Artist: Barrington Levy Album: Poor Man Style

Year: 1982
Duration: 30:19

Barrington Levy’s Poor Man Style: A

Reggae is a special genre of music that has a rich history and connects deeply with many listeners. The uniqueness of reggae music lies in its heavy basslines, laidback rhythms, and conscious lyrics. Barrington Levy is a prominent reggae artist, famous for his soulful voice, innovative style, and deeply reflective lyrics. In this post, we will critically review his album Poor Man Style. We’ll explore the artist’s background, the album’s genre, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and, of course, provide an honest critique.
Barrington Levy was born in 1964 in Clarendon, Jamaica. He grew up in a music-rich environment and started his music career at a young age, frequently performing in the local talent shows. By the time he was 14, he had recorded his first single, A Long Time Since We Don't Have No Love. He became popular for his distinct style, and his soulful voice and unique vocal phrasing set him apart from other reggae artists. In 1979, Levy signed with Greensleeves Records, and his debut album, Bounty Hunter, became an instant hit. Poor Man Style was Levy's second album and marked the beginning of his international fame.

Poor Man Style is a beautiful mix of traditional and modern reggae. It is a genre of music that showcases Levy’s lyrical depth and unique sound, which captures the essence of reggae music. The album offers music listeners a blend of conscious lyrics, talking about the struggles of life, relationships, and the beauty of Jamaica. It also includes uplifting tunes like Here I Come, which has become a classic in reggae music.
The album’s most notable songs include Here I Come, Prison Oval Rock, and My Time. Here I Come is a classic hit and still a crowd puller. The upbeat rhythm, mixed with Levy's soulful melodies, gives the track a timeless feel. Prison Oval Rock has a completely different feel, with a slow, smooth beat that fills your head with memories of a sunny Jamaican afternoon. The song addresses the injustice of the system and its impact on youths forced into a life of crime. My Time rounds out the album's standout tracks with an infectious groove, catchy melody, and Levy's characteristic vocal sensibility.
The most innovative parts of Poor Man Style lie in its clever use of instruments. Levy's band perfectly captures the essence of reggae music with the live band’s bass, guitar, and keyboard sounds. The arrangements are well thought-out, which gives the tracks a polished, dynamic sound. The album's title track, Poor Man Style, stands out with its unique percussion and horns. The song is proof of the album's innovative production, perfect arrangements, and Levy’s compelling vocal performance.
While Poor Man Style is an excellent album, it is not without its flaws. One of the album's weaker moments is Rob and Gone, which lacks the energy and excitement that characterizes the rest of the album. It's not a bad song overall, but it pales in comparison to the other tracks, which are more engaging and dynamic.
Barrington Levy's Poor Man Style is an excellent album and a testament to Levy’s uniqueness as an artist. It offers music listeners an excellent blend of conscious reggae music and catchy melodies that stand the test of time. The album's standout tracks, Here I Come, Prison Oval Rock, and My Time, are just a few examples of the artist's strengths. The production is innovative, the arrangements are thoughtful, and the instrumentalists shine. While Poor Man Style is not a perfect album, its strengths make a compelling case for its place in the canon of reggae music.
Barrington Levy's Poor Man Style is an excellent album and a testament to Levy’s uniqueness as an artist. It offers music listeners an excellent blend of conscious reggae music and catchy melodies that stand the test of time. The album's standout tracks, Here I Come, Prison Oval Rock, and My Time, are just a few examples of the artist's strengths. The production is innovative, the arrangements are thoughtful, and the instrumentalists shine. While Poor Man Style is not a perfect album, its strengths make a compelling case for its place in the canon of reggae music.