Burning Spear

39 years later the Spear Burns strong as ever. 21st century roots reggae from one of the founding fathers of the genre.

This album exceeded my expectations as I was not so swayed by his other recent releases. This one takes you back and I guess I'm more impressed with the quality of production on this one. Some of the familiar elements are there such as the prevalent horns and the formula is still there so you always know you are listening to a Burning Spear song. Of course the message is still strong, I don't expect anything less. I'm still digesting it all so I don't have any standout tracks but they all seem to have their own strengths and I don't hear any fillers. I'm fond of "Step It", "Run For Your Life" and "One Africa". A little odd may be the jungle remix of 'Step It' at the end, to which I haven't heard that genre of reggae in a long time which made it interesting. A great album!!

Reggae artist Burning Spear, who chose his music name in honor of Kenyan freedom fighter and first president Jomo Kenyatta, presents his latest album in a decades-long career promoting peace, unity, and love. Burning Spear has traveled to violence-torn Nairobi at the behest of the United Nations to offer the positive influence of his music; now listeners across the globe can feel his strong, positive message of self-reliance, African unity, and respect for one's fellow man in Jah is Real. After bitter disputes with record labels and distributors, Burning Spear has learned the hard way that the best way to ensure he receives proper compensation for his music is to release it himself; fans of the music and the man can rest assured that buying this CD fully supports the artist. Bass guitar and keyboard music form the rhythmic, captivating background for roughly half of the tracks, in this album conveying a much-needed message not for just Africa, but also the world at large. The tracks are "The Cruise", "Step It", "You Were Wrong", "Run for Your Life", "Jah Is Real", "People in High Places", "One Africa", "Grandfather", "Wickedness", "Stick to the Plan", "No Compromise", "700 Strong", "Grassroot", and "Step It Remix".

So far, "Jah Is Real" is by far the best roots release of 2008. The music is comfortable and vital, and Burning Spear's lyrics are delivered in a meditative, chanting fashion certain to calm any listener. He reaches startling levels of emotional and spiritual intelligence with these songs -- especially on "One Africa" and "No Compromise." I have had to listen to this album several times to uncover its many messages, and I'll bet there are still more to come. Burning Spear's band sounds very full and rich, and the creative ideas are fresh and original while still maintaining Burning Spear's spiritual music values. Strong, flavorful vocal harmonies and horn riffs further enhance Burning Spear's message of peace, upliftment and wisdom. The music is top-shelf, and the energy is positive. Reggae fans will definitely feel grateful for this album.

Do yourself a favor and only buy his albums. They're much more solid. One Love. Peace.

Bob Marley is surely the one reggae artist everyone has heard of and his "Legend" CD is usually the first reggae CD new fans of the genre buy, myself included. Burning Spear has a bit more of an edge than Bob, more like the true vintage reggae sound (more along the lines of Marleys "Burnin'" album). This is a good place to start with Burning Spear "Marcus Garvey", "Christopher Columbus", "Red, Gold, and Green" are among the best tracks on here. Really good reggae.

Burning Spear produces some of the best roots reggae currently available. Period. His songs are based upon his beliefs in the teachings of Marcus Garvey and the essence of Rastafarianism. For the enlightened, history, and the meaning of history, is recorded in his music. His words are recited by those in the Carribean, sometimes only to gather a few dollars from the tourist trade. Burning Spear should be quoted because of his meaning and revelence to all cultures.

As an owner of most of Buring Spears' catelog, I would highly reccomend "Hail HIM", which in my opinion is the best reggae / rasta album ever produced.

BURNING SPEAR'S ULTIMATE COLLECTION IS THE BEST REGGAE CD THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD. BOB MARLEY WAS FABULOUS, BUT BURNING SPEAR IS PHENOMINAL.

First of all, if you haven't heard Burning Spear, I suggest ANYTHING by this great band. With some bands you must be very selective about what you buy when you see so many releases, but Burning Spear has not put out one single bad release and I have nearly all of them. As an avid collector of reggae (mostly Jamaican roots) I rank Spear among the absolute best. His music is hypnotic, fun, serious, playful, and deeply rooted in the Spirit of Jamaica and Africa. The horns do not intrude, but balance the music. Spear's voice is beautifully mesmerizing, and adds a vocal decoration to the music. Now after hearing the cd and finding out what I am talking about, you must EXPERIENCE Spear. To witness this legend live is truly a must. Spear has a presence like no other. I have witnessed quite a few reggae concerts and none quite equal the presence of Burning Spear. Highly recommneded band coming from one with quite a bit of reggae experience. One Love!

