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The Harder They Come is the soundtrack album to the film of the same name, released in 1972 in the United Kingdom as Island Records ILPS 9202. It was issued in February 1973 in North America as Mango Records SMAS-7400. It peaked at No. 140 on the US Billboard 200. In 2021, the album was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry. The heart of the soundtrack comes from performances by the film's star, reggae singer Jimmy Cliff. Only the title track "The Harder They Come" was recorded by Cliff specifically for the soundtrack, with three earlier songs by Cliff added.[3] The remainder of the album is a compilation of singles released in Jamaica from the period of 1967 through 1972, assembled by The Harder They Come film director and co-writer, Perry Henzell, from songs by favored reggae singers.[4] In addition to Cliff, these artists include the Melodians, the Slickers, DJ Scotty, and seminal early reggae stars Desmond Dekker and Toots and the Maytals.
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Reviews
The Harder They Come is the soundtrack for the eponymous film. This album contains a lot of songs by Jimmy Cliff, but also by other reggae greats. This leads to a fantastic album full of reggae and stocksteady classics: "You Can Get It If You Really Want", " Draw Your Brakes" (by Scotty), "Rivers of Babylon" (by The Melodians), "Many Rivers to Cross", "The Harder They Come", "Johnny Too Bad" (by The Slickers) and "Pressure Drop" (by The Maytals).
Truly iconic, one of the best soundtrack albums ever
Some absolute classics on this album. Probably one of the best reggae albums I’ve heard, and I can see why it’s considered such an important record. A great mix of upbeat, infectious tracks and more soulful moments. I’ve never actually seen the film, but now I definitely want to.
This is a classic soundtrack. I listened to the 2003 reissue with MORE good stuff. The album is a soundtrack from the classic Blaxploitation movie of the same name. Never seen the movie, but I think I needs to! Easy 5/5
I don't know much about reggae but what I do know is that this album should have been in the book, has to be one of the biggest non-rock-adjacent omissions. Couldn't go a week in university without hearing somebody playing this one. Even with my not being the biggest reggae fan I have to give huge props here - damn this is just a great album with a huge dollop of soul influence. If I'm ever wanting to hear reggae this would be among - if not the - first ones to reach for. Title track obviously massive but entire album is enjoyable and comes with that perfect early-70s warm production. 8/10 4 stars IMO: Belonged in the book? Yes.
The Harder They Come is a great example of an album that stands on its own merits even if it's a film soundtrack. It's full of absolute classics, has already stood the test of 60 years and will easily last another 60. Easy 5/5, hard to find music more enjoyable than this.
I mean, a clear 5 stars, obviously, but ... I thought we weren't having movie soundtracks on this list? Or is that just the list in the book? Such a great album, it should have made the original cut, if it was allowed under their self-imposed rules.
It's far from something remarkable to me (save the classic song that titles the album, all other songs were forgettable). However, it's a shame not to have Jimmy Cliff in the original list, given his importance to reggae and to the music in general, so it's an absolutely deserved spot.
Was expecting to go into this one not liking it, as reggae isn’t my genre of choice, but there was a good blend! I’m sure with the context of the film it may been lifted even more.
5/5
This just such a good fuckin reggae album
Sure it’s a movie soundtrack but it’s very much a singular sound by a singular artist and it very much functions as a “real album”. And what an album! Bangers are the way from top to bottom.
Really liked this one
Rocksteady, ska, reggae. BSO de la película. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Classic!
Not really "an album" - more a semi-cohesive collection of really good tracks. I like it.
Fun collection of songs! Never heard of the film so no idea what context they would be played in but it was great. My personal rating: 4/5 My rating relative to the list: 4.5/5 Should this have been included on the original list? No
Rocksteady, ska, reggae. BSO de la película. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Though I certainly recognize the name I'm not that familiar with Cliff's music. I was surprised by how soul-oriented a lot if it was. Deep roots of its genre and era: nothing to complain about here.
Don't know the movie. But this soundtrack is a fun collection of reggae songs
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: You can get it if you really want, Rivers of Babylon, The harder they come, Pressure drop
Noice. 4 stars.
Real nice
Can’t hate reggae
Did some reading on this soundtrack, which was apparently seminal in bringing reggae to a larger audience outside Jamaica and makes sense as an add from a historical perspective. Does feel a bit disjointed given how many artists feature on the record (and the title track features twice?), but the LP brings so many heavy hitters to the table that the overall listening experience is relaxed and upbeat, as reggae should be. Would love to see a full Jimmy Cliff LP on the user list to pair with the recent Toots & The Maytals add.
Familiar with a few of the songs on here, but had no idea this was a movie soundtrack or that it was THE reggae album that helped popularize the genre outside of Jamaica (just for that, seems like an absolute gimme pick for the original list). Musically, not my favorite reggae album from the user list, but still fun (also a good genre to have more of). Strong 3/5.
I liked this more than I anticipated... I'm not a big reggae person but this had more appeal than a lot of reggae albums I've listened to.
It was a nice lil palette cleanser. Enjoyed but wouldn’t go out of my way to listen of my own volition.
Like okay this was definitely interesting and I could see this having an impact and being someone's jam. Just not for me, but at least it didn't suck.
Great album so sad that II have to give it an automatic 1 as it’s not eligible