Reviews (page 7 of 8)
I'm sure bad reggae album exists but thankfully I have not heard one.
Burning Spear is a big deal in the roots reggae pantheon. This record is just one of several that give evidence to this assessment.
I continue to dislike reggae and I don't know why. This is definitely more reggae.
Although reggae is not my favorite genre in the end, I appreciate it sometimes, like in this album. It has an important message and is quite ahead of its time with some of the lyrics.
Je fus très étonné quand je vis que Robert avait généré deux albums de reggae en trois jours. Je me rendis donc chez lui pour voir ce qui s'y passait. À mon arrivée, je vis Robert avachi sur son canapé crasseux, les yeux rouges et le regard plongé dans le vide. Il arborait un bonnet jamaïcain ainsi que des dreadlocks desquels sortaient des mouches à merde: "Tout va bien Robert ? - Yeah man Babylon, Baby-Babylon..." - Non mais tu veux que je t'en colle une ou quoi ? - Jah man, cool, tout est irie ! Juste en train de profiter de l'herbe sacrée et de la bonne vibe du reggae. - Tu continues à parler comme ça et je t'éclate. - No problem man, thanks for the vibes ! One love." Je l'attrapai par les dreads, le traînai jusqu'à sa porte d'entrée et lui claquai cette dernière en plein sur son nez.
Robert est en train de me réconcilier avec le reggae, après Bob Marley et sa quête d'Exodia le maudit, voici que Burning Spear vient nous offrir un album somme toute très agréable.
Very groovy
Reggae is a style that always surprises me when it shows on this list. Very good.
Happy music, no juice needed. history, reality, uplift, be be beeee.
1975. Marcus Garvey
Maybe it's just because I'm stoned as hell, but I love me some reggae. Pretty good album!
Workmanlike. Washes over me a bit.
weak
Esta bueno, es mucho reggae para mis odios, pero buen reggae, lo escucharia en una ronda de porros, m gustaria q ponga otro genero, pero es Burning Spear q verga querias, POP?? Jaksjs chiste, m gusto pero no taanto 6.5/10
3 stars
An album meant for big soundsystems and even bigger doobies. Burning Spear bounces us through the hardship, but knows that having a good time is just as important.
Alright, but it mainly served to show how good ol' Bobby Marls was 2.5
Groovy first beat, although I thought it lacked some variation on the whole a rather pleasant little album. Up Marcus Garvey
One or two decent choons on here, but it’s no Exodus
Great voice. Reggae legend 3.5/5
Good music but just a little bland
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.
Roots reggae que basa gran part del seu atractiu en les lletres. L'inicial 'Marcus Garvey' i la posterior 'Slavery Days' són molt potents en tots els sentits, però després es va deixant anar cap a un so més genèric. Tot i així, un treball molt sòlid de reggae clàssic en una de les seves millors époques
Bon album regea, j'ai été surpris car j'ai écouté pour 1h et l'album est seulement 30 minutes. Ca s'écoute super bien et le vibe est bon. 4
Avorrit
haha, that is in my collection since many many years. A MUST HAVE for the summer and for political reasons!
I'm not a reggae fan but this album had some cool vibes and was a nice listen. Just put it in the background and let the music take you away.
The start and end of this album are strong but it gets a bit weak in the middle.
This is all fine. I think it might be time that I’m not really that bothered about Reggae, I just really like Bob Marley. 😮
I am not a fan of reggae and this is not very good reggae either. It is pretty much the same melody througout, with the obligatory rhythms, and unintelligable vocals. It can not hold a candle to Peter Tosh, for example.
It was fun and interesting but I need more listens to really get hooked
Beautiful! Already listen some songs
Good reggae album and with a lot of poignant lyrics
Marcus Garvey hey. Thanks 1001 for another introduction. It was a nice foil to the hottest 100, which way pretty modern vanilla.
Some good rock-solid reggae, nice to hear some that isn't Bob.
Probably the only time I've sat down to listen to a Reggae album. Liked some of the political tones.
Giving this the benefit of the doubt; maybe I'm not in a reggae mood today but this grated a bit. Was still fine and short.
Yet another reggae album that is a fine example of the genre but nothing new
For a reggae album Marcus Garvey is quite good, it's chilled but has a powerful vibe, doesn't get too repetitive, easy to listen to. An enjoyable 3.
This grew on me the more I listened to it - stuck the album on again after I got into it more towards the end of my first listen, and I like this. Maybe it's a bit too clean and smooth for its message and style, but it's still a good listen. 3/5.
