The Fittest Selection
Burning Spear · 1987
48 min · 11 tracks · dub music · roots reggae
A vibrant tapestry of rhythmic grooves and spiritual themes, echoing the heart of roots reggae.
Why this album works
The album features some of Burning Spear's most impactful songs and reflects the essence of roots reggae during the late 1980s. It has been praised for its cultural significance, with tracks like 'Cry Blood Africa' resonating deeply with listeners and influencing subsequent generations of reggae artists. The album helped to further establish Burning Spear as a prominent figure in reggae music, showcasing his unique sound and lyrical depth.
- Best for
- steady rhythmic journey throughout uplifting spiritual themes present for reflective listening
- Context
- Released in 1987, 'The Fittest Selection' is a compilation that captures Burning Spear's evolution following their critical acclaim from albums like 'Marcus Garvey' (1975) and 'Social Living' (1978). At this point in his career, Burning Spear, led by Winston Rodney, was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in reggae music with a focus on African identity and social issues.
- 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.
- 1 The Fittest of the Fittest 3:47
- 2 Bad to Worse 3:29
- 3 Road Foggy 3:31
- 4 African Teacher Standout 3:56
- 5 She's Mine 4:47
- 6 Fire Man Standout 4:06
- 7 Cry Blood Africa Standout 4:58
- 8 Jah a Go Raid 5:32
- 9 Message 5:25
- 10 Farover 4:16
- 11 Distance (Farover dub) 4:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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