Customer Reviews

Reggae Phenomenon

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"Reggae Phenomenon," the 1974 20-track masterpiece from the mighty Big Youth, is a MUST in any reggae album collection. Period. And here's why:

1. It is a perfect mix of deejay-style reggae w/ the inclusion of R & B and American Pop covers.

2. The entire album is time-tested. It easily stands alongside ANYTHING in the realm of reggae sound-system offerings and ANYTHING that Rap music has put forth (If anything, this album, along w/ Youth's "Screaming Target" release, is Rap's precursor, it's Grandaddy).

"Give Praises" kicks things off; Here, Youth paints over the "Satta Massagana" canvas w/ inspired Rasta lyrics, creating one of his all-time best cuts! "Plead I Cause" is a chant that pierces the soul.

What's interesting (and surprising) about this album is its refusal to simply put forth deejay cuts. Take, for example, the cover tunes: Tom Jones' hit "It's Not Unusual," Al Green's "Love & Happiness," and Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack." While some may question Youth's attempt at straight "singing," he should get high marks for venturing into new musical territory, rather than simply sticking to what he does best (i.e. deejaying). It's similar to what the Clash did when they realized that playing ONLY Punk tunes was limiting, so they decided to move (successfully) into other genres of musical terrain.

"Reggae Phenomenon" is a fully-realized album - one that successfully mixes Rastafarian hymns, socially conscious riddims, and R & B/Pop singing. It is alternately brilliant and unorthodox in its approach to define the "sound" of Reggae music at the time of its release. By taking risks and stretching musically, Big Youth succeeded BIG TIME!! Creativity has rarely been bettered in Reggae than with "Reggae Phenomenon."

Hear it - Love it!!