Marcus Garvey was not Burning Spear's debut - he put out Rockin' Time a year earlier.

Also, I read that Chris Blackwell and Island remixed Jack Ruby's production because it was too ferocious. Does anyone know if a copy of that is available? I know they reissued Marley's excellent Catch a Fire with the original, un-Chris Blackwell-ed version recently, and I was wondering if they had done the same for Burning Spear.

I also really recommend Dry and Heavy, with one of my favorite B. Spear tracks, Throw Down Your Arms. Also, Junior Murvin, Peter Tosh, and anything produced by Lee Scratch Perry.

a must have for anyone even mildly interested in reggae.

a stone cold classic!

get it!!

This CD tops my list of the top roots albums of all time. To my list I add
Twinkle Brothers "Rasta Pon ToP"
Isreal Vibration "Forever"
Culture's "Two Sevens Clash" & "Wings of a Dove"
Yabba You
and of course
The Gladiators "Dreadlocks The Time Has Come"

I traded my vinyl copies of these 2 albums in around 1989 when this CD was first offered. This is a series of true milestones in roots reggae! It doesn't get any more pure and perfect than this. A MUST HAVE.

A friend turned me onto this and from that day I was hooked!!! The '70s were really the birth of modern reggae, which came out of R&B, Rock Steady, and Ska. Coming out of the same neighborhodd in Kingston as Marley and Macin(Tosh), Winston Rodney, The Burning Spear, had the same class sensiblities and realization of the power of Rastafarianism and the struggles of the downtrodden in Jamaica and elsewhere. The sounds has really changed over the years and this is where it started. A must have for any real reggae fan. Slavery days says it all....

I bought this remastered cd and didnt know what to expect. The last time I had heard this album was back in the days of cassettes. It sounded weird at first hearing the same music 15 years later in cd quality. Weird good as in goose bumps on my arms, the remastered version is great. This is a great album made better.

This album is great. However, if you don't have Marcus Garvey, Man In The Hills, or Dry & Heavy, get those albums first. They have a more accesible sound than this album. This album gets a little bit repetitive especially on "Follow Marcus Garvey" and "Jah Guh Raid." The album has a dark mood. It's not bad though. The best songs are "Columbus" and "Road Foggy." Definitely essential roots reggae, but not as good as the three albums mentioned previously.

This album is noticeable for the fact that it has Bob Marley's backing band, "The Wailers" laying down the grooves and beats for Winston Rodney (aka Burning Spear). The album features a terrific drawing by Neville Garrick depicting Haile Selassie in full imperial dress riding a white horse, with the sand dunes of Ethiopa as the backdrop. This album released in 1980, was never released in the United States until the Heartbeat CD of this album came out in 1994! Was the shunning of this album by America for fourteen years due to the fact that the record was no good? Here are my reviews of the songs based out of 5 *****:
"Hail H.I.M." - Hail H.I.M. (His Imperial Majesty) starts with Winston shouting "Hail Jah Rastafari!" A very laid-back, mellow, thick groove starts the journey. "Hail HIM" is chanted in the background throughout the song. Aston lays down a funky, grooving bass line that is very dub like. The groove is soooo heavy, the thickness/heaviness is almost palpable! It feels as if a cloud of thick smoke is hanging/shrouding the piece (and there proably was)! A GREAT TUNE! Rating - *****
"Columbus" -The keyboards are more prominant here, along with chugging guitar, congas and heavy bass lines. This song tells the tale of how the Arawak Indians were were the first people in the "Americas" NOT Mr. Columbus. "Christopher Colombus is a damn-blasted liar!" shouts Winston with a ton of emotion. "He's a liar!" is repeated as the song closes out. Another FANTASTIC tune with some thought-provoking lyrics. Rating - *****
"Road Foggy" - The horn section introduces this tune, accompanied with some great multiple percussion instruments and cool triangle playing. Very heavy bass lines again from the "Family Man". He keeps a groovy, melloooow beat going throughout the piece. A very moody, heavy atmosphere permeates this song. Winston sings "The road is so foggy, foggy. So foggy, foggy." Probably from the thick smoke of the burning Kind! Hypnotic! Rating - ****
"Follow Marcus Garvey" - Aston begins this with ANOTHER heavy bass groove, accompanied with low Tenor and Alto sax playing in the background. Chugging guitar, and smooth guitar licks from Junior Marvin gives this piece some added punch. You'll want to catch the next "Black Star Liner" out of town after listening to Winston preach! Rating - ****
"Jah See And Know" - The horn section takes front stage on this piece. Thumping bass and chugging guitars. DAMN! Aston Barrett has to the HEAVIEST/FUNKIEST cat to walk this planet! This guy can keep a groove going like no-one else! "Your hearts desire. Your meditations. Your thinking. Your doing. Jah Jah see and know yes." That can either be good news or BAD news! Rating - *****
"African Teacher" - Keyboards kick off this piece and a chugging guitar soon follows. Junior gets in some great guitar licks and Aston lays down the thick beat. "Teach me teacher" is chanted in the backgound. Conga rolls from Winston are heard throughout. A great, moody, "Teach me Aramaic teacher!" song! Classic! Rating - *****
"African Postman" - My favorite cut from this album. Opens with Winston lecturing his son about the "African Postman". Repeated chime clanging helps to herald in the postman and call everyone to hear the latest news. "Them a Holy folk." proclaims Winston and this phrase is chanted repeatedly in the background. Aston lays down a VERY HEAVY bass groove! Awesome song! Rating - *****
"Cry Blood Africans" - Winston wails "Cry Blood Africa!" at the start of this tune. Winston's sadness is apparant and very emotive. Chunky bass and moody horns add dimension. "Cry Africa" is chanted in the background. "The whole world feels it when the African continent cry." Rating - ****
"Jah a Guh Raid" - I love this song. Winston's anger/feelings come through like a Burning Spear! "Raid em' Jah" is chanted in the background while Winston's call for vengance "You raid em'! Someone gots to pay!" sends chills down your spine. "You raid em' Jah!" pleads Winston! Keyboards are prominant as well as chugging guitar. GREAT tune! RAting - *****
This album is a CLASSIC piece of music! The refusal to release this record in America for FOURTEEN years just proves that the powers that be fear the masses having knowledge. This album is a stirring call for the world to WAKE UP and realize they are being duped! Winston Rodney crafted one fo the greatest records ever. This is a classic piece of MUSIC that will educate, invigorate and spur debate wherever it is heard. Feed your soul. Get this album!

