1971 Roots Reggae Rising

The previous decade saw the shift from Mento to the rise of Ska, the slowdown morphing into Rocksteady and eventual transition to something slower with a heavier groove, lower bass, and a new voice - one that communicated the news lyrically of what was transpiring within Kingston and surrounding areas - Roots Reggae.

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The Shift: From Rocksteady to Roots

The late '60s gave us rocksteady, smoother, soulful, love-driven tunes with slower rhythms and tight harmonies. But by 1971, Jamaica was changing. The people were speaking out about politics, poverty, Rastafari, repatriation, and resistance. And the music began to echo that shift.

Roots reggae emerged as a soundtrack to consciousness. The drums got heavier. The basslines got deeper. The lyrics started telling the truth about ghetto life, oppression, and spiritual awakening.

PLAYLIST

1. Count Ossie & The Mystic Revelations - Rasta Reggae

2. David Isaacs - Knock Three Times

3. Augustus Pablo & Bongo Herman - Java Passion

4. Winston Wright & The Impact All Stars - Woodpecker

5. Delroy Wilson - Better Must Come

6. The Wailers - Sun Is Shining

7. Lloyd Charmers - Reggae In Wonderland

8. Bruce Ruffin - Rain

9. Max Romeo - Let The Power Fall

10. U-Roy - Everybody Bawling

11. The Stingers - Give Me Power

12. Prince Buster - Holly

13. Dave & Ansel Collins - Double Barrel

14. The Ethiopians - Everything Crash

15. Roy Shirley - Dance Reggae

16. Eric Donaldson - Cherry Oh Baby

17. Burning Spear - This Population

18. The Abyssinians - Poor Jason Whyte