In 1998, a significant year that saw the debut of several iconic reggae albums by artists like Sizzla and Slightly Stoopid. Now, 25 years later, these albums have somewhat slipped under the radar, largely due to their modest overseas sales. Nevertheless, their enduring cultural impact and nostalgic value persist.
From UB40’s enchanting “Labour of Love III” to the rocksteady sounds of Beres Hammond‘s “A Day In The Life,” these albums not only encapsulate the essence of reggae but also serve as timeless reminders of the genre’s evolution. WMV look back at 15 influential releases that continue to shape the reggae landscape 25 years later.
Labour of Love III – UB40
UB40’s “Labour of Love III” is their 12 studio album and the third installment in their series of cover albums, featuring reggae renditions of popular songs like Bob Marley’s ‘Soul Rebel’ and Neil Diamond’s ;Holy Holy’. The album released October 12, is certified Gold in the U.K. (100,000) and Platinum in Canada (15,000).
The Longest Barrel Ride – Slightly Stoopid
“The Longest Barrel Ride,” Slightly Stoopid’s second album, was released on November 21, 1998, courtesy of Skunk Records. The Rock band’s blend of reggae, punk, and ska, this album marked a defining moment for their career. The track “Violence/FTP” features a re-recording of “Fuck The Police,” a nod to their earlier album, Slightly $toopid. Another gem, “To [sic] Little Too Late,” also finds its place on their acoustic LP, Acoustic Roots: Live & Direct.
The song “Slightly Stoopid” surprises with a guitar riff version of the classic “When The Saints Come Marching In.” Additionally, the hidden track “Free Dub” unfolds with two hidden treasures: a cover of The Fugs’ “I Couldn’t Get High” and an original piece titled “Nico’s.” These hidden gems later found a renewed life on the album Acoustic Roots: Live & Direct, showcasing the band’s musical evolution and versatility.
Mamagubida – Tryo
“Mamagubida” is a reggae album by French ‘unplugged’ ska acoustic band Tryo. The ensemble comprises three adept French guitarists – Guizmo, Christophe Mali, and Manu Eveno – along with percussionist Daniel “Danielito” Bravo and producer Bibou.
The album’s stand out track is “La Main Verte” which is a celebration of marijuana.
With an impressive record of 900,000 albums sold, Tryo celebrated their 10-year anniversary in 2005, marked by an extensive nationwide tour. The band boasts four studio albums, a double CD live album, and two live DVDs in their discography.
In August 2012, Tryo introduced their latest offering, “Ladilafé,” serving as a poignant tribute to Patricia Bonnetaud, who passed away in February 2012. Notably, this album marks the debut of DJ Catman within the band’s lineup.
Health and Strength – Prince Far I
“Health and Strength” stands as a remarkable reggae album by Prince Far I, capturing the essence of late 1970s recordings. Despite being recorded between 1978 and 1979 for Virgin Records’ Front Line label, the album faced an unexpected delay in release, with the master tapes mysteriously lost en route to Virgin’s offices.
In a fortunate turn of events in 1997, a former staff member of Hit Run records, the label managed by Adrian Sherwood, Prince Far I’s collaborator for several years, discovered a cassette copy made from the master tapes. This discovery led to the eventual release of the album by Pressure Sounds in 1998.
The album features adaptations of Gregory Isaacs’ songs, such as “Brother Joe,” “Health Warning” (built on Isaacs’ “Sacrifice”), and “House of Jah” (a rendition of “Handcuff”). Notably, the inclusion of DJ Blackskin Prophet on “When the King Comes to Earth” adds depth to the record. Two Jamaican singles, “Frontline Speech” and “Weatherman Tam,” further contribute to the album’s unique charm.
Résistances – Sinsemilia
“Résistances” is the sophomore reggae album by French band Sensimilia affectionately known as Sinsé. The band’s name bears a striking resemblance to “sinsemilla,” a term referring to unfertilized, seedless cannabis in Spanish, setting the tone for their roots-infused musical journey.
The group which was formed in 1990 in Grenoble, Isère, officially adopted the name during their inaugural performance at the Fête de la Musique in 1991, drawing inspiration from Black Uhuru’s reggae album, “Sinsemilia.” What commenced as a symbolic debut unfolded into a prolific career, spanning over a thousand concerts and witnessing the sale of over a million albums in the subsequent fifteen years.
Sinsemilia’s breakthrough came with the success of their debut album and the hit single “Tout le bonheur du monde,” propelling French reggae into the spotlight.
Freedom Cry – Sizzla
Reggae luminary Sizzla’s profound musical journey reaches a pinnacle with his fourth studio album, “Freedom Cry,” released on November 11, 1998, by VP Records. Aptly titled “Kalonji” in Europe, this album transcends borders, making a resounding impact both in the United States and across the Atlantic.
