Isaiah First Prophet of Old cover

Isaiah First Prophet of Old

Big Youth · 1978

34 min · 8 tracks · reggae

A vibrant tapestry of reggae rhythms interwoven with dub effects and socially conscious lyrics that evoke a spiritual awakening.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    World in Confusion — This track opens the album with an urgent call to awareness, blending infectious melodies with poignant lyrics about societal turmoil and injustices.
  • →
    Isaiah First Prophet of Old — The title track serves as a centerpiece, showcasing Big Youth's deep connection to biblical themes while employing complex vocal rhythms that highlight his artistry.
  • →
    Writing on the Wall — This song encapsulates prophetic warnings through vivid imagery, demonstrating Big Youth's skill in merging storytelling with powerful musical arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid reggae composition with distinct vocal delivery and effective use of dub effects.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'World in Confusion', establishing a consistent reggae groove that persists throughout.
  • Each track features layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, typical of reggae but executed with Big Youth's unique style.
  • Several tracks incorporate dub effects, such as echo and reverb, which enhance the spiritual and reflective themes present in the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • hypnotic rhythms for deep reflection
  • spiritual themes in vibrant sound
  • engaging chants for group listening
  • short bursts of uplifting energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Isaiah First Prophet of Old marks Big Youth's third album, following his critically acclaimed release of Dread Locks Dread in 1976. By this time, he had established himself as a prominent figure in the reggae scene, known for his unique vocal style and lyrical depth, further solidifying his reputation as a key innovator within the genre.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Lord Jah Bless

    The chorus features a repeated invocation for divine protection, creating a communal spirit that invites listeners into a shared experience of faith and resili…

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 World in Confusion 4:24
  • 2 Writing on the Wall 4:31
  • 3 Zion 4:07
  • 4 Isaiah First Prophet of Old 5:30
  • 5 Lord Jah Bless 4:10
  • 6 Reaping Time 3:29
  • 7 Love We Deal With 4:13
  • 8 Upful One 3:57

What to play next

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dub music reggae

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata