) 2 We Are Free (02:07) 3 Fire Down Below (03:30) 4 Creation (02:35) 5 Dont Mess With Jill (02:20) 6 Down by the Riverside (02:59) 7 Door Peep Shall Not Enter (04:39) 8 Pick Up the Pieces (04:39) 9 Get Ready (02:42) 10 Journey (02:44) 11 Them a Come (03:13) 12 He Prayed (05:54) |
| Studio One Presents Burning Spear : Allmusic album Review : Though he is better known for his releases on Island during the mid-70s, Winston Rodney (aka Burning Spear) wrote an equally important chapter in reggae music during the first half of that decade. The singer began his professional career on a series of recordings for the legendary Studio One label during the years 1969-1974. Aided by singer/producer Larry Marshall and singer Rupert Willington, the resulting music was some of the most innovative of the style eventually categorized as roots reggae. Known alternately as Presenting or simply Burning Spear, this debut set collects 12 of the sides he cut during the period. A further 12 compositions were subsequently gathered as Rockin Time, and the two albums together represent the bulk of Spears recordings during those years. Ideologically, Spears music was comparable to that of the Abyssinians, who also got their start at Studio One, recording their groundbreaking "Happy Land" (aka "Satta Massagana") in 1968. Both groups were among the first to deal openly with Rastafarian themes on record. Though Spears early releases failed to achieve the success of some of his more fortunate labelmates, they form a significant part of the singers body of work and, therefore, reggae music in general. Perhaps most stunning is "Door Peep Shall Not Enter," Rodneys 1969 debut 45, which begins with the singers spoken praise to Jah, and is supported by a suitably rugged rhythm. Equally strong are "Pick Up the Pieces," "Journey," and "He Prayed," compositions Spear would return to during a period of self-production in the late 70s. Unfortunately, the sound quality on the Studio One issue available on CD hardly does justice to this majestic music. With no other alternative, however, Presenting is still unreservedly recommended. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 47 Title: Rocking Time Released: 1974 Tracks: 12 Duration: 40:28 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Call on You (02:45) 2 Foggy Road (03:10) 3 Swell Headed (03:27) 4 Girls Like You (04:04) 5 Old Time Saying (02:20) 6 Bad to Worst (02:42) 7 What a Happy Day (02:49) 8 This Race (02:43) 9 Walla Walla (02:58) 10 Rocking Time (05:12) 11 Weeping and Wailing (03:58) 12 Mamie (04:13) |
 | Album: 3 of 47 Title: Marcus Garvey Released: 1975 Tracks: 10 Duration: 33:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Marcus Garvey (03:26) 2 Slavery Days (03:32) 3 Invasion (03:19) 4 Live Good (03:12) 5 Give Me (03:09) 6 Old Marcus Garvey (04:01) 7 Tradition (03:30) 8 Jordan River (02:58) 9 Red, Gold and Green (03:12) 10 Resting Place (03:08) |
| Marcus Garvey : Allmusic album Review : Marcus Garvey hit Jamaica like a force ten gale, its legacy so great that in later years many fans mistakenly came to believe it was Burning Spears debut album (it wasnt, two earlier records were released by Studio One). It made an instant hero of Winston Rodney, and the album remains a cornerstone of the entire roots movement. Spear was accompanied by the Black Disciples, a bakers dozen of the islands best musicians, including bassists Robbie Shakespeare and Aston Barrett, guitarists Earl "Chinna" Smith and Tony Chin, and drummer Leroy Wallace. The Disciples helped the vocal trio bring their vast potential and musical vision to vinyl, one theyd threatened with previous releases, but never quite attained. Producer Jack Rubys was equally important to the albums sound, gracing it with a deep roots mix that accentuated the haunting atmospheres of the music. Unfortunately, the listener experiences only wisps of that here. The Island subsidiary Mango believed the production too threatening, or at least too commercially inviable, for white audiences, and thus remixed it into what they considered a more palatable form. However, Marcus Garvey is so powerful a record that, even in this diluted state, it remains a masterpiece. If the music itself defined and glorified the roots sound, it was Winston Rodney which gave the movements philosophy voice. Rodneys vocal talent is actually fairly minimal, his delivery more a chant than actual singing, but his intense passion overcame any deficiencies, with Rupert Willington and Delroy Hinds dulcet backing vocals counterpointing Rodneys rougher tones. A fervid rastafarian, Rodney used Marcus Garvey as a shining torch to light the way to political and religious consciousness. The albums twinned themes of cultural concerns and religious devotion combined to create a powerfully intertwined message of faith and political radicalism. "No-one remember old Marcus Garvey," Spear sing at the beginning of "Old Marcus Garvey"; by the time the songs over, its unlikely anyone will forget again. These musical mnemonics of Jamaicas past heroes and history, which include the hit title track, of course, "Slavery Days," another Jamaican hit, and "The Invasion" are amongst the albums strongest tracks, with the three devotional numbers equally inspiring. Oppression may be the fate of many Jamaicans, both past and present, but by giving voice to those trampled by poverty, slavery, or politics, Spears underlying message remains one of hope. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 47 Title: Garveys Ghost Released: 1976-03-23 Tracks: 10 Duration: 38:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Ghost (Marcus Garvey) (03:54) 2 I and I Survive (Slavery Days) (03:53) 3 Black Wa-Da-Da (Invasion) (03:52) 4 John Burns Skank (Live Good) (03:47) 5 Brain Food (Give Me) (03:11) 6 Farther East of Jack (Old Marcus Garvey) (04:26) 7 2000 Years (Tradition) (03:46) 8 Dread River (Jordan River) (03:12) 9 Workshop (Red, Gold and Green) (04:32) 10 Reggaelation (Resting Place) (03:41) |
| Garvey's Ghost : Allmusic album Review : By the mid 1970s, many new albums in Jamaica were accompanied by a dub companion, but obviously this was not the case in the U.K. However, relations were so strained between Winston Rodney and Mango, over the remixed version of Marcus Garvey theyd released internationally, that the artist had launched his own label Spear to prevent this ever happening again. Thus Mango decided to mix up a dub album, Garveys Ghost, in an attempt to mollify Rodney. Apparently this rather obvious ploy did the trick, and the tensions between the label and artist now eased. However, listening to the record, one wonders why, for, if anything, Ghost merely added insult to injury. Rodney was aggrieved at the reggae light remix of his dread masterpiece, and if Garvey was light, Ghost was positively ashen. Even in its remixed form, which seriously lightened Jack Rubys deeply dread production, the rhythms laid down by Robbie Shakespeare, Aston "Family Man" Barrett and Leroy "Horse" Wallace on Garvey remained as fat as a Thanksgiving turkey. But just as Mango didnt believe the world was ready for real reggae, true dub was just as dangerous, so instead the listener is presented with this apology. At their least offensive, the engineers did no more than strip off the vocal track, creating not a dub, but an instrumental version of the original track, and sadly this makes up a frighteningly high proportion of the resulting record. "Marcus Garvey" suffers an even worse fate, as the engineers focus on the songs lightest elements, turning a roots classic into pop pap, at which point old Marcus Garvey was desperately wishing nobody had remembered him. Only the rare track escapes from these Scylla and Charbydis remixes. "I and I Survive," the dub of "Slavery Days," is the best track on the album, all pounding beats with the instrumentation actually accenting the songs depth, while "Black Wa-Da-Da," the dub of "The Invasion," is reduced to bare beats, sinuous bass, and bits of emotive vocals. But these are the exceptions to a rather dismal record. Its evident that Garveys ghost was not haunting the Hammersmith, London studio when this was record was mixed down, but its very likely Garvey himself was turning in his grave. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 47 Title: Man in the Hills Released: 1976-08-18 Tracks: 10 Duration: 34:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Man in the Hills (04:00) 2 Its Good (02:45) 3 No More War (03:19) 4 Black Soul (03:25) 5 Lion (03:14) 6 People Get Ready (03:22) 7 Children (03:44) 8 Mother (03:37) 9 Door Peep (02:40) 10 Groovy (03:53) |