Not bad
Good Album, but the reggae style wore on me after the first few songs. It was interesting to hear very ideal versions of the genre to analyze the theory, and a great listen
Actually pretty cool reggae 3.4/5
Reggae kinda vibey. Chill but not what I particularly like. 3.5
No just no
Interesting to listen to but not on my all time top five list of anything.
Belissima e agradavel surpresa. Talvez o primeiro disco de Reggae que ouço do inicio ao fim. Apesar de achar muita similaridade entre o ritmo em todas as faixas, destaco a trinca de abertura, sendo a faixa titulo a mais divertida. Burning Spear; Slavery Days; Invasion.
Ok, not my style
Good old fashioned reggae album, this and a blunt
I wish I was familiar enough with reggae to make a more informed judgement. As it is, it is not bad at all, but not interesting either.
Burning Spear holds a special place in the Reggae genre with his roots in the scene when the music began to attract larger reach. This album ties directly into the larger political message of the Rasta movement and experience of the Jamaican people, rather than the commercialized appeal. This authentic self leads to the meshing with the concept and what people think of with Reggae music in broader circles.
Long-time listener, first-time reviewer. I thought I liked reggae, but this album made me realize I like it in small doses. Most of the songs sound very similar but maybe that’s just reggae. The best part about it was that it prompted me to go to Wikipedia and look up the life history of Marcus Garvey, which was pretty cool. I did appreciate the reference in the title track to James 4:17 (“So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin”) and the use of Christological imagery in Tradition to make a point about racial injustice. Still, it’s not an album I would seek out, but the kind I wouldn’t mind playing at low volume in the background while visiting with friends.
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.
I have returned! Just in time for this mediocre reggae record. Not once did this capture my attention or get my feet moving.
Really enjoyed this one. From track one! Such a perfectly tight sound, subjects, political messages, fun, all those great grooves. I felt like the band was so tight! Listened a few times this weekend. Overall great stuff.
Was jamming out to this bopping my head so hard in the Newark airport. Basically a Rastafarian conversion experience. My favorites were "Slavery Days" and "Red, Gold, and Green"
Boring. I don't get reggae. 2/5
I’m sorry, I hate reggae. Can’t do it. D
Hadn't heard this one before but glad it was on the list. A very nice surprise.
As I mentioned with Bob Marley's album, I'm not a fan of reggae. In case of Burning Spear I have to admit that it's much better instrumentally than Bob's songs. The flow and gentle riffs are actually pretty entertaining, and are taking you straight to the dance floor. It's also very lyrics-heavy. Very difficult stuff about slavery and oppression. In general, I do like it a bit more than I would think of, but still, it's not my favourite style, tanking the overall note.
Low-key anger.
pretty excellent and also funky. best tracks: marcus garvey, the invasion, jordan river
I've never given much of my listening time to reggae music. I like what I've listened too. Very nice groove.
Actually a pretty soothing raggae listen! Definitely lacks the songwriting catchiness of Marley but provides something in its own path.
Decent Reggae-Album which doesn't do anything really new and doesn't change my view of the genre either
Favourite song: Marcus Garvey
Vibey, hard-hitting, atmospheric, and meaningful. What else could I want?
A little below my typical liking, but really tasty reggae nevertheless.
Excellent
Interesting album, but quite normal overall.
Never heard this before, but solid reggae
Very cool beats
Not my thing
Sometimes, it's important to remind yourself that Bob Dylans come in many shapes and forms.
Reggae is a very samey genre. Thankfully, these guys understand that and only made this album 33min long. I enjoyed it, even though it sounds like the soundtrack to drinking in douchey backpacker bars in Thailand. So far, best reggae album on the list (I think there has only been 3-4 others anyway lol). 4/5.
fine
so cool
Honestlyi liked this more than I thought I would. A lot of emotion on this album. Good instrumental too
Powerful and groovy. Reggae with plenty to say. Might start going into my rotation.
More reggie - simply not interested
Notes - Third album from reggae artist burning spear - Named after Rastafari prophet Marcus Garvey - singer has a great sorrowful gritty voice - cool use of keys and synths - definitely vibe music - put it on and chill - scratches a different itch than the bob marley album from a couple weeks back fav - the invasion - Least fav - Give me - Horns sounded out of tune? Bit of an odd song 3/5, its good but i wouldnt listen again
3.5
nice bit of dub reggae.
I once dipped my burning spear into the head mistress of the local secondary school. She was quite a goer. Loved it up her harris and often let me spill all over her hair. Dead now, of course. I can never keep them alive.
