Playlist Essentials: Jimmy Cliff “Harder They Come”

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Playlist Essentials: Harder they Come

The album, which features songs by Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker, and other Jamaican artists, helped to introduce reggae music to a global audience. Cementing its place as a powerful force for social change and political activism. 

Released in 1972, the soundtrack album to the film “The Harder They Come” is widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential reggae albums of all time.

“The Harder They Come” is significant because it helped to popularize reggae music outside of Jamaica. At the time of the album’s release, reggae was still a relatively niche genre with limited exposure outside of Jamaica. However, the album’s inclusion in the film of the same name helped to introduce reggae to a wider audience. The film, which tells the story of a young Jamaican man who turns to a life of crime after being denied opportunities for success, resonated with audiences around the world, and the album’s powerful soundtrack helped to drive its success.

The album’s title track, “The Harder They Come,” is one of Jimmy Cliff’s most famous songs and a perfect example of the album’s cross-genre appeal. The song blends reggae, rock, and funk music to create a sound that appealed to fans of all genres. The album’s other tracks, including “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Sitting in Limbo,” also showcased Cliff’s exceptional musicianship and songwriting skills.

Prior to the album’s release, Cliff had already enjoyed some success in Jamaica, but “The Harder They Come” catapulted him to international fame. Known for his powerful political activism and his commitment to using music as a tool for social change.

Many of the songs on “The Harder They Come” deal with issues such as poverty, inequality, and political corruption. The album helped to establish reggae music as a powerful force for political activism and social justice.

The album is a landmark moment in the history of reggae music. The album’s cross-genre appeal, exceptional musicianship, and powerful political messages helped to establish Jimmy Cliff as one of the most important reggae artists of all time. While also popularizing reggae music outside of Jamaica. The album’s influence can still be felt today, with countless artists drawing inspiration from Cliff’s innovative approach to music and his commitment to using music as a tool for social change.