| Man in the Hills : Allmusic album Review : The second half of the albums title pretty much sums it up. With the low end ably handled by Sly & Robbie, as well as Aston Barrett from Bob Marleys Wailers, Winston Rodney is free to follow his muses where they lead him, which is back to politics and spiritual matters. If not as perfect as Marcus Garvey, this set allows us a more detailed view of Burning Spear, an artist fully engaged in the world around him. An essential album from a genuine visionary. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 47 Title: Live Released: 1977 Tracks: 7 Duration: 33:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Ghost (Marcus Garvey) (04:40) 2 I and I Survive (Slavery Days) (04:18) 3 Black Soul (05:38) 4 Lion (06:04) 5 Further East of Jack (Old Marcus Garvey) (04:53) 6 Man in the Hills (04:54) 7 Throw Down Your Arms (03:15) |
 | Album: 7 of 47 Title: Dry & Heavy Released: 1977-07 Tracks: 9 Duration: 32:08 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Any River (03:19) 2 The Sun (03:42) 3 Its a Long Way Around (03:06) 4 I W.I.N. (03:47) 5 Throw Down Your Arms (04:05) 6 Dry and Heavy (03:29) 7 Wailing (02:46) 8 Black Disciples (04:23) 9 Shout It Out (03:27) |
 | Album: 8 of 47 Title: Social Living Released: 1978 Tracks: 9 Duration: 38:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Marcus Children Suffer (04:37) 2 Social Living (02:59) 3 Nayah Keith (04:05) 4 Institution (03:31) 5 Marcus Senior (05:10) 6 Civilize Reggae (05:49) 7 Mister Garvey (04:56) 8 Come (03:55) 9 Marcus Say Jah No Dead (03:52) |
| Social Living : Allmusic album Review : Burning Spears seventh album was originally released in the U.K. by Island in 1978 and has always been difficult to find in the U.S. Blood and Fires reissue makes it possible for average American reggae fans to hear what theyve been missing, and it turns out thats quite a lot. Social Living picks up where the third Burning Spear LP, Marcus Garvey, left off -- more slow, dark songs about slavery, repatriation, and, of course, Garvey himself (four of the nine songs have his name in their titles). There are still no real tunes to speak of, just immensely dense grooves that thud and rumble along slowly and relentlessly to the accompaniment of distant horns and rattling nyahbinghi percussion. If this 2003 remaster edges out the original Island release in any way, its in the mix: Island toned down Social Living (aka Marcus Children) a bit to appeal to British audiences, but the Blood and Fire version absolutely throbs with bass and echoes like drums heard across vast distances. In this context, when Winston Rodney sings that "Jah no dead" its impossible not to believe him; when he instructs you in the specifics of "Social Living," you find yourself submitting to his instruction. Its that kind of album. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 47 Title: Living Dub, Volume 1 Released: 1979 Tracks: 9 Duration: 32:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Children of Today (04:49) 2 Present (03:37) 3 Associate (03:52) 4 Jah Boto (03:46) 5 In Those Days (03:26) 6 Irie Niya Keith (03:44) 7 Help Us (03:43) 8 Musiya (03:12) 9 All Over (02:05) |
 | Album: 10 of 47 Title: Living Dub, Volume 2 Released: 1980 Tracks: 9 Duration: 39:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Cry Africa (04:11) 2 Telegram in Dub (03:40) 3 Teacher (03:49) 4 Offesive Dub (04:39) 5 Majestic Dub (03:43) 6 Pirates Dub (03:59) 7 Foggy (04:29) 8 Marcus Dub (05:19) 9 Jah See (05:08) |
 | Album: 11 of 47 Title: Hail H.I.M. Released: 1980 Tracks: 9 Duration: 38:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Hail H.I.M. (04:16) 2 Columbus (03:37) 3 Road Foggy (03:34) 4 Follow Marcus Garvey (04:27) 5 Jah See And Know (03:33) 6 African Teacher (04:00) 7 African Postman (04:27) 8 Cry Blood Africa (05:02) 9 Jah a Guh Raid (05:36) |
 | Album: 12 of 47 Title: Farover Released: 1982 Tracks: 9 Duration: 42:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Farover (04:26) 2 Greetings (04:46) 3 Image (04:57) 4 Rock (03:36) 5 Education (04:14) 6 Shes Mine (04:51) 7 Message (05:30) 8 OJah (05:37) 9 Jah Is My Driver (04:46) |
| Farover : Allmusic album Review : The momentum Burning Spear had built up with their American releases on the Island Records subsidiary Mango in the mid-70s, particularly 1975s Marcus Garvey, dissipated later in the decade and in the early 80s when the band left Island and recorded on their own or for British EMI, with the albums Social Living (aka Marcus Children) and Hail H.I.M. not earning stateside release. But in 1982, the year after Bob Marleys death, Heartbeat Records leased Burning Spears next album, Farover, giving Winston Rodney and company their first American issue since 1978s Live!. If Heartbeat was hoping Burning Spear would be able to take up the cause of reggae internationally in Marleys place, they were bound to be disappointed. Rodney shared Marleys concerns, particularly the pan-Africanism he expressed in the first three tracks -- "Farover," "Greetings," and the paean to Garvey, "Image" -- as well as the commitment to Rastafarianism evident in the last three, "The Message," "Oh Jah," and "Jah Is My Driver." And he could also take time out to consider the joys of dancing ("Rock") and the challenges of romance ("Shes Mine"), even if he was doing so by remaking old songs from his days at Studio One. But Rodneys increasingly smooth vocal style and the laid-back musical tracks (played by Wailers alumnus Aston "Family Man" Barrett, among others), while emotive, lacked Marleys fervor and didnt even stand up to his own Mango recordings. He was still good enough to address reggaes existing audience, but not to expand that audience in the way that Marley had sought to. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 47 Title: Harder Than the Best Released: 1982 Tracks: 10 Duration: 39:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Ghost (Marcus Garvey) (03:22) 2 Dry and Heavy (03:25) 3 Throw Down Your Arms (04:00) 4 Social Living (02:51) 5 The Invasion (aka Black Wa-Da-Da) (05:35) 6 I and I Survive (Slavery Days) (03:27) 7 Farther East of Jack (Old Marcus Garvey) (03:56) 8 Man in the Hills (03:51) 9 The Sun (03:37) 10 Civilize Reggae (05:47) |
| Harder Than the Best : Allmusic album Review : After gaining exposure with producer Clement Dodd between 1969-1975, Burning Spear (aka Winston Rodney) and singing partners Rupert Willington and Delroy Hinds cut a handful of stunning albums for Island over the next three years. The first two releases, Garveys Ghost and Man in the Hills, were produced by Jack Ruby and introduced Jamaicans and eventually a much wider audience to the trios stark mix of rasta/social themes, chant-like vocalizing, and sophisticated take on the islands raw nyabinghi drumming tradition. The next two studio albums, Dry and Heavy and Social Living, were produced by Rodney and maintained the groups cultural stance while also sporting a slicker sound, thanks in part to some jazz-tinged horn arrangements. This roundup includes highlights from these releases, plus one track from the dub version of the Marcus Garvey LP, "Garveys Ghost." And while the expansive and somewhat more accessible sound of later tracks like "Throw Down Your Arms" and "Social Living" might stand out at first, early bedrock cuts such as "Marcus Garvey" and "Slavery Days" remain the most compelling numbers here. Featuring such Jamaican studio luminaries as the Barrett Brothers, Sly and Robbie, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Vin Gordon, Bobby Ellis, and Earl "Chinna" Smith, Harder Than the Best qualifies as a solid introductory disc for the curious listener. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 47 Title: The Fittest of the Fittest Released: 1983 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Fittest of the Fittest (03:49) 2 Fire Man (04:09) 3 Bad to Worse (03:32) 4 Repatriation (03:42) 5 Old Boy Garvey (03:44) 6 2000 Years (04:04) 7 For You (04:04) 8 In Africa (03:59) 9 Vision (04:42) |