Shit reggae that I don't give a shit about. No references to leukaemia
I enjoyed it but not mad on it. I like Reggae but I don't love it, I prefer the up beat of Ska or more of the dub style. It's got to have that dirty great bass running through it. This album felt a little polished really, which reading about it is the studios fault, not the bands. Would be interested to hear the original mix. So the one I enjoyed the most was the most dub, Red gold and green.
This is about what I expected the album to be like. The songs blend together for me, but they still sound good. I don't really have much to say about it. My favourite song was probably Tradition.
This was fun, I liked the first track the most.
Reggae is not one of my regular, go-to genres and in many instances I would probably say, "it's not my thing." BUT, I do appreciate the subversive political message of some reggae, and this album hits that mark on the head. Far from the stereotype of laid back party music to listen to while you smoke pot on the beach, this album is edgy and angry, with a powerful political message. Musically, I don't like it as well as Bob Marley (but that's a high bar), but perfect production and instrumentation isn't everything. This album is very cool, and I can see why it's on the list. I'd probably give it a 3.4-3.7 if I had more granular options, but I'll round up to 4/5 because it's different and cool.
4.0
I don't listen to a lot of reggae, and what I have heard usually sounds way too mellow and unchanging. This album broke that perception, and I found that I actually enjoyed it. It would still be a 3 for me personally, but rated against its genre, I'mma go even higher.
I think I have discovered a hidden fondness for Reggae music. I love the vibes, lyrics, sounds, and voices. Sometimes it does blend together and sound similar, but it's something I found that I could listen for long periods of time.
Strong album and I love the social/political commentary. I've never really listened to much reggae and listening to this genuinely showed me that I should amend that which is honestly a big part of why I even started this project to begin with. Favourite tracks (in no particular order): Jordan River, Slavery Days, Marcus Garvey, and The Invasion.
More raw sounding roots Reggae than Bob Marley, which is ironic as it was polished up for international label release.
This isn’t your “relaxing on the beach” reggae. This is political and angry. Essential listening.
Protest music that loses its bite upon being associated with a black nationalist who found common cause with the KKK and celebrated Jim Crow in America. Musically, his singing voice detracts from my enjoyment of the otherwise good and interesting instrumentation. Best track: Marcus Garvey, I guess
Nodded along all the way through 3.9
Good classic reggae
classic 70s raggae.
Was feeling 3 early on but liked it even more than expected. Good album
Power to the people
It's good reggae, but a whole album of it just feels repetitive. Very powerful message though.
3.5 stars but ultimatley prefer the spacier, more experimental dub-type stuff like that UB40 album
This was fun, but not my fav.
Also meh
Pretty great reggae
Groovy. But so goddamn same-ish. Was this a whole album? Or just one track over and over? Who knows?!
i am just vibing and doing my work ok! pretty cool!
Een beetje dansen op politiek geïnteresseerde teksten. Kan alleen bij reggae. Tof plaatje wel
I've never fully listened to a reggae album before, and if not for this challenge I probably never would have. But this album was actually pretty decent. Probably not something I'd listen to again but it was cool to experience
It's a good roots reggae album. I liked the title track and the rest of it kind of flew by me in the background. Not really my type of music but it's nice enough. 3/5
I like reggae, but this didn't feel like memorable reggae. No stand-outs for me. Best reggae experience for me is driving around an island with the windows down (preferably Block Island) and I think the album would fare well there but again - no song that got stuck in my head or made me want to sing along.
Gonna be honest, I just don't like Reggae. I'm sure it has some importance, but I just don't find it to be interesting music. This is only like album 35 for me, so I'm still trying to suss out what my criteria actually is with regards to influence vs. personal preference. If I go with the former, I'm probably giving all of the popular shit I don't like a 3 and that seems like a stupid way to rate things. Sorry, Reggae. It's just that literally every song sounds the same to me. Standouts: Slavery Days, The Invasion, Old Marcus Garvey
solid reggae vibes
Older roots reggae like this is really meditative. I forget that a lot since I gravitate to modern reggae.
Beyond Bob Marley, I’m not too familiar with reggae. This album however felt very familiar. Beside the classic reggae beat, Burning Spear incorporated a lot of soul and almost Motown like motifs. The music had a great groove and was a lot of fun to listen to. The lyrics confront a colonial legacy and elaborate on Rastafarian beliefs. Burning Spear want the listener to know who they are, what they stand for, and what they believe.
I have never enjoyed reggae music as a style. But I respect the protest and social activism involved. Having said that, this record is fine. Nothing in here sticks out to me, but I am not an expert in this style.