In 1980, Winston Rodney, better known as the "Burning Spear", turned to The Wailers bass player Aston "Family Man" Barret to produce his first EMI album. Spear was seeking a major career breakthrouh in a period of rapidly changing tastes. The Roots Reggae had reached its climax in the mid seventies and by the end of the decade it seemed to deteriorate, giving place to other external musical influence and even some incipient prototypes of dance-hall style. "But people who are interested in our music will get to hear it. I can't beg" Burning Spear told once, in an environment where disco music prevailed in regular airplay and musical charts. The album is divided between hymns to JAH Rastafari, chants of repatriation to the mother land of Africa, and accurates historic descriptions:"First gangster/first bad boy/first rude boy/Cristopher Columbus!".
Spear's outstanding 1980 album is complete from beginnimg to end, no weak side at all. I guess I can't say this from many albums made this year, including Marley's "Uprising"(who by these period was trying hard to get to black american audience)."Hail H.I.M." must be listened very carefully and open minded considering you're being part of a musical masterpiece experience where every song paves the way to the next one.Musicians included Nelson Miller on drums, Junior Marvin on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl Lindo on keyboards, Family Man Barret on bass plus a horn section. This trascendant album can easily be considered as reggae's peak achievement, chek it out you won't regret it.

The first of three albums Winston Rodney did for EMI and the one that springboarded him to international fame, if you were to buy only one Burning Spear album, this should be it! Be warned, however that this is some heavy, heavy roots! If you're looking for an album with nice, little reggae tunes to sing along with you will be dissapointed. But that doesn't mean this CD isn't for you. On the contrary, this is an incredable set for anyone who likes reggae music at all. And if you're looking to expand your Roots Reggae experience beyond Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, this is perfect.

I got this CD because everywhere I turned I was always reading rave reviews on it. The 30 sec intros didn't do a thing for me but I took a chance and bought it anyway thinking that if it was as good as the reviews said I would eventually appriciate it. When I first heard the whole thing all the way through, I didn't know what to think. The music, overall seemed really dry and I couldn't tell one song from another. None of the tracks seemed to have any structure at all (although "African Teacher" seemed to strike me right away). I listened to it more and more determined to be happy with what I purchased and to learn why this was such a classic but it just wasn't working. "There must be something I'm missing," I said to myself. One day I was listening to it in the car on a long drive and it was getting so oppressive I had to change it.

