What makes The Story's Been Told by Third World notable?

This album is significant for its role in propelling Third World into international recognition, especially with tracks like 'Talk To Me' gaining airplay in various countries. The band's distinctive sound helped shape the reggae genre during a time when it was expanding beyond Jamaican borders, influencing future artists and movements within the genre. Released in 1979, The Story's Been Told is Third World's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record Journey to Addis in 1978. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the reggae scene, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences, showcasing their artistic evolution and growing popularity.

Who is The Story's Been Told for?

The Story's Been Told works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on The Story's Been Told?

The Story's Been Told has 7 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

The Story's Been Told

Third World · 1979

37 min · 7 tracks · reggae

A vibrant blend of reggae rhythms and soulful melodies that captures the spirit of late 1970s Jamaica.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Talk To Me (remix) — This track features an infectious groove and catchy hooks that exemplify Third World's ability to fuse reggae with pop sensibilities, making it a standout piece on the album.
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Irie Ites — With its upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics, this song encapsulates the essence of Jamaican culture and community spirit, making it a quintessential reggae anthem.
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The Story's Been Told — The title track serves as a reflective meditation on life experiences, showcasing the band's lyrical depth while maintaining an engaging rhythmic foundation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the cohesion and distinctiveness of genre-defining works.

What we noticed

The first track features a prominent horn section that sets a lively tone, while the following tracks incorporate varying degrees of vocal harmonies and rhythmic shifts.
Several songs utilize call-and-response structures, particularly in the choruses, which engage listeners and create a communal feel.
The album closes with a title track that slows down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective contrast to the more upbeat preceding songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1979, The Story's Been Told is Third World's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record Journey to Addis in 1978. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the reggae scene, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences, showcasing their artistic evolution and growing popularity.
Stylistic neighbors: Steel Pulse· Toots and the Maytals· Black Uhuru