I can’t understand why Marley is the only reggae I’ve heard when there are bands like this out. 4/5
Impressive roots reggae album with a powerful message and entertaining sounds.
Nice bit of reggae 👌
Good old school reggae
Good old school Soul
Reggae record. A good reggae record I would say but it's so hard for me to quantify that "goodness" in this genre compared to others, it just gets too similar to my ears. What I can appreciate is the lyrics however much I am surely lacking in the historical and cultural department for full understanding of them.
Pretty good reggae
I am a fan of this era of reggae music, but overall this Burning Spear record didn't really grab me. I thought both Marcus Garvey tracks (title and "old") were great as well as "Live Good". Solid vocals I've come to expect from Burning Spear, with meaningful messages, just want more oomph from my reggae whereas this felt more like chill background music.
Cool grooves. Dig it.
Perfectly pleasant to listen to, but very slow, nothing exciting going on.
seems like quality reggae
Distinct memory of pulling this for a college radio show - no recollection what inspired it, I wasn’t much of a reggae listener and had probably never heard anything besides a Bob Marley greatest hits album. I also remember actually reading up on Marcus Garvey as a result, though typical of my early 90s memories it’s hard to recall how I did so in those pre-internet days. I guess I must have gone to the damn library. Anyway my first introduction to the wider world of reggae and dub.
Fun groove to have on in the background. Felt kinda strange listening to tropical music on a grey, rainy mtn day
First listen. Loved Burning Spear and listened to lots in high school.
Good
Sounds like Bob Marley
Really good album. 4/5
Strong start but fell off
It's definitely not my cup of tea, but this one is so good, wow. I can't say it's 10/10 for me personally, but it is a very strong album
Naming an album after Marcus Garvey is wild Such a Lyle album
Super chill Jamaican music. This is great background music. Dude has a cool ass voice. I didn't think this was anything special by any means though. 4/10
Idk I just really don’t like reggae that much
Very nice enjoyable raggae record with an interesting message
I guess I like reggae! Lots of historical context to unpack here while bein a catchy an chill vibe
Great album!
good reggae album but it’s reggae so
Pretty good funk
meh
My first concert was Jimmy Cliff, of whom I was totally ignorant. Burning Spear opened and I was blown away by the stage presence and the bass. I got into Jimmy Cliff but never followed up on Burning Spear's work. This is fantastic for a reggae novice like myself. Love the combination of politics and art.
Meh.
Still think that reggae is mainly vibe music rather than individual tracks that you can listen to and dissect – just let the album play through. This stuck to me a little more than any Marley stuff.
I liked this album a lot. Not a huge fan of reggae so I doubt I’ll be listening to it often but I enjoyed it while I was.
Sure is reggae
reggae 2.5
I am really uneducated about reggae, so I have to go with my gut feeling about this. While it is relaxing and easy to listen to, it just isn't music I am really passionate for.
Funky
If reggae is on in the background, then....fine. But that's about as much as I can say for the genre. An easy listen, but nothing to get excited about.
Good reggae. Some serious topics that I've not heard or at least haven't registered to me in my previous limited exposure to reggae.
reggae is so nice, i enjoyed this album although no particular song stood out and it went by fast
Maybe it's the American cut that was smoothed, because the bones of Marcus Garvey are solid. I could certainly go for more aggressive versions of the instrumentals, but the quiet delivery contrasts beautifully with the lyrics. Burning Spear is a band noted.
Not for me
I didn’t realize how much I wanted to listen to reggae on my drive until this album started.
Tutto molto bello, mi piace il reggae immagino.
Not something I would ever normally listen to but seemed to suit the mood perfectly this laidback Friday morning.
A solid reggae album.
I actually quite enjoyed this album, I thought it was very interesting and something I wouldn’t usually like.
Well, it sounds good - I especially appreciate the lack of density; i.e. each element and instrument are clearly-defined and there is good use of space here. I'm not much of a reggae fan so I have zero quality comparison to/with other similar acts - facile review but my gut reaction is that I have trouble enjoying this because it's just too/so repetitive. 5/10 2 stars.
Reggae is tough for me, it never elevates to anything more than background music, which is my own issue. This was just the same, I realized I had the album on repeat and was probably halfway through the third cycle of listening to it when I realized. Always fine to have on in the background, but it didn't grab me in any meaningful way.
every song sounded the same goodbye
toooop
I like it
First listen ever and despite the superb production not connecting with me much at all
I'd heard of Burning Spear but did not know the band, album or any of the songs. All the signature sounds of classic 70s/80s reggae which include sparse laid-back grooves, with thoughtful arrangements - bass, clipped guitar, drums, percussions and occasional slightly Cuban sounding brass and piano. Plaintive vocal. Lyrically each song tends to hang on a single theme mainly around Jamaican history/politics. I like the textures, not a genre I would go to very often, but this is a good one to go to.
