Artist: Big Youth Album: A Luta Continua

Year: 1990
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Big Youth’s Album – A Luta Continua

Big Youth is a Jamaican musician and one of the pioneers of the reggae genre, famed for his distinctive lyrical style, powerful vocal delivery, and high-energy performances. He came to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during a time of significant political and social upheaval in Jamaica. His music was characterized by its focus on social justice and activism, as well as its deep connection to the roots of Jamaica’s musical culture.
In this post, we’ll be taking a look at one of Big Youth’s most significant albums, A Luta Continua. Along with a brief history of the artist, we’ll also explore the music genre and themes of the album. We’ll review the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and finally, we’ll give our critical evaluation of the album.
First, let’s talk about the artist, Big Youth. Born in 1949 as Manley Augustus Buchanan, he got the nickname Big Youth for his towering presence and commanding stage presence. He started his music career in the early 1960s, during ska’s height, working with a number of legendary artists including Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, and the Wailers. His music style evolved through the 1970s, and he became a key figure in the development of reggae music. Big Youth’s music was notable for his unique chanting style, and he was known for his ability to improvise on stage.
The album, A Luta Continua, released in 1985, was a departure from Big Youth’s earlier work. The album showcased a blend of reggae and African rhythms and featured collaborations with various artists, including Alpha Blondy. The album title – A Luta Continua – translated from the Portuguese means “the struggle continues” and is a phrase that became famous during the fight against apartheid in South Africa. The album’s title reflects the themes of political and social activism of Big Youth’s music and the broader reggae genre.
The best songs from the album include 'Some Like It Dread,' 'Screaming Target,' and 'True Love.' These songs showcase Big Youth’s distinctive vocal style, with flowing and rhythmic melodic lines combined with powerful social commentary. The track, 'Screaming Target,' is a masterpiece of protest music, where Big Youth delivers lyrics that speak to the struggles of Jamaicans, reflecting the broader fight against social and political injustice.
The album’s most innovative part is undoubtedly the collaborations. Big Youth was known for his collaborations and willingness to work with artists from all genres, and A Luta Continua delivered, with its wide range of collaboration. The mix of reggae and African music, blended with the powerful message of political activism, makes the album a unique and powerful example of the genre that demands attention.
Finally, our critical evaluation of the album. In A Luta Continua, Big Youth cemented his political message and provided a musical commentary on the struggles of the world. The album demonstrates how reggae music can deliver powerful political and social commentary. The unique chanting style of Big Youth's delivery, coupled with the collaborations, makes the album a musical force to be reckoned with. However, A Luta Continua may not be for the casual listener. The music is confrontational, demanding the listener to engage with its themes actively.
In conclusion, A Luta Continua is a significant album in Big Youth’s discography, showcasing his unique sound and political message. The blend of reggae and African rhythms presents an innovative fusion, and the collaborations add layers of depth to the music. Big Youth's distinctive vocal style delivers a powerful message of social and political justice that is as relevant today as it was when the album was released. The listener may not engage with the album's contentious themes, but for those who are, it is an essential and powerful musical work.