Marcus Garvey

Everything you want out of Reggae and more. I'd really only ever heard the Marleys' Reggae before this. This album is much more direct in it political messages than Bob Marley's. It's a lot harder to gloss over the political messaging when it's not couched in the somewhat thinly-veiled metaphors Bob Marley tended to use. Listeners who don't want any politics in their music would be best served to stay away. Which would be a shame, because musically and lyrically, this album is brilliant. Maybe listening to this in Iowa during a week-long bout of sub-zero temperatures colors my opinion a bit, but I loved this album. 5 stars.

Great

I really need to listen to more reggae. This is heavy roots music with deliberate, slow tempos, three part harmonies, deep bass and excellent production, although apparently Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear (although they were a group at this point) hated the mix that Island Records did. The lyrics are political and spiritual, centring on the Rastafarian aims and ideals. The music is hypnotic and somewhat soothing while the lyrics carry that implied threat, Revolution.

A huge band makes a huge sound and Burning Spear's is uncompromising, A packed horn section brings big bright energy and melodic counterpoint, backup singers deepend the vocals with close harmonies and ad lib flourishes, the drums and percussion are perfectly in the pocket, the guitars add more rhythm with upstroke chords and tight little lines in the high end, the keys are there for more funk in the mid range, and the bass is unstoppable - propulsive and deep, thudding into off beats, swining in anticipation around the rest. Burning Spear's vocals emerge from this mass, weaving in and out, interacting with the rhythms and riffs, stepping back to shout from the pockets, percussively rapping out a line with the drums, rising up to float above for a wail.

Thoroughly enjoyed it - sounds incredible, it's fun but still gives you something to think about. One of the best reggae albums I've heard and certainly the best one in this list so far...

Even if I don’t look at the historical significance, this albums slaps. With the (probably remaster) I listened to, every instrument was clean, punchy just how a perfect raggae album would sound. This might even be better than Exodus. Gotta give both a re-listen

Outstanding!

Reggae

If you like Bob, you’ll probably like this. 4.5 rounding up for Reggae love.

That was a really solid album! Really solid reggae! Politically loaded as most reggae is. Way ahead of its time considering it came out in '75. I enjoyed it so much, that I listened to more Burning Spear stuff after finishing the album. Favourite songs: Marcus Garvey, Old Marcus Garvey, Slavery Days, Jordan River, "Red, Gold and Green", Give Me, Resting Place Least favourite songs: Tradition 5/5

Burning Spear is on fire

I haven't gotten a reggae album this good in a while. Political as ever but catchy as hell, there weren't too many boring spots on this album. Marcus garvey and red, gold, and green were my favs. Also I listened to the first half of this while high as shit riding in a car on a summer night so the lasting memory attached to this album automatically makes it a 5. I am beginning to internalize that reddit post I talked about a while ago regarding how lists like these don't allow for each album to fully stick. Like this would be a soft 4 if I was sober and listening to it in my house in the middle of the day.

Absolutely love this!

Amazing

Excellent album. Influenced a lot of post pop artists, specifically Finley Quaye.

This is Rastafarian magic. Uplifting, meaningful, thoughtful.

Very good. Tight playing and a lovely sprinkling of flute.Favourite tracks Marcus Garvey, Live Good, and Tradition.

Excellent. I'm probably biased because I love reggae and it's 30 degrees celsius where I am now, so the album sounded even better. Now to track down the original release.

Never listened to much reggae and this is new to me but it’s great! Will be listening to this again (and again!)

Favourite song - Tradition

Bro just spoke facts over the most GNARLY reggae beats for half an hour. Jokes aside, this is excellent. Really no point in the tracklist that I wanted to turn off, and that is a great album to me. The incredible bass and tune of the opener is a highlight for me, but this energy persists throughout without being overbearing. Would have loved to have seen this live in its prime 😆

Top tier. Every track is good, great instrumentation, and what a voice! I can’t think of a flaw so has to be 5. Immaculate vibes. Favourite track: Live Good

This whole album is fantastic. Not just perfect reggae, but perfect music. Really lovely, energetic and enjoyable. Not a damn thing wrong with this record.

Mellow and powerful and scathing and soothing and light and heavy all in turns. Many levels to enjoy this on and you could just have it on in the background all day.

Nice, groovy, jazz? , Carribbean, a slay

Good old school reggae with sincere meaningful lyrics

Reggae greatness. A nice addition to the pantheon of the golden age of reggae.

Already love Marcus Garvey. This whole album is fantastic. Not just perfect reggae, but perfect music. Really lovely, energetic and enjoyable. Not a damn thing wrong with this record.

This is like the soundtrack of my childhood

really nice and fresh

5 stars

Nice

I really enjoyed this! Maybe I should listen to more Jamaican music...

This is the reggae I wish more people knew about.

Damn I love all the grooves on this thing, I don't know if the songs were getting better as it went on or if i was just really getting into it. The production is great too, the horns, vocals, other instruments are just the right volume, and the basslines pop right in the center. As a big fan of the bass, i'm slowly learning that i've been missing out on reggae and dub music.

I am no Reggae expert, but this was very enjoyable and obviously extremely authentic.