Overall satisfying. Some of the songs were stuck in my head for hours.
Reggae! I'm gonna be honest, i haven't really listened to the genre before. I knew it from Bob Marley, like most other people. I was surprised to see there are more artists than him :) It was a good album. Nothing special, but comfy as hell.
This 1001, has made it great to learn about other countries music and politics.
Started off promising, but eventually I couldn't wait for it to end.
No stand out tracks at all unfortunately
Throwing some fire 🔥
Really enjoyed this. Mellow and really tuneful. Definitely worth another listen.
The reggae rhythms are immaculate, and the texts make sense. However, the songs are a bit formulaic.
Overall an interesting reggae album. I'm not going to lie; it made me sleepy. Good songs, and it has a laid-back groove to it. It's not that I actively have any concerns, complaints, or annoyances about this album, but more that I have an issue with sameness on this record. The tracks generally are pleasant but they do have a certain quality of sameness to them. But it's a nice record even if I wouldn't revisit. It was worth a listen. Fave tracks: "Tradition" and "Jordan River".
Punkkarina arvostaa kun systeemiä vastaan voi kapinoida tällai lungiuden ja letkeyden keihästä heiluttaen! Jah! 4/5
Oon varmaan antanut kaikelle reggaelle 3/5 ja sama jatkuu.
tää oli tähän mennessä paras reggae-levy, mut ei vieläkään oo mun genre. 3/5
I know I have heard of Burning Spear before, but I can't tell you what I've heard from the band. I typically do not listen to very much Reggae on my own. All of the tracks from Marcus Garvey seemed to be at least okay. I'm not quite sure if I would remember to come back to this album, but I could come back and have another listen. I'm rounding up to 4 stars.
Reggae não é muito minha praia, mas é ok o álbum. Melhores músicas: Marcus Garvey e Slavery Days
Seemed fine. Chill, man, chill. Conor - 2 Bill - 2 Shannah - 2 (2/5)
Who doesn't like Reggae? Such easy background music.
*** Goede achtergrond en context
Deeeeep riddims,! Big Up!
Wouldn’t turn it on, wouldn’t turn it off. The epitome of a 2.
This wasn't available on my streaming service so I had to listen to it on YouTube. I thought it was great. I think I would have liked it even more without the adverts for the Donkey Sanctuary between every track.
Solid 70s reggae stuff. I remember the accompanying dub album being good, too.
A great reggae album, from my favourite era of reggae music. Also - love an album that's 10 songs, 3 minutes each.
Roots reggae. Reggae as a socio-political movement. Reggae made by an actual Jamaican. It's actually nice and chill. Reggae at their purest possible way without losing commercial potential. I love the vocal sounds and the instruments. But in it's thirty minute journey, it tends to get monotonous. The beats are similar and the formula of the tracks are the same. Still, an interesting reggae album. Perhaps among the few reggae ones that I listened to, this is my favourite.
Can't pretend to know how this fits into the history of reggae, but it seems decent to me. It's clearly got something to say, though personally it mainly evokes BBQs on hot summer days...
It was alright. Liked the reggae but nothing jumped out. 7/10
Good album, but not that memorable for me
Great reggage with a history lesson. Faves: Old Marcus Garvey, Jordan River, Resting Place
Nice to hear some non-Marley reggae. Great stuff. Fave track - Hmmm, toss up between "Slavery Days", "Give Me", and "Resting Place"...
Reggae
L'occasion d'apprendre que les rastafaris sont végans et ne consomment du cannabis que pour prier
ca passe tout seul c'est sympa et je n'en garde aucun autre souvenir, solide 3
Enjoyed this
70's reggae always transports me to a very specific mindset of fuck everything and chill. Not fuck it like have sex with it, but fuck it like "fuck it, man". You know what I mean. I am bake. Good stuff.
Normally not a reggae guy, but I really enjoyed this record. The vibe was great, I enjoyed the political angles of it, and the more laid-back angles too. Loved the inclusion of the flute, and loved the unique vocals (see "Tradition") Guess I should check some more real roots reggae. Favorite tracks: "Marcus Garvey", "Slavery Days", "Live Good"
This is the same song 10 times. Drum roll, same rhythm (4/4 with a heavy backbeat) , monotonous ending.
