Englishman
Barrington Levy · 1979
60 min · 14 tracks · reggae
A vibrant fusion of classic reggae rhythms and soulful melodies, showcasing Barrington Levy's distinct vocal prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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Englishman — The title track stands out for its catchy chorus and infectious rhythm, embodying Levy's signature sound while addressing themes of identity and pride.
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Don't Fuss nor Fight — This track showcases Levy's ability to blend social commentary with entertaining melodies, making it a memorable and impactful tune.
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Black Heart Man — A deep and introspective song, it highlights Levy's lyrical depth and storytelling ability, setting it apart as a fan favorite.
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If You Give to Me — This track displays a more romantic side of Levy's songwriting, combining smooth rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that resonate across generations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends solid reggae rhythms with distinctive vocal delivery, though it lacks some cohesion in its running order.
What we noticed
- The title track features a call-and-response structure, with Levy's vocals interspersed with harmonized backing singers.
- Several tracks incorporate prominent horn sections that punctuate the rhythm, adding depth to the arrangements.
- The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove across most tracks, with only a few moments of variation in pace.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- upbeat rhythms for social gatherings
- playful melodies for sing-alongs
- nostalgic vibes of late 70s
- inviting grooves for relaxed afternoons
- catchy hooks that linger
Maybe skip if you
- seeking deep introspective lyrics
- prefer complex, lengthy compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1979, Englishman was Barrington Levy's second studio album, following his debut, Bounty Hunter. This release marked a significant moment in his career as he began to establish himself as a prominent voice in reggae, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dennis Brown· Gregory Isaacs· Sugar Minott
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Englishman 3:33
- 2 If You Give to Me 3:59
- 3 Sister Carol 3:54
- 4 Don't Fuss nor Fight 2:36
- 5 Look Girl 3:13
- 6 Look Youthman 3:12
- 7 Send a Moses 3:33
- 8 Black Heart Man 4:15
- 9 Money Makes Friends 3:59
- 10 Bend Your Back 3:23
- 11 Englishman (12" mix) 6:53
- 12 The Daughter Them Irie 5:26
- 13 Sister Carol (12" mix) 6:23
- 14 Put On Me Clarks 5:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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