Lyrics: Burning Spear's lyrics in "Marcus Garvey" are deeply rooted in Rastafari and Pan-Africanism, reflecting the artist's commitment to social and political consciousness. The album takes its title from the iconic Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey, a key figure in the Rastafari movement. The lyrics often convey messages of resistance, empowerment, and unity. The poetic and metaphorical language used by Burning Spear enhances the album's lyrical depth, making it a timeless exploration of African identity and heritage. Pros: Poetic Depth: Burning Spear's lyricism goes beyond mere storytelling, delving into profound philosophical and spiritual themes. Political and Social Relevance: The album's focus on Garvey's philosophy and broader themes of self-determination and resistance adds a layer of social consciousness to the lyrics. Cons: Repetition: Some may argue that the repetitive nature of certain lyrics, a characteristic of reggae, might be a drawback for listeners seeking more varied content. Music: The musical arrangements in "Marcus Garvey" are a perfect embodiment of roots reggae. Burning Spear's vocal delivery is distinctive, characterized by his deep, resonant voice. The instrumentation, featuring traditional reggae elements such as skanking guitar, melodic basslines, and steady drumming, creates a foundation that complements the lyrical content. The album also features the famous group The Black Disciples as the backing band, adding to the authenticity of the sound. Pros: Authentic Reggae Sound: "Marcus Garvey" epitomizes the roots reggae genre, showcasing the quintessential elements of the genre with a raw and authentic feel. Vocal Delivery: Burning Spear's emotive and powerful vocal delivery adds an extra layer of authenticity and sincerity to the music. Cons: Limited Musical Experimentation: While the album excels in its chosen genre, some listeners might wish for more experimentation in terms of musical styles and arrangements. Production: Jack Ruby's production on "Marcus Garvey" is often praised for capturing the essence of Burning Spear's vision. The album's sound is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, allowing the message in the lyrics to take center stage. The use of dub techniques, with echoing vocals and instrumental breaks, adds a layer of depth to the overall production. Pros: Clarity and Balance: The production strikes a balance between the vocals and instruments, ensuring that the listener can fully absorb both the message and the music. Effective Use of Dub Techniques: The incorporation of dub elements enhances the overall listening experience, adding a dynamic quality to the sound. Cons: Lack of Studio Experimentation: Some critics argue that the album's straightforward production might lack the studio experimentation found in other contemporaneous reggae albums. Themes: "Marcus Garvey" revolves around themes of African identity, resistance against oppression, and the teachings of Marcus Garvey. The album serves as a cultural and historical document, preserving the ideologies of the Rastafari movement and the broader Pan-African struggle. Each track contributes to a cohesive narrative that reinforces the themes of unity, self-awareness, and social justice. Pros: Consistency in Theme: The album maintains a consistent thematic thread, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Cultural Preservation: Burning Spear's dedication to preserving and promoting African culture and heritage is evident in the thematic richness of the album. Cons: Niche Appeal: While the themes are powerful and meaningful, they might limit the album's appeal to a specific audience interested in reggae's cultural and political dimensions. Influence: "Marcus Garvey" has had a lasting impact on the reggae genre and beyond. It is often cited as one of the essential reggae albums, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. The album's messages of empowerment and resistance resonate far beyond the Caribbean, inspiring listeners globally to explore their cultural roots and stand against oppression. Pros: Legacy: The album's enduring influence is evident in its continued relevance and the recognition it receives as a cornerstone of reggae music. Global Impact: Burning Spear's messages have reached a diverse audience, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Cons: Limited Mainstream Recognition: While influential within reggae circles, "Marcus Garvey" may not have achieved the same level of mainstream recognition as some other seminal albums from the era. Conclusion: "Marcus Garvey" by Burning Spear stands as a landmark album in the reggae genre, encapsulating the spirit of roots reggae with its potent combination of conscious lyrics, authentic music, and thematic depth. Despite its niche appeal, the album's influence has been far-reaching, solidifying its place in the annals of reggae history. The cons, such as repetition in lyrics and a lack of mainstream recognition, are minor when compared to the album's overall impact and significance. "Marcus Garvey" remains a powerful testament to the potential of music to convey profound messages and spark social change.

I really like this album. First thing on this list I was totally unfamiliar with Substantial and engaging but still fun to listen to

very good album

Loved this. A powerful reggae masterpiece

Essential roots reggae.

Tradition is probably my favorite Burning Spear song. Summer before last, D fell asleep at a Burning Spear show 💤

day 148. so chilling and soft, i can listen to reggae forever 9.5/10

Very good!

One of the best Roots Reggae albums: tight, funky, dense, political, dark, brooding, danceable. There are just too many adjective one can use to describe this album. It’s seminal but also unlike any other album in it’s genre. Please just listen to it if you haven’t already.

High quality reggae from the master probably one of the genres mist defining and awesome albums, the qualityvof his voice never fails to astound.

Superb album, hits the spot

A great album. He re made it away from Island Records as Garvey's Ghost. Which was great too. I really enjoyed listening to this and then went down a dub rabbit hole all afternoon.

Great reggae album from the 70s. Got it on a cd together with the dub version, and one should really listen to both albums in one go to fully appreciate this album (similar to "In the Light / In the Dub") but anyways.. 5 stars of course.

Top class reggae album.

My brother and I listened to this on a long bike ride around the greater Stevenage area and I can't lie, we felt cooler than we cooler than we could possibly deserve. Groovy, tight, political, concise. The pulse syncs with your own very nicely and you become giddily aware you are listening to a perfect expression of the form. Reggae classic, no question about it.

Great. My kind of reggae. Really nice and interesting musically and wel produced.

I'm convinced there is a central reggae sound and the likeability of the albums drop off pretty quickly with deviations from this centre. Thankfully this has that central sound.