Funny one, as each and every track on here is superb, roots rock reggae at its finest. But overall there’s not change in pace, tone, structure… so it’s hard to rate it as an album. Still some crackers on here though.
Listened twice. Would listen again.
Reggae is definitely a genre I need to explore more. I really dig this album though. The instrumentation is catchy and the lyrics are poignant and deep.
absolute vibez
Intense and authentic reggae.
Af first I kinda liked this. I usually don't like reggae much but this wasn't bad. As it went I got less and less interested. At least it was pretty short. People that like the genre probably can appreciate this much more than I can.
Huge fan of Marcus Garvey, so unsurprisingly a tribute record to him by a reggae band is really fucking cool.
Ok
Roots Reggae at its finest, absolute classic album. From the lead off title track through he whole album not a bad song.
This album falls within the category of understanding why it’s important as an artifact but not loving it from a personal taste perspective. And I really like reggae, and enjoy bits of this, but not a favorite.
I don't know much about reggae. I liked this less then Bob Marley but it was fine.
Unknown to me before listening, and I really enjyoed it. I like the way Reggae mixes chill beats that make you think of relaxing on a beach with a beer, and lyrical themes that are many times anything but relaxing, talking savlery, poverty, politics and other social issues.
Didn't strike me as exceptional, but was enjoyable
Was good, not really sure what genre
Reggae sin más. Buenas canciones, pero no destaca especialmente. Muy del estilo. Como compositor, no lo conocía en absoluto
Some great old-school raggae from the 70s. This is when raggae was particularly good.
Chill and relaxing
Probably one of the most consistently excellent reggae albums I have ever listened to. Not really my genre, but I really enjoyable listen nonetheless.
I was expecting a burning spear of anger and righteousness and got a welcoming circle of friends warming their hands.
more chilling than burning
One thing I’m learning through this project is I should probably be putting more reggae into my rotation. It tends to be slower than I usually go for, but otherwise checks a lot of my boxes
Allow 'Marcus Garvey' to inform you of another side of the Rastafari movement, well beyond the stereotypical spliff-smoking dreadlock dudes often portrayed on film, and more often than not humorously. You won’t find any humor from lead vocalist Burning Spear, though, nor the Winston Rodney and Phillip Fullwood’s lyrics he’s singing. Neither is there any reference to the spiritual value of marijuana. This is all about political activism, and inspired by one of Jamaica’s greatest, prophet Marcus Garvey. But ‘no one remember old Marcus Garvey,’ Burning Spear laments, while imploring his fellow Jamaicans (throughout the entire album) to ‘humble yourself and become one day somehow you will remember him.’ For keeping the memory alive honors those who paved the way for us, and is a daily exercise in a faith in a righteous God who will one day enact divine retribution on the wicked, making things right. This is old school, old testament. The clicking of horses’ hooves may be heard in the drums, the throb of the low bottom bass like the rumbling of chariot wheels, with brave horns leading the charge. This is pure Reggae music, the sound of the soil. And Burning Spear is tilling it up. Lyrically, unquestionably Rastafarian, and so always implying, ‘or else.’ On ‘The Invasion,’ for example, humility is called forth from the people, manifesting in the practice of ‘wadada (love),’ but for the purpose of appeasing divine wrath. Now, I suppose, being a humble, loving person for whatever reason is a better practice than being arrogantly hateful or hatefully arrogant; still, an awful lot of this LP was forecasting righteous payback on the wicked, and redemption for the oppressed, but said redemption dependent upon the condition of a show of genuine humility. Again, always in the background of the lead vocalist’s admonition to ‘Do right,’ for example, on the opening song, is the silent refrain, ‘Or else.’ No mercy for the wicked may be found here, nor ‘shall (they) enter this (Jordan) river… Jordan river a go roll.’ ‘You go your ways, and I go mine,’ Burning Spears states on ‘Give Me.’ I demand you give me, and in the widest possible application, my freedom. Or else. While I don't share that theological understanding, I am at least familiar with it, as well as the lives of some of those with whom this kind of liberation theology resonates. ‘Slavery Days’ was the most difficult, but instructive song to listen to, with its painful recount of the abominable commerce of slavery. It’s a litany of sorrow to the repeated refrain of ‘Do you remember the days of slavery?’ But again, to the accompaniment of optimistic, hopeful horns rising above the drone downtempo vibe underneath, as if to caution the listener to not allow the significance of their lives and deaths to be lost. Black lives matter. More than matter. There is a bigger picture. ‘Garvey’s old yet young.’
