Description
Jimmy Cliff In The Harder They Come – Original Soundtrack Recording – Vinyl Record
180 gram vinyl
Gatefold Jacket
Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come (Original Soundtrack Recording), released in 1972, is far more than just a soundtrack—it’s one of the most foundational and globally influential reggae albums of all time. Serving as the musical companion to the groundbreaking Jamaican film The Harder They Come, the album played a crucial role in introducing reggae to international audiences, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, where the genre was still largely underground. It also launched Jimmy Cliff into global stardom and highlighted the rich cultural, political, and spiritual roots of Jamaican music in a way that resonated far beyond its borders.
Though Jimmy Cliff headlines the album and starred in the film (portraying the tragic outlaw Ivanhoe Martin), the soundtrack functions more like a reggae anthology, featuring a mix of his tracks and songs by other key artists of the era. It pulls together some of the best work from the rocksteady-to-reggae transition period of the late 1960s and early ’70s.
Key Tracks:
“The Harder They Come” – Jimmy Cliff
The anthem of the film and of resistance, this track blends gospel-tinged vocals, sharp social commentary, and a defiant spirit. It remains one of the most iconic reggae songs ever recorded—an empowering statement against oppression that’s both catchy and powerful.
“You Can Get It If You Really Want” – Jimmy Cliff
A soulful, motivational song about perseverance and belief, it showcases Cliff’s ability to fuse pop accessibility with conscious lyrics.
“Many Rivers to Cross” – Jimmy Cliff
A haunting ballad that blends gospel, soul, and reggae influences. It’s one of Cliff’s most emotionally resonant songs and has been widely covered. The song’s universal message of struggle and spiritual searching gives it a timeless, transcendent quality.
“Pressure Drop” – Toots & The Maytals
A roots reggae classic with a joyful rhythm and heavy message, this song became internationally famous thanks to the soundtrack. Toots Hibbert’s voice bursts with soul, and the song’s theme of karma and justice resonates with the film’s underdog narrative.
“Sweet and Dandy” – Toots & The Maytals
Lighthearted and full of Jamaican cultural flavor, this track adds levity and energy to the mix.
“Johnny Too Bad” – The Slickers
A haunting portrayal of the “rude boy” lifestyle, this track plays like a gritty street ballad—perfectly aligned with the film’s story of crime, desperation, and rebellion.
“007 (Shanty Town)” – Desmond Dekker
One of the earliest international ska hits, included here to represent the rude boy roots of reggae’s evolution.
“Rivers of Babylon” – The Melodians
Based on Biblical psalms and steeped in Rastafarian spirituality, this song brings a contemplative and devotional tone to the album.
The genius of this soundtrack lies in its cohesion through mood and message, even though it compiles tracks from multiple artists and recording sessions. The themes of struggle, injustice, survival, resistance, and hope run throughout, paralleling the film’s narrative and capturing the spirit of early ‘70s Jamaica—a nation wrestling with poverty, political unrest, and the rise of youth counterculture.
When the film premiered and the album followed, it ignited global interest in reggae, paving the way for artists like Bob Marley & The Wailers, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear to reach international ears. Without The Harder They Come, reggae might not have become the worldwide cultural force it is today.
The Harder They Come is not just a soundtrack—it’s a cultural landmark, a musical revolution, and an essential listen for anyone exploring the roots of reggae. Through its raw storytelling, spiritual depth, and infectious rhythms, it helped change how the world heard Jamaican music—forever.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Jimmy Cliff – You Can Get It If You Really Want
Scotty – Draw Your Brakes
The Melodians – Rivers Of Babylon
Jimmy Cliff – Many Rivers To Cross
The Maytals – Sweet And Dandy
Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come
The Slickers – Johnny Too Bad
Desmond Dekker – Shanty Town
The Maytals – Pressure Drop
Jimmy Cliff – Sitting In Limbo
Jimmy Cliff – You Can Get It If You Really Want
Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come