| The Fittest of the Fittest : Allmusic album Review : After the rather disappointing Farover, this mellow album laid down a firm foundation for the future, ensuring that while Burning Spears fire no longer burned as fiery as before, a bright glow would still last down through the years. The Fittest of the Fittests title track encapsulates both the sound and vision of what was to come. The Burning Bands rhythm section lays down a succulently meaty groove, while the rest of the musicians weave in and out, layering on riffs and flourishes to create a rich tapestry of sound. Overhead, Winston Rodney chants along, a long-distance roadrunner eating up the miles and passing cultural touchstones along the way. "Repatriation" boasts an equally sublime groove, with the band almost melting into it. No longer the immediate imperative, repatriation now seems more a long-term goal, a significant sea change, moving Rodney away from his earlier militancy and toward a more visionary stance. Its a transformation that the unity-themed "Vision" further supports, and "For You" confirms. The latter is a song for the ladies, which, even after "Shes Mine" broke Spears cultural mold on Farover, comes as a surprise. Yet "Bad to Worse" makes clear that Rodney hasnt become a full-blown optimist just yet. Past injustices still rankle, or at least bubble, as they do on "2000 Years," which gurgles up from the roots, then seeps through the dancehalls. If that bubbles, "In Africa" boings, as the chanter now reinvents himself as Eek-A-Mouse and boingy boings his way across the opening of the song. Simultaneously, the Burning Band returns to Studio One and drag its 60s sound straight into the later roots age. But thats nothing compared to "Fire Man," which drags "Fire Down Below" out of the archives and into the modern age. That is actually less rootsy than the original that Spear cut for Coxsone Dodd all those years ago, although the wailing sirens in the background give it a perfect contemporary flavor. And just to further ground the album, theres "Old Boy Garvey," yet another tribute to Jamaicas most famous son. A superb album, which while not in the same class as Spears first five releases, proves that the artist still has a good deal of simmer left. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 47 Title: Reggae Greats Released: 1985 Tracks: 12 Duration: 43:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Door Peep (02:40) 2 Slavery Days (03:32) 3 Lion (03:14) 4 Black Disciples (04:28) 5 Man in the Hills (04:00) 6 Tradition (03:30) 7 Throw Down Your Arms (04:05) 8 Social Living (03:01) 9 Marcus Garvey (03:24) 10 Dry & Heavy (03:31) 11 Black Wa-Da-Da (Invasion) (03:51) 12 The Sun (03:46) |
| Reggae Greats : Allmusic album Review : Although Reggae Greats would eventually be supplanted in the mid-90s by Islands two-CD set Chant Down Babylon: The Island Anthology, until that point this compilation, along with Harder Than the Best, remained the best roundup of classic Burning Spear material from the roots era. Harder was originally released by Island in 1979, and annoyingly, when Reggae Greats followed five years later, it duplicated six of the earlier sets tracks. Marketing was mercenary even back in the "good old days." As to be expected, both sets drew exclusively from Spears first four studio albums, a group of masterpieces whose run would be completed in 1980 by Hail H.I.M., which Island, of course, did not own the rights to. In any event, even standing on its own without the Harder collection, Reggae Greats was a superb set, including only the cream of Spears songs. All of the tracks are classics, a number of which began life at Studio One but were brought to fruition in the roots era. During this period, Spear never released a record that was less than stellar, and so this compilation provides only a taste of the true magnificence of the bands canon. Its hard to imagine anyone who, having heard these songs, wouldnt be compelled to search out the albums from which they were drawn -- and such an investigation would uncover a plethora of further excellent numbers. Once upon a time, this was a brilliant intro to the band, bringing Spear to a new generation of reggae fans. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 47 Title: People of the World Released: 1986 Tracks: 10 Duration: 37:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 People of the World (04:00) 2 Im Not the Worst (03:10) 3 Seville Land (02:53) 4 Whos the Winner? (03:50) 5 Distant Drum (04:07) 6 We Are Going (04:12) 7 This Experience (04:10) 8 Built This City (03:48) 9 No Worry Youself (03:46) 10 Little Love Song (03:48) |
| People of the World : Allmusic album Review : A nice debut on a major label not known for reggae. This release also includes eclectic material and a female horn section. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 47 Title: Resistance Released: 1986 Tracks: 9 Duration: 36:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Resistance (04:13) 2 Mek We Yadd (04:11) 3 Holy Foundation (03:39) 4 Queen of the Mountain (03:40) 5 The Force (03:43) 6 Jah Say (04:22) 7 We Been There (04:08) 8 Jah Feeling (04:27) 9 Love to You (04:20) |
| Resistance : Allmusic album Review : A great pairing of Rodney vocals and horn section. A Grammy nominee, this boasts the added bonus of a wonderful non-political piece "Love to You." | ||
 | Album: 18 of 47 Title: Marcus Garvey / Garveys Ghost Released: 1987 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:11:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Marcus Garvey (03:26) 2 Slavery Days (03:32) 3 Invasion (03:19) 4 Live Good (03:12) 5 Give Me (03:09) 6 Old Marcus Garvey (04:01) 7 Tradition (03:30) 8 Jordan River (02:58) 9 Red, Gold and Green (03:12) 10 Resting Place (03:08) 11 The Ghost (Marcus Garvey) (03:54) 12 I and I Survive (Slavery Days) (03:53) 13 Black Wa-Da-Da (Invasion) (03:52) 14 John Burns Skank (Live Good) (03:48) 15 Brain Food (Give Me) (03:11) 16 Farther East of Jack (Old Marcus Garvey) (04:26) 17 2000 Years (Tradition) (03:46) 18 Dread River (Jordan River) (03:12) 19 Workshop (Red, Gold and Green) (04:32) 20 Reggaelation (Resting Place) (03:39) |
| Marcus Garvey / Garvey's Ghost : Allmusic album Review : This disc brings together Marcus Garvey, Burning Spears debut album, with its dub counterpart, entitled Garveys Ghost. The resulting package is one of the pillars of roots reggae, an album packed with thick, heavy grooves and uncompromising religious and political messages. Although this Mango reissue has been criticized as sonically weaker than the Jamaican original, it will sound plenty dread to all but the most critical ears. Songs like the title track, "Slavery Days" and "Give Me" (with its remarkably well-integrated flute part) all tremble with the intensity of Winston Rodneys dark voice, and some of the dub versions (in particular "Black Wa-Da-Da," based on "The Invasion") number among the most frightening ever created. There are no sing-along melodies here; Burning Spear has always been more about setting up a relentless groove and using it to get the words across. But that groove is glorious, and its more than sufficient to support the significant weight of the lyrics. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 47 Title: Live in Paris: Zenith 88 Released: 1988 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:33:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Spear Burning (06:10) 2 We Are Going (05:29) 3 The Youth (05:31) 4 New Experience (05:13) 5 African Postman (05:18) 6 Happy Day (07:01) 7 Woman I Love You (04:50) 1 Queen of the Mountain (04:54) 2 Creation Rebel (05:39) 3 Mistress Music (04:25) 4 Built This City (05:23) 5 The Wilderness (06:51) 6 Driver (06:41) 7 Door Peep (09:08) 8 Old Marcus Garvey (05:57) 9 Swell Headed (04:57) |