Totally new to me. Never heard of this group. Enjoyed the sound. Quite fun. B-
I’ve never really listened to reggae, but this wasn’t too bad.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Jordan river
Decent album. I like the political aspect of this album, and the songs are quite catchy and less generic than some reggae music. 6/10
finally some reggae
Pretty good. Not a ton to see, nice to see reggae roots
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.
Настроение явно не для этой музыки, хотя она нормальная
pretty chill vibes while listening! Pleasant to listen to overall, but nothing really stood out to me on first listen.
Weak
Generally, I'm not a big fan of reggae, sometimes there's too much repetition for my liking, but this album is so old school and straight up reggae, I like it a lot. Easy to groove to, a very pleasurable laid-back listen.
hipster Bob Marley laments the destruction and suffering of his home and people
Very good reggae tunes with it's own identity. Favorites: "Marcus Garvey", "Slavery Days", "Live Good"
It was ok. Felt like a generic reggae album that wasn’t nearly as catchy. Found myself tuning it out at times just because. 3.7/10
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!
p342. 1975. 2 stars It's well done, but nothing outstanding - it just washed over me and left no residual trace. No standout tracks. Not a fan of reggae, so won't be revisiting.
Best Song: Jordan River. I like the rolling chorus. Feels like a song that would be nice to listen to while going down a river. Worst Song: Give Me. I don't even know why. Overall: I think this is just a genre that doesn't work for me. The plodding pace, the strong reliance on repetition. This could be great reggae, but I can't overcome the trappings of the genre.
Not heard this before, and really like the reggae flute element!
Enjoyable roots reggae. Would have liked to have heard the original mix but a cursory search didn't find it. Biggest surprise for me from the Wiki page was the Burning Spear is a man rather than a group.
Listening to a lot of reggae these days, not sure why. It seems to have a purity of purpose and authenticity that just resonates with me. Music I need these days, I guess. Burning Spear really does the job, bringing on good feelings and a sense of clarity. Roots and culture! One Love!
This was good but joy a genre I’d listen to often
Ultra rzadki reggowy pik sie znowu pojawil na liscie tym razem jest to album Marcus Garvey pana o pseudonimie artystycznym Burning Spear z roku 75, wiec OG jamajski material, sam tytul odnosi sie do bohatera narodowego tego wyspiarskiego narodu, wiki podpowiada ze jest to plyta w stylu roots reggae, wiec poruszane sa tematy zwiazane z ruchem rastafarianskim, wspominanie wielkich ludzi ktory przyczynili sie do poprawy zycia ludu rowniez sie w to wpsuje, dodatkowo bedzie takze o czasach niewolnictwa, dziedzictwie afrykanskim i nie moglo zabraknac takze nawiazan biblijnych, ktore rowniez sa waznym aspektem tego ruchu, muzycznie plonaca wlocznia jest wspierana przez bande zwana the black disciples, w sklad ktorej wchodzilo podczas nagran 14 apostolow, sklad i brzmienie bandy maja sie dokladnie tak jak czlowiek mysli ze bedzie brzmiec jamajska muzyka, dodatkowo jakosciowo brzmi same nagranie, widac ze Lawrence Lindo lub lepiej znany Jack Rubby zna sie na robocie, album na 33 minutach zamyka sie w 10 kawakach z czego na plejke dodam slavery days i tytulwgo marcusa garveya, ktory na calej plycie ma jeszcze jeden trak podtytulem old marcus garvey, opowiadajacy o tym ze jest on zapomnianym bohaterem, moze tak jest, a moze nie, brak mi znajomosci historii rastafarianskiego ruchu, wiec tez odbior calego krazka jest dosc powierzchowny, bo pewnie lirycznie jest glebszy niz jakim go postrzegam, jesli ktos wie o czym jest spiewane
ég hafði gaman að þessari en ekki það mikið að ég nenni að hlusta aftur og aftur, ég gef samt mörgum svoleiðis plötum 4 og þessi var alveg definitely 4 stjörnur finnst mér
Super vibey and jammy. More so than Marley.
Pleasing music but when listened to all in a row, becomes a bit repetitive and one note
Wow, this one caught me off guard. I really enjoyed this entire album. Would listen to it again.
The first song or two I really enjoyed, elements of early ska were intertwined with the reggae that were really cool. Then it all started to sound the same. Not great to listen to as an album.
Wanted to like it, but just wanted better reggae
Du reggae. Je suis pas expert, mais j'aime beaucoup
Outside my usual sphere but pretty good
Some music can only be appreciated while imbibing quality reefer. In the interest of full disclosure, a Jeremy Piven played in the background while I listened to this. I don't even want to try and figure out what the title of the movie was, just know that it was Jeremy Piven with a goatee, and I seem to recall scenes of him around a pool table, and another one where he tried on a vest. You don't want images of a goateed Jeremy Piven scoring any album. Just trust me on that.