....I don't know at what point my opinion of this cd changed but now I think it's on of the greatest Reggae albums ever created! I listen to it all the time. One of the few albums I can listen to all the way through even. How could I ever think the things I did before? How could this be anything but great music? Why didn't I see it right away? Burning Spear is a genius! Today it seems like every time I set out to buy a new reggae CD, it ends up being another Burning Spear.

My suggestion: put on the headphones, turn it up just high enough not to hurt your ear drums, close your eyes and listen to the whole thing. No distractions, no interuptions. I don't know if others have had the same experience with this CD as I did, but if you're not impressed with it at first either, I urge you to persevere. It is a priceless treasure and belongs in your reggae collection.

Modern Roots Reggae. So crisp and clean, this is what got me into Burning Spear. I now own all of his releases. Live Burning spear always delivers.

I owned this on a cassette and played the hell out of it but couldn't get a Cd version until recently. This may be the finest live reggae period and that includes marley and tosh. This is a full company of musicians playing more complex arraignments. Three piece brass combo and all the percussionists playing hypnotic reggae at it's best.

The drummer here is a guy i had never heard of and he is just sick! Better than sly dunbar. He drives a riddim section that is superb and burning spear is the master of ceremony with his perfect timing and passion. the sound is as clear and pure as any live album you ever heard.

The pulsating sounds will energize you and make you want to start chucking! If not then you don't have a pulse..

I first owned this on casette in 1990. It was the first raggae I ever owned, and it jams! I was first stuck by the crisp and clear production. On the CD it's even better. You can pick out each individual instrument and vocal. Being a guitarist, I was amazed by the inventiveness of the playing.
The songs themselves are longer and more complex than any raggae I've heard before or since. You will groove and sing along all day and night. Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming the songs the next day without realizing that you're doing it.

I have "Marcus Garvey," "Hail H.I.M.," and this two-for-one cd. This one is my favorite. It has a brighter sound than Marcus Garvey and Hail H.I.M. and the songs are just beautiful. My favorites are "The Sun," "No More War," "Throw Down Your Arms," and "Door Peep." To be honest, there isn't a bad song on the entire cd!

Spear mushroomed into a youth mass movement that epitomized roots with one Winston Rodney, the musical mystic from Jamaica trancing his followers into wonderful rhythm and spirituality,however one defines it's meaning...and many meanings can exist..This CD is bass heavy but fine, these 2 wonderful albums on 1 CD is a treasure...Spear and all the members of his ongoing band play well while the band always changed around the arrangements to his bedrock of early songs that somehow never dies despite the recycling going on for 35 years.
Those colors and full original artwork is missed but the notes and packaging will do.

Like the cover sleeve says, "two classic albums on one cd!" It was wise of Island Records to put these two albums ("Man In the Hills/Dry & Heavy" 1976-77) on one cd. Out of all Winston Rodney's work these two albums are the most indistinguishable from each other, the material being quite upbeat in places with hints of jazz-like horns incorporated in. Also, being sandwiched between two other classic Burning Spear albums, "Marcus Garvey" '75 and "Social Living" '78, the music company probably felt they would make more money putting these two sets together which are only slightly weaker than their immediate successor and forerunner.

It never fails with Burning Spear; every time I buy one of his albums, I'm dissappointed at first and then growing to love it later, go out and buy another one, am disappointed then grow to love it then....etc. etc. These appealed to me much more quickly than most of his stuff, though and some of the songs here are my favorites of the artist. I love "I W.I.N." and "Throw Down Your Arms." "Dry & Heavy" is really good. The first one I began to listen to a lot was "Children." "Mother" is great, also and "The Sun" is an exciting one. But their isn't a bad track on the whole cd! From beginning to end I highly recommend this; for collectors of reggae or anyone who likes music and especially for fans of Burning Spear.

There's a lot to read inside the cover insert as well.

Maybe this cd is more for Burning Spear completists than anything else. The 2 old albums on this cd aren't essential for reggae or for Burning Spear, but it's music.

Beautifully produced, with very strong grooves and melodic material- every song a stunner. Recorded mostly in 1980, with 2 extended versions from 1978. Familyman and Sly and Robbie share riddim section duties with other great session players. The dub version, Living Dub Vol 1, is absolutely recommended as well.

In a career filled with many highs this album must rank as one of, if not his best. It represented a shift in musical direction from a highly charged roots sound to a more 'open' jazzy sound. However, this is Burning Spear and his rootsiness is not dimished, merely infused with other influences.