| Live in Paris: Zenith '88 : Allmusic album Review : Winston Rodneys (aka Burning Spear) first live waxing remains as righteous a live reggae disc youre ever gonna feast upon. Well, this recent live double shot is hardly its predecessors equal, but Rodney is still one of the truly great voices in reggae. So even when the going gets rough, or boring, or meanders into Jah oblivion, hes still worth the price of admission. His new band (complete with all-female horn section) is a tightly skanking bunch of bohunks who negotiate the labyrinthine rhythmic pulsation with grace and panache. And while the material here is no match for earlier stuff like "Marcus Garvey," "Slavery Days" and "Man in the Hills," it stacks up well by comparison, especially "Spear Burning" and "Creation Rebel." | ||
 | Album: 20 of 47 Title: Mistress Music Released: 1988 Tracks: 10 Duration: 37:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Tell the Children (03:55) 2 Leader (03:30) 3 Woman I Love You (03:52) 4 One Way (03:22) 5 Negril (04:06) 6 Mistress Music (03:54) 7 Love Garvey (03:53) 8 Tell Me Tell Me (03:44) 9 Say You Are in Love (03:44) 10 Fly Me to the Moon (03:30) |
| Mistress Music : Allmusic album Review : Mistress Music is a somewhat later release from Burning Spear, a veteran of the roots reggae scene. This album has a good deal of the style that made him famous -- a blend of Rastafarian preaching with straight reggae. The vocals are occasionally drowned out to a degree by the synths, and the recording in general is somewhat dated by the overuse of synthesizers. The songs are often of a love song nature, with a spare Marcus Garvey-based love song thrown in ("Love Garvey"). The guitars could probably use a little more emphasis, and the synths a little less; nonetheless, the album is not bad overall. There are certainly other albums available in the genre (and for that matter, in Burning Spears catalog) that could probably outdo this one in many respects, but that doesnt necessarily detract from Mistress Music. Pick it up if youre curious about the (somewhat) later work of Winston Rodney. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 47 Title: Mek We Dweet Released: 1990 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Mek Me Dweet (04:20) 2 Civilization (04:05) 3 Garvey (04:10) 4 Elephants (03:52) 5 My Roots (04:21) 6 Take a Look (04:29) 7 Great Men (04:10) 8 One People (04:12) 9 African Woman (04:18) 10 Mek Me Dweet in Dub (04:26) |
| Mek We Dweet : Allmusic album Review : One of the finest and best-selling reggae singers of the 1970s, Burning Spear (aka Winston Rodney) successfully entered the 90s with Mek We Dweet. Though not quite on a par with such 70s gems as Marcus Garvey and Man in the Hills, Dweet proved that Spear could still deliver a thoroughly satisfying album. In contrast to reggae singers who, in 1990, were incorporating heavy doses of dancehall, Spear wisely sticks with the type of earthy, simple reggae that earned him so devoted a following in the 70s. Cuts like "Elephant," "Garvey" (one of his many odes to Marcus Garvey), and "My Roots" arent much different from what Spear was doing 15 years earlier and leave no doubt that he was intent on remaining true to himself. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 47 Title: Jah Kingdom Released: 1991-07-30 Tracks: 11 Duration: 47:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Jah Kingdom (03:59) 2 Praise Him (04:05) 3 Come, Come (04:04) 4 World Power (04:09) 5 Tumble Down (03:38) 6 Call On Jah (04:20) 7 Should I (04:14) 8 When Jah Call (03:58) 9 Thank You (04:25) 10 Land of My Birth (04:07) 11 Estimated Prophet (06:49) |
| Jah Kingdom : Allmusic album Review : Burning Spear (a.k.a. Winston Rodney) spent most of the 80s bouncing between labels after establishing himself thanks to a string of legendary 70s albums released on Mango Records. The early 90s found Spear back with Mango and 1991s JAH KINGDOM was the last album he released on this Island Records offshoot before returning to indie label Heartbeat. Staying consistent to his long-standing devotion to spreading his faith, Spear filled KINGDOM with words of praise for both Jah and Rastafari ("Praise Him," "Call on Jah") as well as pride in his roots ("Land of My Birth"). Guest musicians include legendary Jamaican instrumentalist Dean Fraser, and the rest of the collective plays with a lighter touch than what was normally heard on Spears previous albums. This approach enabled Spear to put more of a steel-drum flavored, Caribbean spin on "Come, Come" and also redo the Grateful Deads "Estimated Prophet," originally done for a Dead tribute album. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 47 Title: The World Should Know Released: 1993 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The World Should Know (04:05) 2 In a Time Like Now (04:02) 3 I Stand Strong (04:17) 4 Identity (04:00) 5 Its Not a Crime (05:03) 6 Mi Gi Dem (I Give Them) (04:02) 7 Loving Day (04:09) 8 Sweeter Than Chocolate (04:04) 9 On the Inside (04:09) 10 Peace (04:43) |
| The World Should Know : Allmusic album Review : Even though The World Should Know was released on CD, Burning Spear was still thinking in vinyl terms, and thus this album is very much a record of two distinct halves. The first five tracks are pure culture, although the music is anything but pure roots. In fact, the entire album is underpinned by dance beats, either by the programmed drums favored by the discos or the big, booming beats so popular in Jamaican dancehalls. Winston Rodney worked hard to make World sound global, determined that it would go down just as well at home as in foreign climes. A few songs are geared more to island styling, others more to the northern market, but most are a sparkling blend of both, an excellent use of beats, brass, and synths to encompass differing genres within individual songs. Rodney had learned much during his return trip to Island Records, and now put it to use back at his former label, Heartbeat. The five cultural numbers together create a mini-concept album, which moves from the global to the personal. The title track envelops economics, unity, and consciousness, while "In a Time Like Now" specifically addresses the withering effects of the free-market policies that are impoverishing Jamaica and so many other developing countries. "I Stand Strong" and "Identity" discuss Rodneys own personal philosophy, and "Its Not a Crime" covers one of his favorite topics, the importance of loving and educating youth. That latter song resurrects the old kiddie song "Im a Little Teapot," which the singer had utilized to such devastating effect years ago on "Fire Down Below." The rest of the record is more varied, from a pair of love songs for the ladies to the bouncy celebration of music in "Mi Gi Dem (I Give Them)" and the more ambiguous "On the Inside," which can be read both as a personal relationship number and a broader cultural song, while "Peace" combines a unity theme with a devotional message. World was an exciting change of pace after the more hypnotic Jah Kingdom; bright and bubbly, lush and dance-friendly, the album was proof positive that one could bring culture to the worlds dancefloors. Deservedly, it was nominated for a Grammy. [The World Should Know was re-released in 2005 with a bonus DVD.] | ||
 | Album: 24 of 47 Title: Love & Peace: Burning Spear Live! Released: 1994 Tracks: 9 Duration: 55:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Sun (05:57) 2 I Stand Strong (05:02) 3 Come Come (06:22) 4 Take a Look (10:21) 5 Mek We Dweet (03:27) 6 Great Men (04:58) 7 Jah Kingdom (05:46) 8 Mi Gi Dem (05:50) 9 Peace (07:32) |
