Albums
dreader dread 1976-1978 - johnny clarke

Johnny Clarke - Dreader Dread 1976-1978 (2 LP)

Name: Johnny Clarke - Dreader Dread 1976-1978 (2 LP)
Brand: Johnny Clarke
SKU: 7l5pH6vvgDdChVDIHWPtdj
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

Johnny Clarke

LP
2 piece(s)
2015
13 tracks
56 min
roots reggae

Dreader Dread 1976-1978

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Product description

Johnny Clarke, a legendary figure in the reggae scene, presents "Dreader Dread 1976-1978," a compelling collection of tracks that encapsulate the essence of roots reggae, dub, and rocksteady. Released on October 20, 2015, under Gorgon Records, this album is a testament to Clarke's enduring influence and musical prowess. Spanning a concise yet impactful 56 minutes, the album features 13 tracks that delve into themes of resilience, unity, and spiritual awakening.

From the assertive opening track "Top Ranking (I'm the Toughest)" to the reflective closer "Time Will Tell," Johnny Clarke's distinctive vocals and profound lyrics guide the listener through a journey of cultural and personal introspection. Standout tracks like "In the Roots of the Ghetto" and "African Roots" highlight Clarke's ability to blend social commentary with soulful melodies, while "Love up Your Brothers and Sisters (Extended)" and "African People" showcase his knack for creating uplifting, anthemic tunes.

The album's genre diversity is evident in tracks like "Fire and Brimstone a Go Burn the Wicked," which combines reggae's rhythmic foundation with elements of rocksteady, and "Roots Natty," a dub-infused piece that underscores Clarke's versatility. Whether you're a long-time fan of Johnny Clarke or a newcomer to his music, "Dreader Dread 1976-1978" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the timeless appeal of reggae and its subgenres.

This 2002 Limited Edition Reissue 2LP set is pressed on 180g vinyl.

Tracks

Top Ranking (I'm the Toughest)Johnny Clarke
3:29
In the Roots of the GhettoJohnny Clarke
3:16
Live up Jah ManJohnny Clarke
2:59
Love up Your Brothers and Sisters (Extended)Johnny Clarke
4:32
African PeopleJohnny Clarke
3:13
Dread a DeadJohnny Clarke
3:08
Fire and Brimstone a Go Burn the WickedJohnny Clarke
4:13
African RootsJohnny Clarke
6:12
Roots NattyJohnny Clarke
3:11
Every Knee Shall BowJohnny Clarke
7:52
Play Fool Fe Get WiseJohnny Clarke
7:13
Age Is GrowingJohnny Clarke
3:23
Time Will TellJohnny Clarke
3:26

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Product specifications

Details

Album: Dreader Dread 1976-1978
Artist: Johnny Clarke
LP release year: 2002
Album release date: October 20, 2015
Label: Simply Vinyl
EAN: 643346036915
Available: No

Product information

Format: LP
Quantity: 2 piece(s)
Type: Reissue
Mono or stereo: Stereo
Duration: 56 min
Tracks: 13 tracks
Weight: 180g

EAN

EAN: 643346036915

Other

Limited Edition: Yes
Country: UK
Genre: Roots reggae
Box set: No
Remastered: No
Reissue: Yes

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Reviews

5.0

Average of 5 reviews

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Johnny Clarke's Roots Reggae
5 out of 5 stars
soqthuccajJuly 14, 2025United States🇺🇸
For fans of Roots Reggae that's brimming with soul, funk, and a rocking edge, Johnny Clarke's incredible compilation is a must-have. This album features tracks from the late 70s, the golden age of Roots Reggae, with most produced by Bunny Lee and masterfully mixed by the iconic King Tubby. There are even some fantastic extended Disco remixes where Tubby truly shines. Johnny Clarke is an outstanding singer, and his vocal tracks are among the finest Jamaican Rastafarian dubplates you'll find. This compilation highlights a phenomenal reggae vocalist at the height of his career.
Johnny Clarke's Reggae Mastery
5 out of 5 stars
gixtzuslukMay 24, 2025United States🇺🇸
For fans of Roots Reggae that's brimming with soul, funk, and a rockin' edge, Johnny Clarke and this incredible compilation are a must-have. The tracks on this album hail from the latter part of the 70s, the golden age of Roots Reggae, with most of them crafted by Bunny Lee and masterfully mixed by the iconic King Tubby. In fact, there are some phenomenal extended Disco remixes where Tubby truly shines. Johnny Clarke is an outstanding singer, and his vocal tracks rank among the finest Jamaican Rastafarian dubplates out there. This compilation highlights a phenomenal reggae artist at the height of his career.
Top Roots Reggae Album
5 out of 5 stars
tifj5849May 3, 2024United States🇺🇸
Absolutely one of the top roots reggae albums out there! This album's 'perfect', it's got 3 extended bangers, each track's a huge piece of reegae history!
Johnny Clarke's Reggae Mastery
5 out of 5 stars
desxdolxirFebruary 18, 2024United States🇺🇸
For fans of Roots Reggae that's filled with soul, funk, and a rocking edge, Johnny Clarke's incredible compilation is a must-have. Packed with tracks from the late 70s—the golden age of Roots Reggae—most of these gems were produced by Bunny Lee and masterfully mixed by the iconic King Tubby. In fact, there are some killer extended Disco remixes where Tubby truly shines. Johnny Clarke's vocals are out of this world, and his tracks are some of the finest Jamaican Rastafarian dubplates you'll ever hear. This compilation highlights a reggae legend at the height of his talent.
Reggae Heritage Perfected
5 out of 5 stars
sopp9066January 26, 2024United States🇺🇸
Absolutely one of the top roots reggae albums out there! This album is 'perfect', featuring 3 extended amazing tracks, each one a huge piece of reggae heritage!