Ace

One of a number of releases that legitimately lay claim to the greatest reggae album ever. The instrumentation is superb and Winston Rodney is at his peak as a leader. This is more " Rastafarian" focused than many of the other popular reggae releases from this period, which provides a link to the overt political tone. A classic.

I'm sure bad reggae album exists but thankfully I have not heard one.

Happy music, no juice needed. history, reality, uplift, be be beeee.

I listened to both the international version found here in the book and the original version. Both are excellent. I don’t have much more to say, other than you should play this album and play it loud, on a good system - it will blow you away.

haha, that is in my collection since many many years. A MUST HAVE for the summer and for political reasons!

Beautiful! Already listen some songs

FANTASTIC! Wary of giving an album 5 stars so early in the game, but I really loved this album. Each song has a unique feel, but every one is organic, soulful, and heartfelt. Loved the bass lines. Beautiful.

Vibey, hard-hitting, atmospheric, and meaningful. What else could I want?

Excellent

so cool

Powerful and groovy. Reggae with plenty to say. Might start going into my rotation.

Power to the people

Good old school Soul

absolute vibez

Roots Reggae at its finest, absolute classic album. From the lead off title track through he whole album not a bad song.

the first reggae album i’ve ever really listened to. i cant super judge it, but i really enjoyed listening to it, and it was super political. felt it dragged a bit on the late first side, but there are some really excellent songs.

Awesome, especially in the current mini heatwave here! Love a bit of reggae, and using it to tell the story of one of my all-time heroes is genius. Hard to pick a best track so I'll say all of them!

grooviest mf album I’ve heard all month 10/10, tragically short tho

That's some very adorable music!! Relaxing, refreshing, perfect for afternoon work BGM.

The most emotionally intense reggae album I've evert heard. It is evident in every note Winston Rodney sings. His singing is a tour de force, the songs are compelling and the music matches the intensity of the singing. 5 🌟

I'd heard the first two tracks before quite a bit, but the rest was new and showed a lot of depth. Will likely add to the rotation and learn more about this album.

Great album, resting place, slavery days.

Splendid. Musically flawless, such a warm, rich sound. Lyrics are mournful but ultimately spiritual and full of hope. Fave Songs: The Invasion, Jordan River, Marcus Garvey, Red Gold and Green, Live Good

1975 - Reggae

An OKs favorite of mine. Brilliant album..Winston Rodney's singing is incredible especially on Days of Slavery Not sure what else there is to say . 5 🌟

Dope reggae album. Want to keep track of this one so I’m giving it a 5. Good music for hanging

Was good

Loved it.

Groovy and poignant

If you’re a Marley fan, this is fantastic

very good, will listen again

One of the great roots records. Deep.

Classic reggae. Well done...

fire

7/10

Great reggae

Fun album, hadn’t heard of it before

Really tight vocals and band. Enjoyed it

I definitely need to check out more by this artist.

Je n'ai pas encore eu des masses d'albums de reggae, jusqu'à aujourd'hui, donc ça fait bien plaisir. Je ne connaissais pas Burning Spear, mais visiblement, c'est un cador du genre, un explorateur au même titre que Bob Marley, la célébrité auprès du grand public en moins. De ce que j'en ai entendu, c'est un peu plus énergique que Bob Marley, avec beaucoup plus de trompette et c'est à peu près tout ce que je peux en dire, puisque le genre m'est presque totalement inconnu. Par contre, je peux dire que j'ai beaucoup aimé, l'aspect politique des paroles est toujours plaisant, même si j'ai pas tout suivi et vu l'ancienneté de l'album, il n'est pas impossible que quelques dingueries aient échappé à mon attention. Dans tous les cas, c'était une musique entraînante, énergique et suffisamment variée pour éviter que le moindre ennui s'installe dans sa courte durée.

Hadn't heard of these guys before this. Reggae for me is very hard to dislike and this is no exception. Nothing here blew me away, but equally it was just all very solid. No complaints. Didn't outstay it's welcome either. 3.5 but closer to 4. Enjoyed it

Non, Guillaume, je ne suis pas foncièrement anti-reggae! Mais lui est probablement mon préféré à date. Bon j'ai réécouté Exodus depuis et j'ai été bien trop sévère avec 1 étoile je l'avoue. Mais le côté laidback et chill de celui-ci bat tout ce qu'on a eu à date à mon avis (je me souviens UB40 et Marley, je sais pas s'il y en a eu d'autres). Ça reste un style que je juge très répétitif et pas très novateur. 4.

Haven't really listened to a lot of Reggae, but I really liked this. Hard to imagine what the original mix of this would have sounded like Favorite Songs: The Invasion, Marcus Garvey

Great roots reggae album, revolutionary and political. The first 2 songs really set the tone. Love the vocals and the instrumentation. A cornerstone of the movement, any reggae fans out there should give it a spin.

Pode ser só porque ontem me sentei à frente da tv e estava a dar um documentário sobre o Bob Marley que fiquei a ver, mas gostei da vibe

I liked this album, but I probably won't be listening to this ever again.

This was great and it made me realize that I need to listen to more reggae.

Nice surprise! An album I will definitely listen to again.

Want to understand the bass - not just learning some scales and locking into a rhythm but true understanding - listen to this album. Robbie Shakespeare of the infamous Sly and Robbie and Aston "Family Man" Barrett from the Wailers put on a masterclass of restraint and demonstrate the power of low end. It's not shut what you play but what you don't. Hypnotizing while politicizing. 4.5 stars.