 | Album: 25 of 47 Title: Rasta Business Released: 1995-06-20 Tracks: 11 Duration: 47:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Africa (04:47) 2 This Man (03:37) 3 Not Stupid (04:18) 4 Creation (03:40) 5 Every Other Nation (04:49) 6 Burning Reggae (04:29) 7 Rasta Business (04:18) 8 Old Timer (04:38) 9 Subject in School (03:45) 10 Hello Rastaman (04:46) 11 Legal Hustlers (04:48) |
 | Album: 26 of 47 Title: Living Dub, Volume 3 Released: 1996 Tracks: 13 Duration: 56:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dub Creation (04:55) 2 African Dub (04:31) 3 Stand (04:09) 4 Smart Dub (04:16) 5 Remember (04:40) 6 Burning Dub (04:23) 7 Chanting Home (04:14) 8 Dub Old Timer (04:41) 9 Subjective Dub (03:00) 10 Friendly Dub (04:42) 11 Investigation (04:30) 12 World Dub (04:19) 13 Loving Dub (04:07) |
 | Album: 27 of 47 Title: Chant Down Babylon: The Island Anthology Released: 1996-06-18 Tracks: 35 Duration: 2:29:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Marcus Garvey (03:26) 2 Slavery Days (03:32) 3 I & I Survive (03:52) 4 Old Marcus Garvey (04:01) 5 Tradition (03:30) 6 The Invasion (A.K.A. Black Wa-Da-Da) (05:34) 7 Door Peep (02:40) 8 No More War (03:19) 9 Black Soul (03:25) 10 Man in the Hills (04:00) 11 Cultivation (04:09) 12 The Sun (03:42) 13 Its a Long Way Around (03:10) 14 Throw Down Your Arms (04:07) 15 Dry & Heavy (03:32) 16 Black Disciples (04:28) 17 The Lion (live) (06:07) 18 Jordan River (live) (04:53) 19 Jah No Dead (02:09) 1 Marcus Children Suffer (04:37) 2 Social Living (07:46) 3 Marcus Say Jah No Dead (03:52) 4 Nyah Keith (04:04) 5 Civilize Reggae (05:47) 6 Mek We Dweet (04:19) 7 My Roots (04:21) 8 Recall Some Great Men (04:12) 9 Great Mens Dub (04:14) 10 One People (04:12) 11 African Woman (04:18) 12 Jah Kingdom (03:59) 13 Praise Him (04:05) 14 Should I (04:14) 15 Estimated Prophet (06:52) 16 Thank You (04:25) |
| Chant Down Babylon: The Island Anthology : Allmusic album Review : Major label rivalry makes it unlikely that Burning Spear will ever receive a proper career retrospective set. Burning Spear signed to Island Records in 1976, debuting with the legendary Marcus Garvey album, accompanied by its dub companion Garveys Ghost. Four new albums followed before Spear departing Island for the U.K. EMI label in 1980. A decade later, Burning Spear returned to Island for two new albums before their relationship again soured. (The situation is even more complex in the U.S., where Spear releases have been split among the Island, Heartbeat, and Slash labels.) The result of all these label relocations makes for a rather odd anthology indeed, which inevitably omits Spears entire 1980s output, five albums in all, including the Grammy-nominated trio of Resistance, People of the World, and Mistress Music. Obviously, post-1992 material is also missing, including anything from the Grammy-winning Calling Rastafari. Thats what you dont get. What you do get is a double album of some of Spears most seminal work. The five albums released between 1975 and 1980 are all considered masterpieces, comprising a roots series that remains unparalleled. Of course, the fifth, Hail H.I.M., was not an Island release, but you do get selections from the other four. Of Babylons 35 tracks, 20 are culled from Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills, Dry & Heavy, and Social Living, the first four albums in this seminal set. Others also date from this period: a track from Garveys Ghost; "Man in the Hill"s B-side, "Cultivation"; "Jah No Dead," Spears contribution to the Rockers soundtrack; "The Lion," taken from 1977s Live album; a previously unreleased "Jordan River," recorded live around the same time; and a non-album track culled from 1979s Harder Than the Rest compilation. The remainder are pulled from Spears early-90s albums, the Grammy-nominated Mek We Dweet and Jah Kingdom. The latter album included Spears contribution to the Grateful Dead tribute album, Dedicated, a simmering "Estimated Prophet," which also appears here. Only the most persnickety fan could complain about Babylons selections, which boast all of these albums strongest songs. However, the musical leap between tracks five and six on disc two, which chronologically jumps a decade, remains disconcerting, but theres no avoiding it, bar squeezing the early material onto disc one. So, while not a definitive career compilation, this anthology is probably the best fans can hope for. | ||
 | Album: 28 of 47 Title: Best of Burning Spear Released: 1996-12-13 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:08:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dont Sell Out (04:35) 2 Old Marcus Garvey (06:24) 3 African Postman (05:23) 4 Mek We Dweet (03:33) 5 Woman I Love You (03:52) 6 Mistress Music (03:59) 7 The World Should Know (04:05) 8 Christopher Columbus (03:37) 9 Not Stupid (04:18) 10 Freedom (02:49) 11 Identidy (03:59) 12 Mi Gi Dem (I Give Them) (04:02) 13 Travelling (03:31) 14 Spear Burning (06:10) 15 Pieces (03:35) 16 Legal Hustlers (04:49) |
 | Album: 29 of 47 Title: Appointment With His Majesty Released: 1997-08-05 Tracks: 12 Duration: 57:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Appointment With His Majesty (04:21) 2 Play Jerry (Garcia, Grateful Dead) (04:41) 3 Reggae Physician (04:29) 4 Music (04:55) 5 African Jamaican (05:05) 6 Loving You (05:03) 7 My Island (04:54) 8 Dont Sell Out (04:35) 9 Commercial Development (05:23) 10 Glory Be to Jah (04:56) 11 Clean It Up (04:47) 12 Come in Peace (04:43) |
| Appointment With His Majesty : Allmusic album Review : As one of the great trance singers and stylists in the genre, Winston Rodney (aka Burning Spear) has always come up with records that are distinctive and socially conscious. This 1997 12-track effort for the Heartbeat imprint is no exception, kicking off with "The Future (Clean It Up)," and a plea for worldwide understanding of mankinds current state of affairs. A prayer to Jah to eradicate prejudice comes with the title track, a sentiment that also surfaces in "Glory Be to Jah." An odd, but nonetheless compelling tribute to Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead comes with the celebratory "Play Jerry." The rest of the albums themes vacillate between social consciousness-raising ("Come In Peace," "Dont Sell Out," "African Jamaican," "My Island," "Commercial Development") and the peace that comes when the music is right ("Loving You," "Reggae Physician," and the set closer, "Music"). The Spear burns on. | ||
 | Album: 30 of 47 Title: Living Dub, Volume 4 Released: 1999 Tracks: 11 Duration: 51:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dub It Clean (04:40) 2 Dub Appointment (04:19) 3 First Time Dub (04:14) 4 Physician Dub (04:13) 5 Jah Dub (04:33) 6 Dub Smart (04:34) 7 Peaceful Dub (04:45) 8 Dub African (05:08) 9 My Island Dub (05:10) 10 Music Dub (05:17) 11 Loving Dub (04:56) |
 | Album: 31 of 47 Title: Calling Rastafari Released: 1999-08-24 Tracks: 11 Duration: 53:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 As It Is (04:56) 2 Hallelujah (extended mix) (06:30) 3 House of Reggae (04:36) 4 Lets Move (04:37) 5 Brighten My Vision (04:45) 6 You Want Me To (04:57) 7 Calling Rastafari (03:49) 8 Sons of He (extended mix) (05:54) 9 Statue of Liberty (03:35) 10 Own Security (04:21) 11 Holy Man (extended mix) (05:45) |