Great album
the odd perfectly placed reggae song is great, a whole album is a bit much
So good I played it twice in quick succession. A beautiful album. I know *of* Burning Spear but this was a lovely deep dive into an album’s worth of his work. Need to listen to lots more I think. Particularly enjoyed Tradition on first spin. The harmonies throughout are fantastic. And that voice…excellent. This is how music with a message should be done.
Great vocals and production. It felt like a proper album as well - just the right number of tracks without any filler. Soulful in places as well. The title track is a fantastic call to arms.
Classic Rasta Reggae from a contemporary of Bob Marley
Listened to this one a few times before.
What a great album. I never listen to reggae so this album was a great surprise. Good beats, good vibes, and great lyrics.
I have not listened to much reggae beyond Bob Marley. I quite liked this album, and would more than likely listen to more from Burning Spear
Reggae, Quitos good, somewhat naive lyrics
Регги-певец Уинстон Родни под псевдонимом Burning Spear, родом из Ямайки. Из альбома понравилась заглавная - Marcus Garvey о политике и ораторе. К сожалению, регги – не моя музыка, укачивает.
Adoro este álbum. Brilhante porque feito com raiva. Justa. "Reggae roots" com elementos brutos e voz melancólica
* Reggae & SKA(?) decent enough, not too long. Gets better as it goes on.
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.
not for me but respect the genre
I like some reggae but don't really love it. It's nice mood music for that summer laid-back vibe, but I think it might have gotten ruined for me in my early 20s when I heard just way too much of it because so many of my peers would listen to it all the time (mostly college classmates). I have to remove the negative association I have with it because of that and really listen to the music. And I don't want to lump all reggae together, of course. I'm re-listening to this as its own work. It's nice. It's good. I really do like the vibe. I have to admit I do feel good when I hear it. Nice groove, catchy melody lines.
I generally like reggae and didn’t dislike this album. It wasn’t 5/5 for me and the songs weren’t always distinctive, but it was good. The beats and instruments were classic reggae and I really liked this. The lyrics weren’t as well performed but were still good.
Good Reggae, but not sure what sets it apart from other good reggae albums. No real standout song.
Crap
Solid 4 star beautiful singing, tight band and rhythm, educational yet danceable and uplifting. How can you not love it? Maybe a bit too much of the same feel to make it to a five star.
Felt like fine reggae. Wasn't listening to the words much?
I can see why it's popular in Jamaica. I don't have the cultural background to appreciate the lyrics as much. Who's Marcus Garvey? The music is good enough, but there's plenty of other reggae to choose from.
Groovy!
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 think I would like this album more if I was more familiar with reggae, but I appreciate the skillful instrumentation, even if the grooves can feel repetitive. I also admire the poignant lyricism. BEST TRACKS: Marcus Garvey, Slavery Days, The Invasion, Give Me, Tradition WORST TRACKS: N/A
Solid reggae. A lot of it blends together into one long jam sesh but that’s a-okay by me. Favorite Tracks: “Marcus Garvey”, “Live Good”, “Old Marcus Garvey”, “Tradition”
Reggae kinda makes me some out but maybe that’s the point? Definitely enjoyed and will listen again
Loved it
Enjoyed quite a bit. Nice to listen to.
Easy listening for work, liked it!
it was reggae
Buen reggae
6/10
Reggae, ok but it got old fast
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.
If I was Jamaican this would probably be better Highlight Tracks: 2, 10
I think I know why I don't like reggae - it's one of those genres that's built on a specific sounding beat. So there's a point where it all runs together and I tune out. It all sounds very well done here, but there are no stand-outs for me like on some Marley Records.
This is different gravy! Top tier roots reggae - cool arrangements and a conceptual consistency that lends the album a rare potency. Burning Spear has a helluva voice. Love it.
Schoolhouse Rock guy, lol. I think this is actually the kind of reggae that appeals to me. It blends into the background effortlessly, is incredibly consistent in rhythm, and is (above all) brief. 34 minutes was not a minute too long. I'd put this on again, even if I don't recall many specifics aside from the fact there was a song about slavery and one about pollution. But hey, if you gotta pick two social issues to sing about you could do a lot worse than those two, CRAIG.
Not my taste
Songs had little variance and singer repeated lyrics until your head hurt. Obviously reggae not my cup of tea.
I liked the parts with the horns - the whole album was a bit samey.