Harder Than The Best (1979)

"After gaining exposure with producer Clement Dodd between 1969-75, Burning Spear (aka Winston Rodney) and singing partners Rupert Willington and Delroy Hinds cut a handful of stunning albums for Island over the next three years. The first two releases, "Garvey's Ghost" and "Man In The Hills", were produced by Jack Ruby and introduced audiences to the trio's stark mix of rasta/social themes, chant-like vocalizing, and sophisticated take on the islands' raw nyabinghi drumming tradition. The next two studio albums, "Dry And Heavy" and "Social Living", were produced by Rodney and maintained the group's cultural stance while also sporting a slicker sound, thanks in part to some jazz-tinged horn arrangements. This roundup includes highlights from these releases, plus one track from the dub version of the Marcus Garvey LP, "Garvey's Ghost." Featuring such Jamaican studio luminaries as the Barrett Brothers, Sly and Robbie, and Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, this qualifies as a solid introduction." (S. Cook, Allmusic)