| Calling Rastafari : Allmusic album Review : By this time Burning Spears sound is well established: slow, smoky roots reggae grooves embellished by horns and featuring little or no melody; in its place is Winston Rodneys hypnotic speak-singing, a relatively tuneless chant that invariably delivers messages of spiritual uplift, political resistance and social discipline. On his latest outing, Rodney does not departs at all from his usual approach, which in lesser artists might be seen as a sign of stagnation, but in his case just sounds like virtuous consistency. The program opens with "As It Is," which recycles Spears classic "Marcus Garvey" with new (and unfortunately self-referential) lyrics. Things improve immediately with the sweet and quietly propulsive "Hallelujah" and the surprisingly tuneful "House of Reggae." "Statue of Liberty" combines a biting criticism of American immigration policy with percolating guitar, a funky horn line, and a martial rockers beat. The album ends with an extended mix of "Holy Man," a horn-heavy paean to Haile Selassie. The Burning Band is rock solid throughout. Highly recommended. | ||
 | Album: 32 of 47 Title: Rare and Unreleased Released: 2001 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:01:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Slavery Days (jungle dub mix) (06:20) 2 Marcus Children (original mix) (06:49) 3 Mandela Marcus (unreleased version) (06:25) 4 We Suffer (original mix) (07:49) 5 Come (original mix) (03:53) 6 Marcus Say (original mix) (03:53) 7 Zion I Awake (original mix) (04:05) 8 The Force (unreleased version) (03:18) 9 Marcus Senior (original mix) (05:12) 10 We Pray (original mix) (03:32) 11 Do the Reggae (12" mix) (07:13) 12 Mister Garvey (original mix) (03:17) |
 | Album: 33 of 47 Title: Best of the Fittest Released: 2001 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:02:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Hail H.I.M. (04:16) 2 Fittest of the Fittest (03:47) 3 2000 Years (04:02) 4 Repatriation (03:40) 5 Columbus (03:37) 6 Follow Marcus Garvey (04:27) 7 African Teacher (04:01) 8 Shes Mine (04:48) 9 Fire Man (04:07) 10 Cry Blood Africa (05:01) 11 Jah a Guh Raid (05:35) 12 The Message (05:27) 13 Image (04:50) 14 Far Over (04:20) |
| Best of the Fittest : Allmusic album Review : Obviously Best of the Fittest is far from a career-spanning anthology, nor is it even a best-of Burning Spear collection, but then it doesnt claim to be. Instead, this set brings together on one CD some of the finest tracks from a trio of Spear albums released in the early 80s. Culled exclusively from 1980s Hail H.I.M., 1982s Farover, and the following years Fittest of the Fit, oddly nothing is drawn from Hails companion set, Living Dub, Vol. 2. In any case, during these years Winston Rodney was rarely able to reach the dizzying heights he had previously. Hail H.I.M. was the exception, an album many fans include in the stream of roots masterpieces that began with 1975s Marcus Garvey. The title track, "Columbus," "Follow Marcus Garvey," "African Teacher," "Cry Blood Africans," and "Jah a Guh Raid" are all drawn from this set, and make up half the compilation in total. Every one of these numbers is superb, classics one and all. Farover and Fittest of the Fit have all the elements and many of the same musicians that graced H.I.M., yet both sets are missing a bit of the spark and heft of their more legendary predecessor. Pruning out the less than fittest tracks, the compilation pulls out a trio of powerful numbers from each, driving home the point that Rodney and the roots he so loved were far from a spent force. All self-respecting roots fans need H.I.M. in their collection, at which point the amount of duplication rather mars this compilation, but its still cheaper than buying the more extraneous Fittest and Farover as well, which one supposes is the point. | ||
 | Album: 34 of 47 Title: Spear Burning Released: 2001 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:02:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Travelling (03:10) 2 Walking (version) (03:13) 3 Institution (discomix) (06:24) 4 Natural (version) (05:16) 5 Free Black People (02:52) 6 Free (version) (02:45) 7 Thanks & Praises (02:47) 8 Love Everyone (version) (03:09) 9 Spear Burning (03:22) 10 Jomo (version) (03:09) 11 I Gave You My Word (04:14) 12 Word (version) (04:19) 13 On That Day (03:10) 14 Youth (03:13) 15 Prophet (04:09) 16 Jah No Dead (discomix) (07:13) |
| Spear Burning : Allmusic album Review : In 1976, Winston Rodney launched the Spear label as an outlet for his own excursions into self-production. Through Spear, Burning Spear would ignite Jamaica with a firestorm of red-hot singles, all backed by the Revolutionaries. Most were never released outside of the island, thus Spear Burning is a very welcome collection, and a crucial addition to Rodneys lexicon. During this same period, Burning Spear was also enthralling the world with a series of masterful albums, kicking off with the classic Marcus Garvey, overseen by producer Jack Ruby. Although these sets were seen as part of an apex of heavy roots, none reached the throbbing, dubby heights of Rodneys self- produced singles. Even the labels debut release, Burning Spears debut, "Traveling," a re-recording of "Journey," a song originally cut for Studio One, has a tougher, more improvisational feel, a sound that would deepen with time. Some of Rodneys most astonishing work, however, is found on the singles version B-sides, which are twinned here with their flips. The most inflammatory is "Jomo," a version of the classic "Spear Burning," a tough dub punctuated by the wailing screams of a fire siren. "Jah No Dead" appears in its extended "discomix" form, even more sublime than the album version. The fabulous "Institution," an adaptation of the classic "He Prayed," is of particular note, for along with its equally sublime dub counterpart "Natural," it was the labels sole foray into the 12" market, although one wonders why, considering its success both at home and in the U.K. Spear also worked with a handful of other artists, and the double vinyl album devotes the entire B-side of the first disc to versions of Philip Fullwoods "Love Everyone" rhythm. This includes Fullwoods original single version and B-side, as well as a trio of versions by Burning Spear, each one more scintillating than the last. Besides Fullwood, the album also showcases the sweet sounds of Burning Junior, a barely remembered vocal group, whose potential is evident here, but who sadly never went on to fulfill this bright start. Big Joe was the labels sole DJ, and on "The Prophet" he offers up a stunning cultural toast over Burning Spears gorgeous "Throw Down Your Arms." The copious liner notes discuss at length the label, the artists, the songs, and even provide a succinct bio of Marcus Garvey, the inspired leader whose effect on Rodney is immeasurable, all drawn from interviews with the Spear himself. | ||
 | Album: 35 of 47 Title: Ultimate Collection Released: 2001-06-19 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:14:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Marcus Garvey (03:28) 2 The Invasion (aka Black Wa-Da-Da) (03:21) 3 Red, Gold, & Green (03:13) 4 Workshop (Red, Gold and Green) (04:32) 5 Mother (03:37) 6 Man in the Hills (03:58) 7 Door Peep (02:39) 8 Dry & Heavy (03:30) 9 Throw Down Your Arms (04:07) 10 Institution (03:30) 11 Jah No Dead (original Film mix) (02:09) 12 Social Living (04:31) 13 Marcus Children Suffer (04:38) 14 The Fittest of the Fittest (03:45) 15 Road Foggy (03:34) 16 Columbus (03:38) 17 Fire Man (04:06) 18 Mek We Dweet (04:19) 19 Should I (04:11) 20 Jah Kingdom (03:54) |
| Ultimate Collection : Allmusic album Review : Calling this album Burning Spears Ultimate Collection is overstating things a bit. Sure, nearly every song here can be considered one of his best, but theres a lot missing here -- a problem that has marred his other previously released best-ofs, in particular the nearly "ultimate collection" Chant Down Babylon: The Island Anthology. Like that album, Hip-Os attempt at the definitive Burning Spear compilation focuses mostly on his mid- to late-70s output -- the Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills, Dry & Heavy, and Social Living albums -- along with a few choice selections from his early-80s albums, Hail H.I.M. and The Fittest of the Fittest. And one cant really argue with Hip-O. As mentioned, everything theyve chosen is first-rate, even if it makes it seem as if Burning Spears post-early-80s efforts were futile. But there is a problem with Hip-Os logic -- not necessarily for them but rather a problem for fans looking to pick up a quality best-of. What theyve done here is essentially released a consolidated one-disc version of the more comprehensive yet still problematic Chant Down Babylon anthology. While that may be wonderful for neophytes looking for a cheap, simple buy, its frustrating for existing fans who are still waiting for the "ultimate collection" that this album masquerades itself as. For those who are still waiting for an ultimate collection of Burning Spears work, this isnt it, even if its stacked with great songs. But for those who are looking for a simple, economical single-disc compilation of early career highlights, and could care less how comprehensive the selections are, this will satisfy. | ||
