Artist: Barrington Levy Album: Teach Me Culture

Year: 1983
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: Teach Me Culture by Barrington Levy

Barrington Levy, the Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist, has been a pioneering figure in the genre since the 1970s. His album Teach Me Culture is one of his most popular releases, featuring some of his most beloved songs and showcasing his unique vocal style. In this , we will delve deep into the history of Barrington Levy, the music genre of the album, the best songs on the album, and the most innovative parts of the album.
Barrington Levy started his career at the age of 14, recording his first single in 1976. He quickly gained popularity in his home country of Jamaica and soon became a known figure in the international reggae and dancehall scene. Levy's unique vocal style, which blended smooth singing with chanting and toasting, set him apart from other artists in the genre and garnered him a loyal fan base. Teach Me Culture, released in 1997, showcases Levy at his best, blending traditional roots reggae with modern dancehall beats.
The genre of the album is a mix of reggae and dancehall, with each song telling a story of Jamaican culture and history. The album is a journey through Barrington's life and experiences, touching upon topics such as love, political oppression, and the importance of cultural preservation. The album features collaborations with other prominent artists such as Buju Banton and Lady Saw, showing both the range and versatility of Levy's music.
One of the standout tracks on the album is New Song, which features a catchy melody and positive lyrics about overcoming obstacles. The song's uplifting message resonates well with Levy's listeners, making it one of his most beloved tracks. Another highlight of the album is Living Dangerously, featuring Lady Saw. This song showcases Levy's ability to craft a catchy dancehall beat while maintaining a socially conscious message.
The most innovative parts of the album lie in the way Levy blends different elements of reggae and dancehall music. For example, in the song Vice Versa Love, Levy combines a smooth reggae melody with a dancehall rhythm, creating a unique sound that sets the track apart from other songs in the genre. Additionally, the use of traditional reggae instruments such as the saxophone and the trumpet in songs like Too Experienced adds a layer of depth and complexity to the album.
Despite its greatness, the album faces some criticism for its length and lack of cohesion. At 20 tracks, the album can be overwhelming for some listeners, making it difficult to follow a consistent narrative throughout the album. Some critics argue that the pacing of the album is uneven, with some tracks feeling too slow or too fast. However, these criticisms do not take away from the album's overall value and the impact it has had on the reggae and dancehall scene.
In conclusion, Teach Me Culture is a seminal album in Barrington Levy's career and a crucial moment in the history of reggae and dancehall music. The album showcases Levy's unique vocal style and his ability to blend elements of different genres to create a sound that is distinctly his own. Although it faces some criticism, the album remains beloved by Levy's fans and a testament to his legacy as one of the most important figures in reggae and dancehall music.