Based on the selection from the 1001 Albums, reggae artists seem to focus their songs on sociopolitical themes. Marcus Garvey sounds like an anti-colonial, political statement. But I had a hard time deciphering the rest with how similar the songs flow. It's a little too cohesive, but the longer I listened to it, the more it felt hypnotic and blended nicely (3.5-4).

Everything I want in a reggae album- 70's production and political lyrics

Love roots reggae

A very solid reggae album that was new to me. Reggae is at its best when it’s political, and regardless of one’s viewpoints in Garvey’s philosophies (I admittedly didn’t know who Marcus Garvey was until I listened to this and went down a rabbit hole about him) it helps the album to be conceptually rooted in his teachings. Musically it’s a good listen. Rodney isn’t as compelling as a singer or lyricist as Bob Marley, to whom he’s impossible not to compare, but he’s still good on this record and the band sounds excellent. It’s on the lower end of 4 stars for me but worthy of the score for its consistency and curiosity it caused for its subject.

Enjoyed it quite a bit

The lack of popular consciousness about reggae beyond Bob Marley says way more about the American music scene than anything else.

This was a fun album, and it feels like classic reggae in a pure way. It may not be as fun in 2026 as some other reggae albums that are more well-known, but this album feels foundational and important, and it definitely has a lot of great instrumentation and very good songs.

About as reggae and reggae can sound. I listened to this on a sunny day and it just sounded "right". Great lyrics, great content, infectious groove. Tidy.

Less anthemic than the 'Exodus'album, and not every track is a winner but, as a roots reggae album, this feels about definitive along with Marley. Like Marley this is history and politically conscious, probably more so in that it is really the only preoccupation here. There's no fannying about singing about women or love as Marley was prone to do. But hypnotic hooks abound - I nearly found myself singing "Do you remember the days of slavery?" on the northbound to East Croydon, which is ill-advised at best.

Erfrischend

Absolutely nothing to fault, beautiful flowing reggae. Strong words softly sung, great accompaniments

qué chidas las segundas voces

A phenomenal reggae offering that I never would have listened to if not for this project. While reggae isn't my go-to, this album might find its way onto my rotation. 8/10

The only bad thing about this album is that its not long enough.

Good reggae

Conflicted. I want to gove this a 4, but I gave all the Bob Marley albums 4s, and I definitely like those albums more. This voice is more charismatic and some of the Burning Spear songs flirt with being too repetitious. So, call this a low 4 ans Marley a high 4.

Decent reggae

primera vez que escucho reggae por más de 3 minutos en continuación y al contrario de mis creencias fue más que disfrutable y la repetición se me hizo amena, me pareció muy solid como album pero no dispongo de los conocimientos para ponerme picky 8,5/10

Very good

Track after track off passionate reggae jams, flawlessly arranged and recorded. I didn’t find any riff or song to go on for too long. Everything just flowed nicely.

This was just great reggae from start to finish. Nice jams with socially conscious lyrics. It really doesn’t get much better than to vibe along to this. I am glad that this project is broadening my horizons like this because I never would have sought this out.

I like reggae so this was a nice listen.

A nice change from Bob

Solid enough reggae album, and understanding some of the background gives this +1 star from me

Unqualified to speak on this is a lot of ways. I know nothing about reggae or the experience of those who made it, and my knowledge of Marcus Garvey extends no further than name recognition. Still, great reggae album! I know this is a reductive take on the genre, but there was sun shining in through my window while this played and something about that just works.

First time listen through and really enjoyable politicised but accessible reggae

I saw Burning Spear in concert once nearly 30 years ago. Possibly the most religious experience I've felt at a show. Good jams here for sure. 3.5/5

Great vibes. At the first song I was ready to give it a 5. That song was the best though, with the rest of the album a little less fun. Favorites were Marcus Garvey and Jordan River.

A masterclass in restraint and sonic warmth. At just 33 minutes, the album hits the "ideal" length for its hypnotic, repetitive structure, delivering deep bass and organic echoes without ever overstaying its welcome. It’s a high-quality atmospheric journey that proves sometimes less is more when it comes to maintaining a listener's engagement.

pleasant, soothing

4/5

doesn't do much other than groove, but it does groove hard.

Pretty enjoyable reggae album!

Good reggae album, though not a ton made it stand out from other reggae in my mind. Still good though

impecable, buen disco. Ese sonido del reggae de los 70s es increíble.

Classic.

I’m here for this.

very fun!!! love

The deep, prominent bass grooves, the horns, the staccato rhythm guitar, the syncopated snare clicks - never fail to conjure the laid-back steady hazy reggae groove. This collection is consistently good all the way through.

3.5 rounded up to 4 by not being crap like the previous few.

Good

I'll be honest: my chances of ever going back to this are pretty low unless I have a reggae breakthrough, but this is pretty cool. More immediately accessible too.

Gear: Hifiman HE6se v2 SE Artwork: 😠🔪🇯🇲 Production: 😌👂🧈 Music: 🎺⛓️‍💥🙌 Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5

Listened to this a few times through and enjoyed it. Favorite tracks: Tradition

I'm a big fan of Bob Marley, and even more so of Toots and the Maytals, so reggae from this era is always going to land well with me. That said, I definitely don't know enough about this scene, so I'm glad to see something like this come up to give me a nudge to dig a little further. This is top-notch roots reggae. Deeply politically charged, but wrapped in uplifting rhythms. Weird to say it, but a song called "Slavery Days" is an absolute tune. The groove pulls you in and the subject matter hits hard. That strange contrast of hardcore messages set to danceable rhythms somehow works really well. Proper, heavyweight reggae. Burning Spear are well and truly up there with Bob and Toots now.