An embodiment of conscious reggae, “Freedom Cry” is a testament to Sizzla’s lyrical prowess and artistic depth. The album’s entirety is a reflection of the artist’s introspective pen, with each track bearing the imprint of Sizzla’s distinctive voice and creative vision.
Released during a critical juncture in Sizzla’s career, “Freedom Cry” solidified his position as a trailblazer in the reggae genre. It not only showcases his ability to craft meaningful, socially conscious songs but also underscores his commitment to using music as a powerful tool for cultural commentary.
As the world embraced “Freedom Cry,” Sizzla’s influence expanded, leaving an indelible mark on the global reggae landscape. This album remains a timeless masterpiece, a testament to the enduring impact of Sizzla’s artistic genius in the realm of reggae music.
Good Ways – Sizzla
Another noteworthy release from Sizzla in came December 21, 1998, “Good Ways” produced by Bobby Digital. The album contained some of Sizzla’s career defining songs such as the title track, Anytime Now and Can’t Cool Can’t Quench.
Life Won’t Wait – Rancid
Rancid’s “Life Won’t Wait” is a punk rock album with reggae influences. Released on June 30 1998.
“Life Won’t Wait” is their fourth studio album released by Epitaph Records. Following the success of their preceding work, “…And Out Come the Wolves” (1995), Rancid swiftly ventured into the studio around early 1997, immediately after concluding their tour for that album.
They recording in the US, spanning from San Francisco to Los Angeles, New York City, and New Orleans, and in Jamaica. Two tracks, namely “Hoover Street” and the titular “Life Won’t Wait,” were recorded in Kingston at Penthouse Studios and even scored a Rock- Reggae collaboration with Jamaican reggae artists, including Bucanneer and the likes of Buju Banton on the track “No More Misty Days” which made Buju’s Unchained Spirit album released in 2000.
A Day In The Life – Beres Hammond
With songs like “Its Not Official Yet” and “Pull Up The Vibes” with Buju Banton, Beres Hammond’s “A Day In The Life” is among his best body of work. The album released on October 27, 1998 is the consummate Beres album with soulful vocals and smooth melodies.
Mystic Love – Los Pericos
“Mystic Love” stands as the Argentine latin reggae band Los Pericos’ seventh studio album, released in 1998, marking a pivotal shift in the band’s musical trajectory. The album unfolds in two distinctive parts: the first showcasing timeless Pericos classics such as “Sin Cadenas,” “Pupilas Lejanas,” “Monkey Man,” and “La Hiena,” while the second ventures into experimental territory with tracks like “Islandia,” “Rata China,” and “Mónaco GP.”
One Calling – Morgan Heritage
“One Calling” was the third studio album by Jamaican reggae group Morgan Heritage.
Journey – Garnett Silk
Garnett Silk’s “Journey” is a compilation reggae album that released four years after his death by VP Records. The album starts with the new story of Garnett’s death which explains that he died hugging his mother then segues into the track “Mama.”
Winner – Richie Stephens
“Winner” is Ritchie Stephen’s ninth studio album released by Greensleeves Records on May 18, 1998. The 17 track set features Bounty Killer, General Degree, Chrissy D. Producers on the project include Donovan Germain, Frenchie, Danny Brownie. It is Stephen’s last dancehall album
Showcase – Rhythm & Sound
“Showcase” by Rhythm & Sound is a dub techno album that explores the intersection of reggae and electronic music. The album represents a unique fusion of traditional reggae elements with contemporary production techniques.
Quanto Mais Curtido Melhor – Cidade Negra
“Quanto Mais Curtido Melhor” is the fifth studio album by Brazilian reggae band Cidade Negra. The album incorporates elements of rock and pop interpretations to reggae funk music.
Cidade Negra, meaning “Black City” in Portuguese, emerged onto the Brazilian music scene in 1986, hailing from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The turning point for Cidade Negra came in 1991 with the release of their album “Lute pra Viver” (Fight to Live), featuring the radio hit “Falar a Verdade.” Ras Bernardo served as the band’s initial vocalist.
Toni Garrido, formerly the vocalist of Banda Bel, joined Cidade Negra in 1993 after their second album. Originating from Baixada Fluminense, the band gained widespread recognition through the inclusion of their hits in soap operas, including the 1995 Rede Globo broadcast of the revamped “Irmãos Coragem.”
In Search of the Lost Riddim – Ernest Ranglin
“In Search of the Lost Riddim” by Ernest Ranglin is an instrumental reggae album that highlights Ranglin’s skill as a guitarist. The album explores various reggae rhythms and showcases Ranglin’s musical versatility.
It was one of Chris Blackwell’s first releases under his Palm Pictures label, after Blackwell signed Ranglin to Island Records in the 1950s. Many if the tracks were recorded in Dakar, Senegal, alongside members of Maal’s band who Ranglin toured with in the US.
