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.
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.
Count Ossie & The Mystic Revelations - Rasta Reggae
David Isaacs - Knock Three Times
Augustus Pablo & Bongo Herman - Java Passion
Winston Wright & The Impact All Stars - Woodpecker
Delroy Wilson - Better Must Come
The Wailers - Sun Is Shining
Lloyd Charmers - Reggae In Wonderland
Bruce Ruffin - Rain
Max Romeo - Let The Power Fall
U-Roy - Everybody Bawling
The Stingers - Give Me Power
Prince Buster - Holly
Dave & Ansel Collins - Double Barrel
The Ethiopians - Everything Crash
Roy Shirley - Dance Reggae
Eric Donaldson - Cherry Oh Baby
Burning Spear - This Population
The Abyssinians - Poor Jason Whyte
