(A)live in Concert 97
Burning Spear · 1998
120 min · 18 tracks · dub music
A vibrant live showcase of roots reggae, pulsating with cultural energy and political consciousness.
Top tracks — play these first
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Spear Burning Start here — The track opens the concert with an energetic call to action, embodying the spirit of resistance that defines much of Burning Spear's work.
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Marcus Garvey — This song pays homage to the iconic leader, encapsulating the themes of empowerment and identity that permeate Burning Spear's music.
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Slavery Days — The poignant lyrics reflect on historical oppression while also promoting resilience, showcasing the depth of Burning Spear's songwriting prowess.
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Creation — This track highlights the spiritual dimensions of his music, blending profound messages with captivating rhythms that resonate with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album captures the essence of live reggae with strong musicianship and a cohesive flow, making it rewarding for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features extended instrumental sections, allowing the band to showcase their musicianship and improvisational skills.
- Tracks often blend seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous flow that mimics the experience of a live performance.
- The use of call-and-response between the instruments and occasional vocal interjections enhances the communal atmosphere typical of reggae concerts.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic live performance energy
- spiritual themes and reflections
- wave-like pacing throughout
- immersive two-part listening experience
- powerful vocal delivery moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking short, instant tracks
- prefer studio-polished sound
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Captures the live essence of Burning Spear, resonating with dedicated fans.
- Themes
- Rastafarian spirituality· Marcus Garvey legacy· historical oppression· cultural resistance
- Career context
- By 1998, Burning Spear was a well-established figure in reggae, having released seminal albums like 'Marcus Garvey' and 'Social Living'. '(A)live in Concert 97' captures the essence of his powerful stage presence during a period marked by both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. This live album reflects his ongoing commitment to social issues and Rastafarian themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Peter Tosh· Black Uhuru· Culture
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Intro 1:31
- 2 Spear Burning Start here 5:11
- 3 The Youths 7:02
- 4 Play Jerry 6:40
- 5 Mi Gi Dem 6:48
- 6 Tumble Down 7:15
- 7 Burning Reggae 7:34
- 8 Postman 9:07
- 9 Slavery Days 7:53
- 10 Creation 9:36
Disc 2
- 1 Cry Blood 8:26
- 2 Not Stupid 6:58
- 3 This Man 6:11
- 4 Identity 5:50
- 5 Naya Keet 7:27
- 6 Marcus Garvey 5:01
- 7 Columbus 4:31
- 8 Red, Green and Gold 6:55
What to play next
Calling Rastafari
1999
Continues the live energy with a focus on Rastafarian themes and roots reggae sound.
Appointment with His Majesty
1997
Sets the stage with similar cultural and political themes, enhancing the listening experience.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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