Artist: Burning Spear Album: Hail H.I.M.

Year: 1980
Duration: 38:33

A Critical Review of Burning Spear's Hail H.I.M. Album

For reggae fans, Burning Spear is a true legend. The Jamaican artist, whose real name is Winston Rodney, has been in the music industry since the early '60s, and over the years, he has released dozens of albums. Today, we will be taking a closer look at one of his most well-known works: the 1980 album Hail H.I.M. But before we dive into the album, let's take a brief look at Burning Spear and the album's genre.

Burning Spear is known for his powerful and politically charged lyrics, and Hail H.I.M. is no exception. The album features songs that discuss topics such as the Rastafarian faith, social justice, and the struggles faced by African people. The album's genre is a mix between roots reggae and dub, which became a signature sound for Burning Spear. With his deep vocals and intricate horn arrangements, he creates a beautiful and unique sound that both reggae enthusiasts and newcomers can enjoy.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Civilized Reggae. The song features a catchy horn riff, backed by Burning Spear's unmistakable voice. The song's lyrics address the importance of preserving African culture and staying true to oneself, even in the face of oppression. Another notable track is We Are Going, which discusses the struggles faced by African people and the need for unity to overcome those struggles. The song's slow and steady rhythm, combined with Burning Spear's somber delivery, creates a powerful and emotional experience.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the heavy use of dub techniques. Dub music involves stripping down a song and focusing on the rhythm and bass, and then adding effects and samples to create a trippy and atmospheric sound. Burning Spear uses this technique on tracks like Follow Marcus Garvey and Throw Down Your Arms, creating a unique and immersive listening experience.

Despite the album's strengths, there are a few criticisms that can be made. First, some listeners might find the album's heavy reliance on religious themes off-putting. Secondly, the album's pacing can be a bit slow at times, which might turn off listeners who prefer more upbeat and lively music. Finally, the album's political themes might feel a bit outdated to some listeners, given that the tracks were written over 30 years ago.

In conclusion, Burning Spear's Hail H.I.M. is a great album that showcases the artist's unique sound and powerful lyrics. Fans of reggae and dub music are sure to enjoy this album, especially if they appreciate politically charged music with a religious theme. While the album might not be for everyone, it is still a strong work that deserves recognition and respect.