What makes Strictly Roots by Morgan Heritage notable?

Strictly Roots debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, showcasing its commercial success within the genre. The album also received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, highlighting its critical recognition and impact on the reggae music landscape. Released in 2015, Strictly Roots is Morgan Heritage's first studio album since their 2010 release, Mission in Progress. The album marks a significant moment in their career as they returned to the roots reggae sound that established their legacy while also pushing into modern musical territories. This album came after years of extensive touring and solidified their status as reggae ambassadors globally.

How many songs are on Strictly Roots?

Strictly Roots has 12 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Strictly Roots

Morgan Heritage · 2015

47 min · 12 tracks · reggae

A vibrant celebration of roots reggae, fusing traditional rhythms with contemporary influences and heartfelt messages.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Child of Jah — This track stands out with its uplifting lyrics celebrating spirituality and heritage, reflecting the core themes of the album. The harmonious blend of vocals encapsulates Morgan Heritage's signature sound.
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Wanna Be Loved — Combining infectious melodies with poignant lyrics about longing and desire, this song showcases the band's ability to weave emotional narratives into their music. Its catchy chorus makes it a fan favorite.
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Celebrate Life — This anthem encourages listeners to embrace positivity and gratitude, embodying a universal message that resonates deeply. Its lively instrumentation complements the celebratory theme.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional roots reggae with contemporary influences, showcasing strong craftsmanship and solid songwriting.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that establishes a mid-tempo groove, followed by a series of tracks that alternate between upbeat anthems and reflective ballads.
Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, typical of roots reggae, enhancing the communal feel of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Strictly Roots 3:42
2 Child of Jah 4:15
3 Light It Up 4:16
4 Rise and Fall 4:07
5 Perform and Done 3:50
6 So Amazing 4:02
7 Wanna Be Loved 4:15
8 Why Dem Come Around 3:17
9 We Are Warriors 3:39
10 Put It on Me 3:46
11 Sunday Morning 3:58
12 Celebrate Life 4:23

What to play next

Listen next

Avrakedabra

2017

Go back to

Here Come The Kings

2013

Full Morgan Heritage discography Artists like Morgan Heritage

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata