Johnny Nash:

I Can See Clearly Now:(1972)

Yes, this album contained a massive hit song. You're probably already playing it in your head just reading the title. This is a good album lead by Nash's smooth voice into the music the Fabulous Five Inc. are laying down. 

Bob Marley:

Burnin':(1973)

LIVE!:(1975)

If you are remotely into music, then I assume you know what Bob Marley's music sounds like. Such an iconic figure that his image has been co-opted into the mainstream. A powerful man, who understood his power. A powerful man who understood his power, and had the ability to focus it into well crafted catchy songs. It is impossible to separate the politics from the music from the man. At least for me. I mean, on Burnin's A side alone you've got; Get Up Stand Up, I Shot The Sheriff, and Burnin' and Lootin'. These are songs of revolution. Revolution in the streets, and in the mind, and in the heart. Like the great Dr. King said, 'If you can't do it with love in your heart, then you have no right to do it at all.' It would seem to me that Marley understood this implicitly. These are records to turn to to feel there's at least a little light left in the world.

Desmond Dekker:

Black And Dekker:(1980)

By the time of this 1980 release, Dekker had signed to Stiff records which was enjoying a resurgence of Ska with a punk edge. So for this album Dekker teamed up with The Rumour, and members of what would become Fine Young Cannibals to produce a more modern sounding album. The result is a fun danceable record with a taste of post punk thrown in. Now most of the songs on this album Dekker had already recorded, and had success with, but it's worth hearing Israelites or Please Don't Bend. After that you'll know exactly how this album sounds.

Jimmy Cliff:

The Harder They Come:(1972)

While not entirely made up of Jimmy Cliff tracks, this is still a killer Jimmy Cliff record. In fact, this iconic album played a huge roll in popularizing Reggae music. I'm sure you're probably already familiar with this record's magic.

In Concert:(1976)

You just can't beat the amazing soaring vocals of the ever ebullient Jimmy Cliff, the man is amazing, and live performance is where he truly comes alive. I saw him recently, and he still sounds as good as he does on this 1976 live recording. You can't feel blue with Jimmy Cliff's music playing, especially when Many Rivers To Cross hits.

I Am The Living:(1980)

A few late 70's early 80's production techniques start creeping in on this one, but Cliff transcends better than most artist of this time. He's always had the ability to not just be Reggae, but Soul and R&B as well. I love this guy.