Calling Rastafari

Burning Spear

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 24, 1999)
• Original Release Date: August 24, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Heartbeat / Pgd
• ASIN: B00000JMCM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #212,767 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
It's been a long time since Burning Spear released an album as thoroughly rootsy as this--the opening track even quotes from his own classic "Slavery Days." And rarely has his music, which has always been locked into a hypnotic groove, sounded so upbeat, punctuated with bouncing horn lines--it's almost as if he's announcing that he's back, and happy to be here. While his voice isn't quite the instrument it was in the late '70s, it's still strong and supple, and there's plenty of vocal support--almost a return to the days of Burning Spear (the band) in the use of call-and-response singing. Even his writing seems to have taken a rootsier turn (as evidenced by the album title). All in all, Spear's best in years. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply stunning reggae music, September 7, 1999

By A Customer

The Burning Spear has done it again. This is a must buy for any fan of this truly unique Reggae artist.Track five Brighten My Vision is easily one of the finest new Reggae tunes I have ever heard. Sound is very clean with good support from a lively horn section. Having seen Burning Spear live numerous times I have come to the conclusion that he is the Brightest Reggae artist recording today.Simple but intense lyrics proclaiming this mans love for Jah. Destined to be a classic.Pick it up.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars still going strong, September 18, 2000

By	Sean M. Kelly (Portland, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Every time I see a new Burning Spear release, I have to smile and get it, as Winston Rodney is still the heartbeat of roots reggae, and it appears he has no intention of quitting any time soon- nor should he. His voice, still pure and beautiful after all these years, is still a staple in my apartment, and will always be as such.

This new release is quite good, with Winston's voice in good form, and using the call and reply method he uses so well. For me "Hallelujah" and "House of Reggae" are the best tracks on here.

This cd is not a bad introduction to the Prophet for the uninitiated, but he/she would be better served finding the classic lps "Marcus Garvey," (one of the greatest reggae lps ever made) "Garvey's Ghost," "Man in the Hills, " "Dry and Heavy," and "Social Living," all of which are readily available and are must listens.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice Spearsman very nice, August 17, 2005

By	Johnny Greensmuch "Johnny Greensmuch" (NorCal) - See all my reviews

Ahhhh "Calling Rastifari" is but a refreshing misty breeze that will uplift and crack any cold face with a smile. Do yourself a favor and add this to your Spear collection. If new to spear, although this album is rightious, I would recommend strongly first getting "Fittest of the Fittest" or "Hail H.I.M." for Spears finest work of rocksteady riddims. Just saw Spear at the O.C. Reggae Fest, he was hot! Keep the Spear burning man! One Love. Peace.