Really great album, multiple lyrics about remembering tragedies and figures from the past, which is a lovely throughline.

I've been listening to a lot of Roots Reggae, which I think is one of the best genres of music ever basically. I also think that Reggae is one of those genres that has lost a lot of texture from the trade up to digital equipment... I kinda feel like there's gonna be a big roots revival in toronto in the next 5 years

Man, I can't believe I haven't heard this before. LOVE the vibe, and could possibly be a 5 in the future. 4.5/5

Man, this album has such a relaxing groove. Reggae is not the first genre that comes to mind when I think of my favourite genres of music, but I do enjoy it whenever I listen to some. It's a bit like smoking weed, but without the illegality or potential side effects.

Lyrics are pretty political but this is a really solid reggae record. I enjoyed

Nice album, I was not expecting what I heard based on the cover

Enjoyed it

Classic reggae here. Political in all the right ways. A vibe you can sell into. It’s constant thread of tempo and key throughout helps you tune out and enjoy, but is also fatiguing for active listening.

Lowkey all songs sounded the same but definitely a vibe

This was fun!

Really solid. Never heard a bad reggae album

Playful and political — love in Canada ❤️

Is it wrong to describe this as a 'fun' listen? Grooves are bouncy, vibe is enjoyable. It feels like there are deep political messages that i'm ignoring in favour of "bass good", but i'm ok with that. Perhaps it'll reveal itself over time? Probably a 3, but gets an extra point for not being more dull 70s rock.

Amazing album signaling slavery, oppression, looting, colonization and explaining all the history the caribbean has had and how that invasion still haints us to this very day when colonizers stole our land and resources.

This album is sweet! I love it.

I have never heard of this before so I am excited to listen to it. Reggae is also a genre I have been wanting to explore more so I hope I like it. I like track 1 a lot, I won't lie. Sometimes, reggae is hit or miss for me so I am optimistic that this one will hit (in a good way). I like track 2 a lot as well, I feel like in a lot of ways it is a textbook example of reggae music. Track 3 was also really good, I am liking this album a lot so far. Track 4 has been my favorite so far off the album. Track 5 and 6 were also good. Track 7 is another favorite so far off this album. Track 8 is my new favorite on this track. I like this one a lot and it sounds very different from the other tracks. I really like Burning Spears based on this album, I would listen to more of their music. The more I listen the better this song gets, wow. Overall, the album was really good. The only thing that is preventing me from giving it 5 stars is that I would not particularly listen to it again in full. 4.5 stars but I am rounding down to 4.

3.8/5 Stars Top Songs: Marcus Garvey, The Invasion, Slavery Days

Don't listen to much reggae but this is going on the list for a regular listen.

Really nice reggae. This is much heavier reggae than the Marley I've gotten so you probably have to be a fan of the genre to enjoy this. It has passion and a nice flow to it.

a cornerstone of the roots reggae movement. a haunting record which explores themes of faith, liberation, unity, and political consciousness. while it may not be the first reggae record i’d direct someone to listen to, it certainly captures the essence of the genre. a beautiful, deep record, steeped in faith, culture, and activism.

Buen reggae. El reggae bien dosificado nunca falla. Un par de temas hacia el final que están tremendos. Marcus Garvey un duro. Buena onda, buen disco.

My reggae of choice will always be dub but I’ve recently been expanding my roots collection. I’ve owned this album since well before this recent exploration, and there aren’t many I have discovered lately that can challenge Marcus Garvey in quality. I’ve also just learned that there is a dub version, so now I really need to hear that!

I don’t normally listen to reggae, but I really liked this album and could see myself listening to it more. I really loved the storytelling through the songs. It felt super meaningful and important to culture, and I love when music is able to portray those complex feelings.

This is a good one. I'd heard the title track in a compilation. Nice to hear the whole thing

Bassy

Vibe o’clock. Love. Revisiting when it’s warm and I’m at the beach. Actual rating 4.5

love the vibes :)

Very reggae, very chill, not really my kind of music but interesting

Great album love the harmonies, awesome lo-fi

I love reggae and I am aware of Burning Spear and I am now wondering why I’ve never really listened to them before now! Really liked it and I shall be checking out more of their albums.

A bit of relief after Syd Barrett. Maybe I am voting this higher as it was more uplifting, nevertheless I enjoyed the album.

This is an excellent bit of reggae groove - what I needed.

good reggae. I don't typically like reggae

Wah gwan e etc… Reggaezão raíz, pega firme. Uma coisa que curto nesses discos de reggae da década de 70 é que eles costumam apresentar um contraste interessante entre uma sonoridade “obscura” e simultaneamente animada. Só ouvir canções como “Jordan River” que você percebe, é algo típico do gênero. As harmonias aqui são satisfatórias. Instrumentalização agradável. Algumas faixas são mais cartunescas e acabam não me agradando completamente, mas isso obviamente vai do gosto de cada um e o que a pessoa procura nos ritmos de Reggae. Eu procuro melodias infectantes, e este disco certamente entrega isso. Não é minha voz favorita do gênero, mas não me desagradou. O baixo é maravilhoso. Disco lindo e que certamente eu rodaria bastante se o tivesse em minha coleção. 4/5

Can a record be both chill--soulful, singsong, rootsy- and intense--political, spiritual, striving? Answer: Burning Spear. I'm no reggae cognoscenti, but this sounded great.

Fantastic. Not sure how I've missed this all these years, but great stuff.

