Chant Down Babylon: The Island Anthology
Burning Spear · 1996
149 min · 35 tracks · dub music · roots reggae
A powerful collection blending prophetic lyrics with deep bass rhythms that evoke the spirit of resistance and cultural pride.
Why this album works
'Chant Down Babylon' is significant for its comprehensive representation of Burning Spear's contributions to reggae, particularly in advocating for African heritage and social justice. The anthology has been praised for its critical reception, earning spots on various 'best of' lists and solidifying his legacy within the roots reggae genre.
- Best for
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks cultural pride and resistance themes headphone detail hunting for messaging
- Context
- By 1996, Burning Spear had solidified his status as a reggae icon, following critically acclaimed albums like 'Marcus Garvey' (1975) and 'Social Living' (1980). 'Chant Down Babylon: The Island Anthology' serves as a retrospective showcasing his influential work over two decades, reflecting both his artistic evolution and the socio-political messages he imparted through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Harry Belafonte· Kate Bush· Grace Jones· Christina Aguilera· Joe Jackson· The Cranberries· Prince
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Marcus Garvey Standout 3:25
- 2 Slavery Days Standout 3:32
- 3 I & I Survive 3:52
- 4 Old Marcus Garvey 4:01
- 5 Tradition 3:30
- 6 The Invasion (A.K.A. Black Wa-Da-Da) 5:34
- 7 Door Peep 2:40
- 8 No More War Standout 3:21
- 9 Black Soul 3:27
- 10 Man in the Hills 4:01
- 11 Cultivation 4:09
- 12 The Sun 3:45
- 13 It’s a Long Way Around 3:10
- 14 Throw Down Your Arms 4:08
- 15 Dry & Heavy 3:32
- 16 Black Disciples 4:29
- 17 The Lion (live) 6:07
- 18 Jordan River (live) 4:53
- 19 Jah No Dead 2:09
Disc 2
- 1 Marcus Children Suffer 4:39
- 2 Social Living 7:46
- 3 Marcus Say Jah No Dead 3:53
- 4 Nyah Keith 4:04
- 5 Civilize Reggae 5:48
- 6 Mek We Dweet 4:20
- 7 My Roots 4:23
- 8 Recall Some Great Men 4:12
- 9 Great Men’s Dub 4:14
- 10 One People 4:12
- 11 African Woman 4:18
- 12 Jah Kingdom 4:01
- 13 Praise Him 4:06
- 14 Should I 4:15
- 15 Estimated Prophet 6:52
- 16 Thank You 4:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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