#344 Toots and the Maytals, 'Funky Kingston' (1972)

Previously #380

It’s taken 156 albums, but we finally have the first entry of a Reggae record and it’s by the recently departed Toots Hibbert and his Maytals. This is incredibly fitting as this is the group that gave the genre its name thanks to their 1968 single, ‘Do The Reggay.’

The album deals with the hard life of the working class in Jamaica, essentially a new country having received independence from the UK 10 years before. During this time there was major class inequality but in 1972 there were changes for the better; higher minimum wage, land reform, women’s equality, greater housing construction and an increase in education. Despite everything going on, the attitude on this record reflects that of the Jamaican people – the celebration of life despite the hardships. Toots and the Maytals have been called the greatest act to come out of Jamaica after Bob Marley. The title track is one of the greatest Reggae songs you’ll ever hear. So joyous, so funky. “Music is what I've got baby/I want you to come on and shake it.” The album also features covers of ‘Louie, Louie’ (coincidentally, this song was a major influence in #345, Bruce Springsteen) and a unique version of  John Denver’s ‘Country Road,’ with “West Virginia” being changed to “West Jamaica.” ‘Pressure Drop’ was later covered by The Clash and The Specials, which truly illustrates the influence of Reggae on punk music.

#rs500albums