I enjoyed this it felt a bit more varied than I expected.

Sounding its age these days, but a strong album nonetheless.

A really solid reggae album—smooth and enjoyable all the way through. I’d never heard of Burning Spear before this, but I’m glad this one was on the list.

Yeah that was great, well worth a listen even if it tends to sound a touch similar throughout

Pretty fun straightforward reggae album 3.7/5

Reggae at its finest. Such a nice surprise after a week in the depths of hell with 1/2 star albums.

Not really my taste in music. I've never heard of him before. Very pleasant songs

Total classic. I’ve had this album for years and never get tired of listening to it. Marcus Garvey, Slavery Days and Old Marcus Garvey are standout tracks

Righteous roots reggae

Skankin’

strong reggae entry, i liked all songs they were layered and passionate and everything blended really well

This album feel lived-in and true. Makes my body move, and my mind to listen consciously. The conscience took me on a expand Wikipedia journey to read more of Marcus Garvey, which I felt enlightening. My earlier reggae listening have consisted of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Peps Persson. Burning Spear will certainly be added that limited, but my preferred reggae.

Random thoughts: * I vaguely know about Burning Spear but if I heard Burning Spear before I can't recall definitively. * Wow! I really liked this one. I definitely want more of this. I'm always looking for more reggae as I just overall can't get enough and there is only so much Bob Marley to go around. * I'm going to add this one to my regular rotation. * This was definitely even more political than Marley. * I need to give this a few more lessons and keep enjoying.

curti muito esse reggae pode ser mto bom!

bem mais forte do que achei que seria acordei meio paia e ouvir tomando café foi bom, até. divertidim!!

Love this type of reggae. While not my favorite example, still darn good.

Pretty good

Fantastic

Great writing, fantastic production, solid vocals. Very very good

Upbeat reggae with excellent production and arrangements. This album expresses Marcus Garvey's "return-to-Africa" movement/ideology in a compelling and authentic way. I'd like to learn more about Garvey and the Jamaican history.

Really good reggae album.

Good classic Reggae. Maybe a bit bland and samey but this music is more about vibe than anything and Burning Spear does it right

Cool reggae album.

I enjoy Reggae when i listen to it, but never seek it out. Maybe because im white and live in a cold climate and the alien sunny sounds are a welcome break but not a regular place to retreat to. This was great without being Bob Marley.

A good album, I liked Marcus Garvey and Tradition the most.

Nice to get a taste of some reggae beyond Bob Marley. Same chill sound, and the same strong cry for justice.

Difficult to do much that is distinctive within the restrictive reggae beats, but the sentiment and the horns are good.

Solid reggae. 3.5*

I enjoyed this one. Fantastic rhythms and production. At first I wasn't sure about his voice, but it grew on me.

Impossible to stay still listening to this. Great vibe all the way from start to finish.

I usually don’t really listen to reggae, but this was a very cool album

Best: Tradition Worst: Give Me Liked songs: 8/10, 80% Solid 4 So chill it's hard to believe you're listening to a revolution call. My first experience with roots reggae and reggae in general, and it certainly did not disappoint. Everything from the album cover to the lyrics to the title begs you to learn more about the world around you, something I very much enjoy doing. The concept is structurally very well thought out, and the music, while often repetitive (sometimes to a fault), is interesting and fun. A very enjoyable and thought provoking listen.

Production was amazing, all the songs just sat perfectly into my brain and had a strong message. No particular bangers at such but still very listenable.

Reggae smooth and relaxed

kind of a vibe

I'm not sure how qualified I am to judge the quality of reggae music. After Bob Marley it kind of all starts to sound the same. But the message hear is a good one, and there weren't any songs I would say I didn't like. So 4.

2 reggae albums in a row, with this one obviously the better one

I thought I didn't like reggae, but maybe I just don't really like Bob Marley? I enjoyed this one!

Really good jams

Even if like most reggae it tends to morph into one the further in you listen, I’m inclined to say that Marcus Garvey is worthy of its namesake. The title track especially, a true spectacle of what this genre can offer past ‘it all sounds the same’ territory. So part two of today’s reggae double bill is a large step-up from the first, but that’s probably because I’m not listening to more Marley, instead Winston Rodney delivers and delivers without compromise. It’s probably the best it can be to be honest. I have no comments to make on any improvements, fifty years removed and an ocean apart from where it really matters anyway. And when I say it ‘morphs into one’, I don’t mean that it bores. It instead builds and lulls, and that’s just fine. I feel this represents the genre better than anything I’ve heard from Marley. If I were to go out and buy a reggae record right now, it’d be this one without hesitation.

Good reggae

Every track on this album, one of the all-time reggae records, bum-rushes the political system, an expected upshot of roots music, but Burning Spear offers his listener history lessons as well: 'They been talking about William Gordon / They been talking about Norman Washington Manley / Including Bustamente / No one remember old Marcus Garvey.' Suddenly, Jamaica is far more than the land that's exported reggae and ganja - it's a country w/ a story I'd like to read more about. Instrumentally, it's nothing special, tho the horns are a nice touch. What makes it stand out are Spear's vocals and the fact that he's a kind of Talmudic psalmist, intent on chanting more than singing, just as the music syncopates more than it melodizes. Great stuff.

