Artist: Boris Gardiner Album: Reggae Happening

Year: 1970
Duration: 29:17

A Critical Review of Boris Gardiner's Reggae Happening Album

Reggae music has been around for decades, and it has evolved into a popular genre known globally. Many artists have made a name for themselves in this genre, including Boris Gardiner. Boris Gardiner is a Jamaican musician who started as a bassist in clubs, and later moved up the ladder to become an established artist in the 1970s and 1980s. One of his most popular albums is the Reggae Happening album, which was released in 1970. In this blog post, we will be taking a critical review of the album and all you need to know about it.

Reggae Happening is an album that borrows the elements of rocksteady and ska, which are characteristic of Jamaican music in the 1960s. This album was recorded by Boris Gardiner with the help of musicians such as Winston Wright, Carl Dawkins, and Lascelles Perkins. The album was released in 1970, and it contains ten tracks.

One of the best songs on this album is Last Night. The song's rhythm is captivating, and it has a romantic undertone to it. Boris's voice is smooth, and the instrumentation is top-notch. The song is a classic that still resonates with listeners to date. Another great song on the album is Melting Pot. The song borrows from the funk genre, and it features complex instrumentation and effortless vocal delivery by Boris.

One of the innovative parts of this album is the fact that it was recorded in a time when Jamaica was going through a significant political and cultural shift. Jamaica was gaining independence, and reggae was becoming more popular. This album captures this shift perfectly, and it showcases the country's musical prowess and diversity.

However, the album has its flaws, one of which is the overproduction of certain tracks. The overproduction makes some songs sound a bit excessive and takes away from their original charm. Additionally, the album contains some filler tracks that could have been left out to create a more cohesive listening experience.

Despite its flaws, Reggae Happening remains a classic album in the reggae genre. Boris Gardiner's musical prowess shines through in this album, and it shows why he was a force to reckon with in the 1970s and 1980s. From the captivating rhythm of Last Night to the funky grooves of Melting Pot, the album stands the test of time. Its innovative composition and instrumentation capture the essence of Jamaican music during a significant cultural shift. Overall, this album remains a must-listen for all reggae fans, and a great introduction to the genre for new listeners.