This Is Desmond Dekkar
Desmond Dekker · 1969
79 min · 31 tracks · reggae
A vibrant blend of upbeat rhythms and socially conscious lyrics that defined Jamaica's early reggae scene.
This Is Desmond Dekkar is an album by Desmond Dekker, released in 1969. A vibrant blend of upbeat rhythms and socially conscious lyrics that defined Jamaica's early reggae scene. The album is significant for introducing reggae to international audiences, with '007 (Shanty Town)' becoming one of the genre's first hits to chart in the UK. Its crossover success helped pave the way for future reggae artists and established Dekkar as a key figure in the development of reggae music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does This Is Desmond Dekkar sound like?
A vibrant blend of upbeat rhythms and socially conscious lyrics that defined Jamaica's early reggae scene. Rooted in reggae.
What makes This Is Desmond Dekkar by Desmond Dekker notable?
The album is significant for introducing reggae to international audiences, with '007 (Shanty Town)' becoming one of the genre's first hits to chart in the UK. Its crossover success helped pave the way for future reggae artists and established Dekkar as a key figure in the development of reggae music. This Is Desmond Dekkar, released in 1969, was the artist's debut album in the UK after his success in Jamaica. At this point, Dekkar was already gaining recognition through hits like '007 (Shanty Town)', setting the stage for his influence on reggae music globally.
How many songs are on This Is Desmond Dekkar?
This Is Desmond Dekkar has 31 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 007 (Shanty Town) Standout 2:32
- 2 Sabotage 2:43
- 3 Shing-A-Ling 2:15
- 4 Hey Grandma 2:45
- 5 Beautiful And Dangerous 2:46
- 6 Wise Man 2:10
- 7 Intensified '68 (aka Music Like Dirt) 2:42
- 8 Rudy Got Soul 2:44
- 9 Unity 2:20
- 10 Mother Pepper 2:18
- 11 It Pays 2:58
- 12 Mother's Young Gal 2:55
- 13 It's a Shame 2:22
- 14 Rude Boy Train 2:15
- 15 Sweet Music 2:30
- 16 Pretty Africa 2:29
- 17 You've Got Your Troubles 3:12
- 18 Keep a Cool Head 2:00
- 19 Personal Possession 2:55
- 20 Mother Long Tongue 2:08
- 21 Young Generation 2:08
- 22 Hanging Tree 2:59
- 23 Bongo Gal 2:29
- 24 Fu Manchu 3:16
- 25 Don't Blame Me 2:23
- 26 Coconut Water 3:25
- 27 Ah It Mek 2:21
- 28 Writing on the Wall 2:15
- 29 Nincompoop 2:10
- 30 It Is Not Easy Standout 2:10
- 31 (Poor Mi) Israelites Standout 2:34
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