I enjoyed this one a lot. I'd heard a scattering of Burning Spear tunes throughout my youth, it was nice to do a deeper dive. I could listen to this repeatedly. Reggae is often thought of as a 'happy' genre. Chill tunes for sitting in the Caribbean sun, but I find a lot of roots reggae has a surprisingly dark sound. A lot of reverb and pulsing bass give it a kind of spooky feel, and this is something Burning Spear excel at. Combined with the lyrics which often deal with matters of slavery, oppression, and social injustice, this album is like a toffee apple with a razor blade buried in it.

2025-10-08: I listened to it with company, so I might have been less attentive and at the same time more positive due to the social interaction. At first I found the album soothing and captivating, enjoying how it felt as if it were driving home the value of simplicity and easygoingness (I have not listened much to this type of music). Once finished, some of the good feelings stayed, but it did leave me with an aftertaste of repetitiveness that I might have started feeling halfway through. Since it paired well with the setting I will be positive about it, but I am not sure how it will hold when listening to it more times.

Classic reggae. This album is quite repetitive, but strong songs and great to relax to. The lyrics are great as well. Low 4

Great album. Roots reggae in a minor key.

Strong vibes from the first track-soulful lyrics reflective of African history. Great listen while baking on a Saturday morning

Gostei bastante, album gostoso de ouvir e a carga é explicita

I liked this more than I thought I would. I mean I know that this could basically be a Bob Marley album, and I would guess that a lot of people would say that. But I think this is even more of a laid back vibe than Bob Marley. I really enjoyed it and though I don't think I would listen to this all the time, I might play it now and again if I came across the record in a shop. 3.75/5

Turns out I really like reggae!

I like it, very much a coffee shop/small cafe kinda vibe. Good morning type music.

Surprising enjoyable. Maybe I needed a laid back album.

Africana beats to sooth the soul

Had never heard of this band but love another reggae option aside from Marley

Sometimes on reggae I try to just listen to the instruments since the vocal style is so distinct that it pulls my focus. There's a lot going on here and it's an interesting album. Good to have on the list

The album art goes hard. This seems like a well made reggae album. Good voice, good production. I just haven't figured reggae out yet.

Really enjoyed the vocals and the instrumentals, the horn sections were particularly great. Vocals at time give me Finley Quay vibes. The project is to the point which is a nice change from some of the albums. It’s nice to have on in the background, however listening to it makes me feel slightly uncomfortable, as if I’m a white private school boy with dread locks who shops for clothes at Oxfam, and whose sole personality trait is an extensive knowledge of weed.

One of the first reggae albums other than Bob Marley that I ever listened to. Still some bangers on here. Nice little hit of nostalgia from this one. 8/10

Favorite Track: The Invasion

I'm a fan of 70s era reggae - this is a great one.

This is great. Full-throated and serious but not dour. The band is locked in and these grooves are tight. I don’t listen to a lot of reggae and I guess I’d say this seems a bit polished, but it seems like that wasn’t the bands decision. It’s too bad. I would’ve liked to hear their original vision.

Roots reggae at its finest. Incredible song structure and addictive grooves

This was great. I know a huge part of reggae is the lyrics. I definitely tuned into a handful of the lyrics and they were powerful but unfortunately since I listen to these while I work, I wasn't able to tune into them all. I also don't know enough about reggae to know how this ties into the bigger picture of the genre and influence. Overall it was quite enjoyable.

This is sick. I'm a huge fan of reggae and all that it represents. I love the social and historical lyrical elements to this. This definitely paved the way for artists like Bob Marley.

This is super creative and hella based. Bro is just casually dissing slavery, climate change, and a bunch of socials issues while dropping this sick Jamaican beat. Its a piece of art, I love it. Also, Canada mentioned. Favourite Song: Jordan River Honourable Mention: Resting Place

Nice reggae vibes. I love reggae in how laid back it seems on the surface but how deep the lyrics cut, making these seemingly chill songs so much deeper and meaningful.

Dig these reggae vibes. Great horns and guitar work. Vocals are strong and soulful. Yes, man!

No matter what reggae music is playing, it's always a vibe, but sometimes it's easy for it to blend into the background (for me, not saying this in general). This album deserves all the attention one can give it, there's so much great storytelling around Jamaican culture and history and philosophy. It just really showcases the beauty and depth of reggae, and of Jamaica itself.

This album is the type of thing I was hoping to get out of this whole project. I've never listened to reggae music much, certainly never an album all the way through, so was really eager to jump into this one. It was great! Listened to it twice through today and vibed with it the whole time. Don't have much to say about it, being unfamiliar with the genre, but I certainly enjoyed it and will throw it on for easy listening in the future.

enjoyable listen.

This was dope. Immaculate vibes to work to on this hot, sunny August afternoon. Gonna have to incorporate a bit more reggae into my listening schedule based on how pleasant this was! 4/5

Reggae, altijd leuk. Het bereikt zonder Bob niet de allergrootste hoogten, maar dat mag de pret niet al te veel drukken. Verder worden we er zo'n vijftig keer toe aangezet om de slavernij te gedenken, dus doen we dat maar.

I like Reggae, but honestly I don't know enough to give any kind of analysis. I know some of it sucks. I know this does much better than not suck. Four stars for some super reggae!

Penis stinging while I pee call that burning spear

Skulle gjerne ha hørt originalen.

марь иванна - итс э намбава ванна

Nice to have a reggae album on a Monday morning.

will this convince me to start listening to reggae on the regular? probably not BUT i did enjoy this thoroughly

Very enjoyable, interesting and groovy

roots reggae

Good vibes

Reggae is by no means my favourite but this was a strong entry as a genre I don't love goes - I think largely because it is very brief so doesn't overstay it's welcome.