 | Album: 36 of 47 Title: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Burning Spear Released: 2002-08-13 Tracks: 12 Duration: 50:29 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Social Living (12" mix) (07:53) 2 Marcus Garvey (03:26) 3 Man in the Hills (03:51) 4 The Invasion / Black Wa-Da-Da (extended mix) (05:33) 5 The Sun (03:38) 6 Dry and Heavy (03:25) 7 Marcus Children Suffer (04:37) 8 Lion (03:13) 9 Old Marcus Garvey (03:55) 10 Door Peep (02:40) 11 Mek We Dweet (04:19) 12 Jah Kingdom (03:54) |
 | Album: 37 of 47 Title: Man in the Hills & Dry and Heavy Released: 2003-06-03 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:06:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Man in the Hills (03:59) 2 Its Good (02:45) 3 No More War (03:18) 4 Black Soul (03:23) 5 Lion (03:13) 6 People Get Ready (03:22) 7 Children (03:42) 8 Mother (03:37) 9 Door Peep (02:39) 10 Groovy (03:56) 11 Any River (03:19) 12 The Sun (03:43) 13 Its a Long Way Around (03:07) 14 I W.I.N. (03:47) 15 Throw Down Your Arms (04:05) 16 Dry & Heavy (03:29) 17 Wailing (02:48) 18 Black Disciples (04:25) 19 Shout It Out (03:27) |
 | Album: 38 of 47 Title: FreeMan Released: 2003-07 Tracks: 12 Duration: 46:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Trust (03:56) 2 We Feel It (04:06) 3 Ha Ha (03:40) 4 Not Guilty (04:20) 5 Rock and Roll (04:16) 6 Hey Dready (03:40) 7 Freeman (04:39) 8 Loved for Who I Am (03:31) 9 Rise Up (03:47) 10 Old School (03:52) 11 They Cant (03:22) 12 Changes (03:44) |
| FreeMan : Allmusic album Review : Perhaps the most amazing thing about Burning Spear is how little his approach has changed after nearly 40 years as a recording artist. His themes and concerns -- freedom, self-determination, equal rights -- have remained constant, and he sticks pretty close to his original musical template of slow to mid-tempo roots rhythms with plenty of horns and percussion layered into the mix for added punch. As new styles have swept through the Jamaican music business, Spear has stayed his ground, sure in what he wants to say and how he wants to say it. So there are no surprises on Free Man, the first release on Burning Spears new record label, Burning Music. The songs stick to righteous themes, the backing tracks are solid but not flashy, fleshed out with his trademark sonorous horn charts, and while his voice occasionally drifts off-pitch, Spear delivers what he has always delivered: Solid, workingmans roots music full of anger, hope, redemption and earthy wisdom. Working with veteran Jamaican session players like percussionist Uziah "Sticky" Thompson and drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Spear still radiates the kind of tempered joy at life and music that made his early work from the mid- to late-70s (Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills, Dry & Heavy) such classics. Among the highlights here are the gritty "Rock and Roll," the perennial Marcus Garvey homage, "Rise Up," and Spears call to politicians to rethink things, "Changes." While Free Man doesnt quite equal those classic early albums, it is cut from the same quilt, and it wont disappoint his many fans. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 47 Title: Sounds from the Burning Spear Released: 2004-10-25 Tracks: 18 Duration: 49:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Door Peeper (03:12) 2 This Race (02:40) 3 Swellheaded (03:14) 4 Call on You (02:40) 5 Ethiopians (01:42) 6 Creation Rebel (02:35) 7 Bad to Worse (02:37) 8 Rocking Time (02:48) 9 Zion Higher (03:10) 10 Foggy Road (02:57) 11 We Are Free (02:07) 12 Joe Frazier (02:35) 13 New Civilization (03:15) 14 Down by the Riverside (02:57) 15 This Population (03:04) 16 Get Ready (02:41) 17 Journey (02:43) 18 What a Happy Day (02:46) |
 | Album: 40 of 47 Title: Creation Rebel: The Original Classic Recordings From Studio One Released: 2004-11-16 Tracks: 20 Duration: 56:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Door Peeper (original single mix) (03:11) 2 This Race (rare stereo mix) (02:41) 3 This Population (03:03) 4 Bad to Worst (rare stereo mix) (02:39) 5 New Civilization (03:23) 6 Pick Up the Pieces (02:30) 7 Zion Higher (rare stereo mix) (03:12) 8 Swell Headed (03:19) 9 Foggy Road (03:05) 10 Creation Rebel (02:32) 11 Ethiopians Live It Out (03:05) 12 Rocking Time (rare stereo mix) (02:43) 13 Get Ready (02:36) 14 What a Happy Day (rare stereo mix) (02:47) 15 Call on You (rare stereo mix) (02:43) 16 Free (We Are Free) (02:05) 17 Down by the River (Down by the Riverside) (02:55) 18 Weeping and Wailing (rare stereo mix) (01:59) 19 He Prayed (03:09) 20 Rocking Time (original single release) (02:44) |
 | Album: 41 of 47 Title: Our Music Released: 2005 Tracks: 11 Duration: 55:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Our Music (04:52) 2 Try Again (05:00) 3 Down in Jamaica (04:15) 4 Together (extended mix) (06:21) 5 Friends (04:29) 6 O Rastaman (extended mix) (07:13) 7 Fix Me (03:56) 8 Walk (03:25) 9 One Marcus Garvey (04:41) 10 My Duty (03:55) 11 Little Garvey (extended mix) (07:10) |
| Our Music : Allmusic album Review : Perhaps the most amazing thing about Burning Spear is how little his approach has changed after nearly 40 years as a recording artist. His themes and concerns -- freedom, self-determination, equal rights -- have remained constant, and he sticks pretty close to his original musical template of slow to mid-tempo roots rhythms with plenty of horns and percussion layered into the mix for added punch. As new styles have swept through the Jamaican music business, Spear has stayed his ground, sure in what he wants to say and how he wants to say it, always supporting and praising the resilience of the human spirit. Our Music, released on his own Burning Spear Records (which Spear runs with his wife and business partner Sonia Rodney), is his most fully realized record in years, with a bright, bubbling sound that is almost joyous in its persistence, even as he tackles hard social issues. Although it was recorded in New York City at Magic Shop Recording Studios, Our Music is thoroughly Jamaican, with Leroy Wallace once again holding down most of the drumming duties, and the rhythms are marvelously organic, natural, and vibrant, with sharp, perfectly placed horn charts (no one in reggae uses horns better than Burning Spear) that punctuate the melodies without derailing them. But most of all, Our Music is filled with hope, and that unerring hope is what lifts this record, even as Spear takes on his usual heavy social themes. This is a deeply committed artist, and it isnt chic or anything new with him (hes been bringing the same message since his first recordings with Clement Dodd in the mid-60s), but whats a bit of a breakthrough here is how bright and airy his sound has become, even as he sticks with the mid-tempo rhythms and his generally sonorous vocal delivery. Highlights include the title track, "Our Music," the extended mix "Together" (which deals with war-torn Africa and features a fluid and soaring dub coda), "Down in Jamaica" (which wouldnt sound out of place on Spears classic Marcus Garvey album), and the glorious, loping, and infectious "Walk," which essentially visits the whole planet in the lyrics, as Spear calls for a renewed sense of place in the world, not as a divisive factor, but as the first step toward unity. Know where you are, Spear insists, know where you live, get out and walk where you live, and know that this is the beginning of understanding the whole world we live in, neighborhood by neighborhood. A wonderful new album by a roots reggae master. | ||