The feel by comparison to earlier works may in places be more subdued even mellow, but the extensive use of horns and a more sympathetic production employing a dubby, breezy approach brings a wonderful contrast to his powerful gravelly voice. Spears' commentary is typically focused on Marcus Garvey and issues of identity and social consciousness. His vision burns as bright as ever, the songs are strong and delivered with the passion you expect from Mr. Rodney. Consistent from start to finish. Right up there with his Studio One output, Marcus Garvey, Man In The Hills, Hail HIM and People Of The World.

Great to have the two extended versions added here. Not surprisingly, this album spawned a great dub version in Living Dub Volume 1.

Spear fans and reggae fans alike MUST own this, and to music fans in general I recommend you BUY THIS.

Any rough edges that were pesent on previous Burning Spear albums have been completely smoothed out for this classic 1978 release along with any doubts as to the artists intention and ability to bring his music to the international stage which would happen with his next album, the succeeding masterpiece, "Hail H.I.M."

This is Burning Spear's most technical achievement up to this point. Thanks, in part, to Sly and Robbie, the instramentals are tight and crisp ("Marcus Children Suffer" and "Civilize Reggae" are particularly intricate) and the ever focused Winston Rodney is at the cutting edge of his skills, his strong sharp voice prominent through out.

The set seems to lose some of it's punch after the first four tracks shifting to a more mellow tone (almost to the point of being boring) but is still on top form and doesn't bring the standard down any.

Digitally remastered with the cover sleeve including an extensive commentary, but the bonus track of "Social Living extended mix" is the best addition to this 2003 rerelease by Island.

just picked this one up. the music is good and the voice of burning spear hits the mark with a little experimentation. "mister garvey" is one of those gems.

Burning Spears,spear burning is sooo dreaded and sooo good,rasta!!!!!!Blunted to its fullest,great production,great 16 page booklet and the Phillip Fullwood track "gave you my word"is an amazing repeated heartfelt song!!!!16 tracks of reggae bliss!!!!!One of the best in his uncompromising career!!!!Junior

I was so damn happy when I got this in the mail. I have been waiting to hear a studio version of The Youth for years and years. This cd was packaged nicely with lot of information and the cd itself is very Burning Spear. This cd is a must have especially for Burning Spear fans, but is also a must for fans of roots reggae and good music period. I just can't believe that this man has gone more than 30 years without a bad release. Everything by Spear is worth having.

Get this one soon. I wasn't able to find it here in the states and I have a feeling that it will be harder to find real soon. Don't miss it.

Burning Spear is the best reggae musician on tour no doubt. But he held out on releasing these songs for a long time because he wanted them to be special when he chose to release. Some fabulous dubs of previous works, as well as some hidden late 70's originals, this album has it all. Ranks up there with Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills!!!

I have listened to this CD probably close to 1000 times. It is one of the only albums I have ever bought that is perfect at calming the nerves enough to accomplish ridiculous tasks like doing taxes. THIS CD HAS HEALING PROPERTIES. How many records can that be said about? This is close to a perfect record. I prefer it to Marley, Peter Tosh or any other of the 80s reggae icons.

If you don't have this album and you love reggae (Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, etc.) then you should go ahead and buy it. It's essential reggae. There is no bad song. It's got a darker mood than Man In The Hills/Dry and Heavy, but it's definitely essential reggae. And see Burning Spear live if you get a chance!

Listen for the drumming provided to you by Horsemouse. His "riddims" are far more superior to most during this time frame. Adding the traditional live recording vibe with accompanying lyrics by Burning Spear. Any reggae savvy listener can sit back and enjoy this album.

That's how to describe this. An Album. In an era where lowest common denominator junk gets played on the radio, and anyone can review any piece of garbage on Amazon, giving it 4 or 5 stars when it deserves 1 or 2, this is a great change. Granted it's some 30 years old, but it's still as relevant today as it was when it was released, which is just one of the great things about it. This is the definition of an album in which the sum is greater than the parts. Thankfully, far greater. As individual songs, the 2 chord deals doesn't work out real well. They seem boring, repetitive, etc. However, when you listen to it from start to finish, they flow together, and blow you away. From start to finish, you feel revitalised, like you just learned a new life lesson, that maybe in the end, it truly is feeling that counts, and that is the essence of great music.

Ever purchase an album, listen to it, and get totally blown away? For anyone exploring roots reggae, this is an absolute must album. Marcus Garvey embodies everything that roots reggae represents: great beats and powerful lyrics. Buring Spear created many fine albums, but this one is a statement. This is one of my top five albums of all time - no matter the genre.

I would also suggest The Congos "Heart of the Congos" as another must-have roots album. One of producer Lee "Scratch" Perry's finest works.