Artist: Alton Ellis Album: Sunday Coming

Year: 1971
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Alton Ellis' Album Sunday Coming

Alton Ellis is a name that any devoted fan of the reggae genre must know. He's credited with some of the most significant contributions to the evolution of the genre, having often been referred to as the Godfather of Rocksteady. One of his best-known albums is Sunday Coming, which is our focus for this review. This album, released in 1970 by Coxsone Dodd's Studio One, never gets old or loses its relevance. In this review, we are going to highlight the background of Alton Ellis, the genre of the album, the best songs on the album, and what makes it an innovative piece of music.

Background of Alton Ellis

With over three decades of impressive career in music, Alton Ellis was born in Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica, in 1938. He started singing during his time in elementary school in rural Jamaica. Ellis moved to Kingston with his family when he was 11 years old and became fascinated with the booming music industry there in the early 1950s. It wasn't long before he started writing and recording his songs, and before long, he'd established himself as one of the most talented musicians in the city.

The Reggae Music Genre

The music on Sunday Coming is a blend of ska, rocksteady, and early reggae, which is the sound that was gradually overtaking Jamaica in the late 1960s. The tracks on this album are introspective and contemplative, full of introspection, and it's clear Ellis is expressing a personal understanding of life.

Best Songs on the Album

One of the best songs on this album is I'm Just A Guy. It's a soulful piece that captures the soul in perfect form. Another great track is Blackman's Word, the song has a clear message of the need for equality and peace for black people in Jamaica. Why Birds Follow Spring is a ballad track that showcases Ellis's soft, tender voice perfectly.

Innovation in the Album

Innovation in the Album

One of the innovative aspects of Sunday Coming is the arrangement of tracks on the album. The opening track, Breaking Up, sets the mood for the whole album, while African Descendents shows a different side of Ellis's music, as he channels the African roots of reggae music.

Critic of the Album

Despite the album's brilliance, it's not perfect. The album may have a consistent mood, but the music may sound monotonous to some listeners. The arrangements are sometimes a bit too repetitive, which could turn off some listeners.
In conclusion, Sunday Coming is a reggae classic and has earned its place in the pantheon of music worldwide. Alton Ellis did a great job, showcasing his talent for soulful and introspective music that stood the test of time. While some of the arrangements might be monotonous for some listeners, the overall theme and quality of the album are indisputable. If you're a fan of reggae music and haven't heard this album yet, this is one worth adding to your collection.