 | Album: 42 of 47 Title: Gold Released: 2005-04-26 Tracks: 28 Duration: 1:49:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Invasion (03:22) 2 Slavery Days (03:32) 3 Marcus Garvey (03:28) 4 Farther East Of Jack (04:25) 5 Jordan River (02:57) 6 Red, Gold & Green (03:14) 7 Black Wa-Da-Da (03:51) 8 I And I Survive (03:52) 9 Man In The Hills (03:59) 10 Door Peep (02:40) 11 Cultivation (04:10) 12 Its Good (02:45) 13 Lion (03:13) 14 Mother (03:35) 15 Dry & Heavy (03:29) 16 Wailing (02:49) 17 Throw Down Your Arms (04:05) 18 Any River (03:23) 19 Black Disciples (04:26) 20 Old Marcus Garvey (Live) (04:58) 21 Social Living (Extended Mix) (07:53) 22 Civilised Reggae (Extended Mix) (07:11) 23 Come (03:54) 24 Marcus Children Suffer (04:39) 25 Institution (03:30) 26 Hail H.I.M. (04:14) 27 Road Foggy (03:34) 28 Jah No Dead (Rockers Soundtrack Version) (02:10) |
| Gold : Allmusic album Review : Winston Rodney -- the man known as Burning Spear ever since the name stopped applying to the two- or three-man group he fronted -- once said that Island doesnt own any unreleased tracks from him; they only own the tracks given to them through producer Jack Ruby. This helps explain why the numerous Burning Spear compilations the labels parent company, Universal, has released differ very little in their track listings, and maybe why the Chris Blackwell mixes of Spears albums keep rearing their watered-down heads. They are here again on the two-disc Gold, yet another compilation that covers a sliver of Burning Spears career. But what a sliver it is. Gold focuses on Spears early Island albums and, through the magic of major-label mergers, one album from his stint with EMI. Its the "zenith of Burning Spears brilliant career" according to the liner notes, and the track listing makes that case well, save one horribly misguided decision. Taking three tracks from the limp and universally scorned Garveys Ghost -- a Blackwell-helmed dub snooze-fest that was done without the permission of an infuriated Rodney -- is a truly bad move. Its doubly frustrating when you consider how well Gold handles Spears other albums, including his Island debut, Marcus Garvey, which also suffered from some Blackwell-ing. Youd have to take out a second mortgage to acquire the album in its original form, and as Gold displays, Spear gradually thickened his sound through the years and its doubtful Blackwell soiled the album as drastically as listeners have been lead to believe. "Slavery Days" and "Marcus Garvey" from the album sound fantastic and vital here, but thats only the beginning. Gold takes the listener chronologically from Spears dankest, dark albums through to his punchier, more soulful ones and stops along the way to grab an uplifting live track and a couple of extended mixes that allow the groove to really stretch its legs. The a cappella "Jah No Dead" from Spears appearance in the movie Rockers is a perfect, serene ending to the heavily spiritual and politically urgent collection, one that makes the listener forget the Garveys Ghost mishap. Until Rodney and the people at Island make nice, Gold is as good as it gets. Recommended with some weighty reservations. | ||
 | Album: 43 of 47 Title: Living Dub, Volume 5 Released: 2006-06 Tracks: 12 Duration: 00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Hit Dub (?) 2 Dub Liberty (?) 3 Security Dub (?) 4 Holy Dub (?) 5 Dub Jah (?) 6 Reggae Dub (?) 7 Dub Move (?) 8 Calling Dub (?) 9 Dub He (?) 10 Vision Dub (?) 11 Dub Continent (?) 12 Want Me To (?) |
 | Album: 44 of 47 Title: Living Dub, Volume 6 Released: 2007 Tracks: 12 Duration: 46:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Trust Dub (03:39) 2 Dub We Feel It (04:23) 3 Dub Ha Ha (03:53) 4 Dub Not Guilty (03:47) 5 Dub Rock And Roll (04:21) 6 Dub Dready (03:24) 7 Dub Is Free (03:50) 8 Dub Is What I Am (03:48) 9 Dub Rise Up (04:07) 10 Old School Dub (03:51) 11 Dub Can (03:16) 12 Dub Dont Change (03:40) |
 | Album: 45 of 47 Title: The Burning Spear Experience Released: 2007-01-01 Tracks: 25 Duration: 2:04:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 On the Inside (04:22) 2 Music Business (04:46) 3 Experience (04:12) 4 Jah Rasta (03:09) 5 Burning Reggae (04:27) 6 Part Two: Marcus Garvey (07:09) 7 Institution (03:29) 8 Business Dub (04:46) 9 My Roots (04:22) 10 Part Two: Loving Day (04:07) 11 Part Two: Driver (06:59) 12 Cry Blood (05:06) 1 I Am In (04:08) 2 Part Two: Man in the Hills (07:19) 3 So Clean (02:30) 4 Negril (04:07) 5 Pieces of Dub (03:25) 6 Repartition (Jamaica version) (03:42) 7 Part Two: Happy Day (07:31) 8 Throw Down Your Arms (Jamaica version) (04:06) 9 Trust (03:57) 10 Part Two: Creation Rebel (06:55) 11 Come in Peace (04:22) 12 Part Two: Door Peep (08:22) 13 Part Two: We Been There (07:24) |
 | Album: 46 of 47 Title: Jah Is Real Released: 2008-08-19 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:08:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Cruise (04:38) 2 Step It (08:10) 3 You Were Wrong (04:56) 4 Run for Your Life (06:29) 5 Jah Is Real (04:06) 6 People in High Places (04:23) 7 One Africa (04:56) 8 Grandfather (03:54) 9 Wickedness (04:54) 10 Stick to the Plan (04:29) 11 No Compromise (04:17) 12 700 Strong (04:31) 13 Grassroot (04:22) 14 Step It (remix) (04:41) |
| Jah Is Real : Allmusic album Review : The reggae record business has been a snakepit for decades, and few have been as cruelly used by it as the legendary Winston Rodney (aka Burning Spear), a man whose recordings have helped build the foundation of roots reggae music and one who has struggled to survive financially for most of his career. Now living in Queens and running his own label, Rodney is not only finally reaping the just rewards of his hard work but also singing and writing at the peak of his powers. Jah Is Real is one of the strongest entries in his monumental catalog. It uses modern technology and recording techniques to deepen and strengthen his signature sound: a dry, heavy blend of horns, chanted melodies, two-ton basslines, and devotional lyrics. On this album hes helped out by what might seem at first like an unlikely duo: bassist Bootsy Collins and keyboardist Bernie Worrell, both charter members of Parliament Funkadelic. But the disconnect is only superficial: funk and reggae have deep roots in common, and both Bootsy and Bernie fit into the band with seamless ease. Highlight tracks include the resolutely rocking "People in High Places," the contemplative "Step It," the calypso-inflected "One Africa," and especially, the simple and moving title track. As with most Burning Spear albums, though, this one isnt characterized by sharp high and low points; its a slow and steady journey through the soul and mind of one of reggae musics most beloved figures, and it moves with all the irresistible momentum of an elephant herd. Very highly recommended. | ||
 | Album: 47 of 47 Title: The Best of Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey Released: 2012 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:19:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Marcus Garvey (03:22) 2 Man in the Hills (03:54) 3 Dry & Heavy (03:27) 4 Tradition (03:26) 5 Marcus Say Jah No Dead (03:56) 6 The Invasion (03:12) 7 Black Wa-Da-Da (The Invasion dub) (03:50) 8 Door Peep (02:37) 9 Civilised Reggae (05:51) 10 Old Marcus Garvey (04:04) 11 The Sun (03:42) 12 Social Living (07:53) 13 No More War (03:22) 14 Throw Down Your Arms (04:00) 15 Slavery Days (03:24) 16 I and I Survive (a.k.a. Slavery Days dub) (03:52) 17 Lion (03:10) 18 Nayah Keith (04:04) 19 Mek We Dweet (04:20) 20 Jah Kingdom (03:59) |