Artist: Burning Spear Album: The Fittest of the Fittest

Year: 1983
Duration: 0:0-1

The Fittest of the Fittest - A Critical Review of Burning Spear's Masterpiece

Jamaica is a paradise for music lovers, and Burning Spear is one of the most legendary roots reggae artists the island has ever produced. With a career spanning over five decades, Winston Rodney (aka Burning Spear) has become a household name for reggae enthusiasts across the globe. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at one of his most iconic albums - The Fittest of the Fittest - released in 1983. We'll dive deep into the historical context, genre, standout tracks, innovation, and our overall critique of the album. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on this reggae journey.

Firstly, let's talk about the artist behind the album. Burning Spear was born in Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica, in 1945. He was exposed to music from a young age and was drawn to the sounds of Rastafarianism and reggae. He formed his first band, The Burning Spears, in the mid-60s, and since then, he's been meticulously crafting his sound, blending elements of soul, gospel, and blues into his unique reggae style. With his socially conscious and politically charged lyrics, Burning Spear has become a potent voice for the oppressed and disenfranchised.

Moving on to the album itself, The Fittest of the Fittest is a masterpiece that showcases Burning Spear's signature sound and lyrical prowess. The album features some of the most recognizable tracks in reggae history, including Slavery Days, Civilized Reggae, and Jah Is My Driver. The album also showcases Burning Spear's exceptional songwriting skills, where he chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the black community.

What makes the album stand out is its genre-defying quality - it's not just a reggae album; it's a multi-dimensional work of art. Burning Spear's fusion of various genres, from jazz to funk, adds a layer of complexity and depth to the music. It's a testament to his creativity and a reflection of the diverse influences that shaped his sound.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way it integrates traditional African rhythms and chants. In Slavery Days, Burning Spear uses percussion instruments like the bata and conga to create an authentic African sound. The track's haunting vocals and powerful storytelling evoke the pain and suffering of millions of Africans who were enslaved and transported to the Americas.

However, even a masterpiece has its flaws, and The Fittest of the Fittest is not exempt from criticism. While the album is sonically sublime, some argue that it lacks a coherent flow from one track to another, making it somewhat disjointed. Others argue that the album's mixing could have been better, as some of the vocals and instrumentation are not as distinct as they should have been.

In conclusion, The Fittest of the Fittest is an exceptional album that solidified Burning Spear's place as one of reggae's all-time greats. It's an album that transcends time and genre, and its messages about racial equality and justice are still relevant today. Burning Spear's innovative sound and lyrical mastery make this album a must-listen for music lovers across the globe. While its flaws are up for debate, its impact on the music world is undeniable. If you haven't listened to The Fittest of the Fittest yet, I highly recommend you give it a spin!

In conclusion, The Fittest of the Fittest is an exceptional album that solidified Burning Spear's place as one of reggae's all-time greats. It's an album that transcends time and genre, and its messages about racial equality and justice are still relevant today. Burning Spear's innovative sound and lyrical mastery make this album a must-listen for music lovers across the globe. While its flaws are up for debate, its impact on the music world is undeniable. If you haven't listened to The Fittest of the Fittest yet, I highly recommend you give it a spin!