I don’t know much about reggae beyond having heard a few Bob Marley songs. Never heard of Burning Spear. This was really well done. It has a very chill, relaxing sound, but the lyrics are hard hitting and emotional. It makes for an interesting contrast. 4

This morning the mighty generator gifted me with yet another very good reggae album, more or less, this one is a little more rock steady (a successor of Ska) which I tend to prefer than the more laid back let's smoke ganja stuff that gained popularity in the states (UK too but they were more into it already by the time us yanks embraced reggae SHOCKING I know...) in the mid 1970s or there abouts. Marcus Garvey might be the best reggae album on the list so far. To my ears reggae (Ska & Rocksteady) tend to sound the same but there is something different here what that is I can't pinpoint but I like it! The production is flawless BTW by a gent named Lawrence Lindo THIS is how to produce an album, seriously flawless. OK I guess I'll stop writing now. I need more coffee and both my huge goldfish & chihuahua are giving me the 'I'm hungry!' eyes. Of Note: The album is named after the Jamaican National Hero and Rastafari movement prophet Marcus Garvey.

I really haven't listened to much reggae beyond the obvious choices like Bob Marley or Toots and the Maytals. Honestly, this album by Burning Spear is as good as any Bob Marley record I've listened to and I'd definitely give it another listen in the future when I'm in the mood for some reggae.

No i co ja mam z tym zrobić? Kolejny album gdzieś pomiędzy 4 a 5. Każde reggae jest do siebie podobne, ale przynajmniej nie jest to kolejny Bob Marley. Mam wrażenie jest bardziej edgy niż Bob. Doceniam to i dam 6.5/10 równane w górę.

A great reggea album. Even though I like to listen to reggea from time to time, I wasn't familiar with Burning Spear. That has now changed. I even liked the dub version of the album, Garvey's Ghost, better. 4/5

Brilliant, loved this. Going to try get my hands on the original Jamaican recordings if I can find them.

Reggae is really hit or miss for me, and I really need to be in the mood for it...Usually. I wasn't super excited when this album came up, but I like to give all albums a chance. I'm so glad I did, it really hit the spot. The music, vibe and his voice are perfect, loved it.

This was a solid reggae album imo. Not always my favorite genre but it's a unique sound and I enjoy the often-political lyrics. Most of these songs felt very similar and if I quit actively paying attention to what I'm hearing, they all blend together into a big soup. I listened to this album like 2.5 times and this happened every time lol. it's probably 3.5 stars but i'll round up since it was only about a half-hour. favorites: marcus garvey, slavery days, tradition

A comfy listen, the cover looks rougher than it sounds.

Good reggae

Мне понравилось. Ямайский теплый вайб, заедающее регги, спокойствие, чилл.

Raggae always lands with me. For it being such a simple genre, I just absolutely love it. Fat bass and tight b hole drums gets me going. I was unfamiliar with Burning Spear's game. Glad I got introduced. Burning Spear sounds like something Dan Bilzerian has caught at some point in his life. Marcus Garvey, Tradition, and Jordan River are great songs Decent 4

chilled

Interesting reggae album. Not as unique as ub40, though. I think this is a general classic though so understood importance.

A gentle, soothing revolution. Grooving me into a shut down of oppresion. Lovely background music. 4/5

I loved these vibes. Sunny day, important messages but such beautiful harmony and brilliant musicianship. What my day needed.

Love the rhythms

Pass the bifter…

Got another “never say never” moment. I went in to this with a bad attitude toward reggae. Too same-y, too dependent on an overly similar sound between songs and bands. Well, Burning Spear is a template for good reason. The sound (mixing? production?) is superb, the vibes immaculate. I don’t want to throw it on every day, but glad to have this spear in my quiver (don’t hate me.)

Won't listen again. 3 stars for that. Another star for being righteous.

Börjar bra och fortsätter så rakt igenom (även om Marcus Garvey är bästa låten). Solid reggae och härlig lyssning!

An indisputably classic reggae album you need to hear.

If I had a nickel for every time in the past week that the generator gave me a reggae album that got remixed to avoid scaring white people, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

Such a chilled vibe and I'm looking forward to listening to it again some time

I've never really listened to reggae/roots music but this was such a great vibe.

Rock solid and steady

A must for any serious reggae collection. Old school perfection.

Having never heard of Burning Spear, I must say his music is great. I enjoyed the Rastafarian sounds of this reggae album along with the social statements and history lesson. I did not know who Marcus Garvey is so it was an interesting read on a somewhat controversial person. I am not sure why this album is a 1001 must hear album. Perhaps this was the start of true reggae as it expanded during the late 70s and early 80s into a more mainstream audience. Nevertheless I did enjoy it. Favorite songs include “Live Good”, “The Invasion”, “Tradition”, and “Jordan River”. Overall a good album but I wonder if this version I’m listening to is the more palatable version that the record label created?

Not a fan of Marcus Garvey (the person), though I understand his status in Jamaican culture. I am, however, a fan of Burning Spear (the living legend). Enjoyed the album throughout. Best tracks (imo) are near the end - "Jordan River", "Red Green & Gold"

I've seen Burning Spear live and listened to a few of his albums. This being my first play through I listened to it twice. It's really good. It lays out the stories and you feel them. It's one of those albums that feels like if more people heard we might get some self reflection and change. This one will stick with you.

Quite enjoyable

Sounds like every reggae ever

Beautiful reggae

Knew nothing about this and really enjoyed it. Very cool, very slick playing throughout.