This Is Desmond Dekkar
Desmond Dekker · 1969
79 min · 31 tracks · reggae
A vibrant blend of ska and reggae rhythms punctuated by Dekker's distinctive vocal delivery and socially conscious lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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007 (Shanty Town) — This track is not only a signature song for Dekker but also a defining moment for reggae's entry into mainstream music, characterized by its catchy melody and social commentary.
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It Is Not Easy — The song captures Dekker's ability to convey personal struggles through simple yet poignant lyrics and an infectious rhythm that resonates deeply within reggae culture.
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(Poor Mi) Israelites — '(Poor Mi) Israelites' stands out as a powerful narrative of hardship and resilience, showcasing Dekker's storytelling prowess within a lively musical framework.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and performance, though its compilation nature affects cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with the hit '007 (Shanty Town', which sets a lively ska rhythm that persists through several tracks.
- Many songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing Dekker's distinctive delivery and engaging the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- short bursts of infectious energy
- vibrant rhythms for group enjoyment
- socially conscious themes to ponder
- dynamic collection for upbeat moods
- for lively gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive pieces
- seek deep introspective experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1969, This Is Desmond Dekkar marked the artist's first major compilation album following his rise to fame with hits like '007 (Shanty Town)'. It showcased his pivotal role in popularizing reggae music internationally during a time when the genre was beginning to gain traction outside Jamaica.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Toots and the Maytals· Jimmy Cliff· The Skatalites
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 007 (Shanty Town) 2:32
- 2 Sabotage 2:43
- 3 Shing-A-Ling 2:15
- 4 Hey Grandma 2:45
- 5 Beautiful And Dangerous 2:46
- 6 Wise Man 2:10
- 7 Intensified '68 (aka Music Like Dirt) 2:42
- 8 Rudy Got Soul 2:44
- 9 Unity 2:20
- 10 Mother Pepper 2:18
- 11 It Pays 2:58
- 12 Mother's Young Gal 2:55
- 13 It's a Shame 2:22
- 14 Rude Boy Train 2:15
- 15 Sweet Music 2:30
- 16 Pretty Africa 2:29
- 17 You've Got Your Troubles 3:12
- 18 Keep a Cool Head 2:00
- 19 Personal Possession 2:55
- 20 Mother Long Tongue 2:08
- 21 Young Generation 2:08
- 22 Hanging Tree 2:59
- 23 Bongo Gal 2:29
- 24 Fu Manchu 3:16
- 25 Don't Blame Me 2:23
- 26 Coconut Water 3:25
- 27 Ah It Mek 2:21
- 28 Writing on the Wall 2:15
- 29 Nincompoop 2:10
- 30 It Is Not Easy 2:10
- 31 (Poor Mi) Israelites 2:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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