The Harder They Come [Remaster]

Performer: Original Soundtrack/Jimmy Cliff
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: The 2003 Deluxe Edition of THE HARDER THEY COME includes a bonus CD of early reggae tracks recorded between 1968 & 1972, rare photos and original artwork. Producers: Jimmy Cliff, Derrick Harriot, Leslie Kong, Byron Lee. Originally released on Mango SMSAS (7400). Includes liner notes by David Katz. Producers: Jimmy Cliff, Derrick Harriot, Leslie Kong, Byron Lee, Guilly Bright. In 1973, when the movie The Harder They Come was released, reggae was not on the radar screen of American pop culture. The soundtrack went a ways toward changing that situation. It is a collection of consistently excellent early reggae songs by artists who went on to thrive with reggae's increased popularity, and others for whom this is the most well-known vehicle. Jimmy Cliff is both the star of the movie and the headliner on the soundtrack. He contributes three excellent songs: the hymnal "Many Rivers to Cross," "You Can Get It If You Really Want," and "The Harder They Come" (the latter two are repeated at the end of the album, but you probably wanted to hear them again anyway). Interestingly, the better production values of his songs actually seems to detract from them when compared to the rougher, but less sanitized, mixes of the other tracks. All the songs on this collection are excellent, but some truly stand out. Toots & the Maytals deliver two high-energy songs with "Sweet and Dandy" and "Pressure Drop" (covered by the Clash among others). Scotty develops a mellow, loping groove on "Stop That Train" (not the same as the Wailers' song by the same name) and the Slickers prove on "Johnny Too Bad" that you don't have to spout profanity or graphic violence to convey danger. The Harder They Come is strongly recommended both for the casual listener interested in getting a sense of reggae music and the more serious enthusiast. Collections don't come much better than this. ~ Toby Ball A classic reggae video, it's basically a day in the life of Jimmy Cliff. The music is one of the most essential reggae soundtracks and a one-of-a-kind video experience. ~ All Music Guide The soundtrack to the groundbreaking film about Jamaican subcultures, this superb selection is also a synthesis of late 60s and early 70s reggae. Recordings by Jimmy Cliff, the movie's star, form the album's core and his contributions, notably 'Many Rivers To Cross', show his understated power to great effect. An important figure in the development of reggae, Cliff at last secured deserved acclaim with this collection. His work is ably supported by 'Pressure Drop', one of the finest songs the Maytals ever recorded, while the Melodians and Slickers prove equally strong. The latter's 'Johnny Too Bad' perfectly encapsulates the film's plot, one that helped launch reggae into the international arena. The soundtrack to the groundbreaking film about Jamaican subcultures, this superb selection is also a synthesis of late '60s and early '70s reggae. Recordings by Jimmy Cliff, the movie's star, form the album's core, and his contributions, notably "Many Rivers To Cross," show his understated power to great effect. An important figure in the development of reggae, Cliff at last secured deserved acclaim with this collection. His work is ably supported by "Pressure Drop," one of the finest songs the Maytals ever recorded, while the Melodians and Slickers prove equally strong. The latter's "Johnny Too Bad" perfectly encapsulates the film's plot, one that helped launch reggae into the international arena.

Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.124) - Ranked #119 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time" - "'Many Rivers To Cross' is one of the finest songs to come from the island..." Rolling Stone (8/7/03, p.77) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...THE HARDER THEY COME only sounds more alive thirty years after its original appearance..." Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.124) - Ranked #119 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time" - "'Many Rivers To Cross' is one of the finest songs to come from the island..." Entertainment Weekly (10/12/01, p.29) - Ranked #12 in EW's "100 Best Movie Soundtracks" - "...A vital compilation...Heartfelt and urgent..." Q (10/01, p.144) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...The songs have aged better than the film, with many of Cliff's contributions remaining bona fide standards..." Down Beat (1/02, p.46) - Included in Downbeat's "Best CDs of 2001". Down Beat (12/01, p.88) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...Vastly enjoyable..." Mojo (Publisher) (p.134) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[F]rom early '60s ska gems like 'One-Eyed Jacks' to the justly celebrated self-titled debut album....A fine collection from an unsung giant." Mojo (Publisher) (6/02, p.66) - Included in Mojo's "100 Coolest Movie Soundtracks".

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