The previous decade saw the shift from Mento to the rise of Ska, the slowdown morphing into Rocksteady and eventual transition to something slower with a heavier groove, lower bass, and a new voice - one that communicated the news lyrically of what was transpiring within Kingston and surrounding areas - Roots Reggae.

The late '60s gave us rocksteady, smoother, soulful, love-driven tunes with slower rhythms and tight harmonies. But by 1971, Jamaica was changing. The people were speaking out about politics, poverty, Rastafari, repatriation, and resistance. And the music began to echo that shift.

Roots reggae emerged as a soundtrack to consciousness. The drums got heavier. The basslines got deeper. The lyrics started telling the truth about ghetto life, oppression, and spiritual awakening.

Count Ossie & The Mystic Revelations - Rasta Reggae

David Isaacs - Knock Three Times

Augustus Pablo & Bongo Herman - Java Passion

Winston Wright & The Impact All Stars - Woodpecker

Delroy Wilson - Better Must Come

The Wailers - Sun Is Shining

Lloyd Charmers - Reggae In Wonderland

Bruce Ruffin - Rain

Max Romeo - Let The Power Fall

U-Roy - Everybody Bawling

The Stingers - Give Me Power

Prince Buster - Holly

Dave & Ansel Collins - Double Barrel

The Ethiopians - Everything Crash

Roy Shirley - Dance Reggae

Eric Donaldson - Cherry Oh Baby

Burning Spear - This Population

The Abyssinians - Poor Jason Whyte