Roots Archives Forum

My other post about styles seem to get lots of answers about Ska vs Rocksteady. But other styles were not dealt with.

so...

Define Roots style (only in this thread please)

Thanks!

Roots is usually defined regarding the content of the lyrics. It designates any reggae song that deals with cultural/conscious/spiritual lyrics. That's why some talk of modern roots and stuff like that.
For me it is not only the content of the lyrics but also the sound which must be genuine, not over mixed, close to what we had in the seventies or to its spirit.
But some songs can gather those 2 elements and still not be real roots in my opinion if the music does not come from the roots of their soul.
This would be my third and crucial element to define roots: music and lyrics that are inspired by more than a thinking mind, but by a living soul. Which makes reggae a religious music for me.

Bless

I would say, musically, roots is the style when reggae lost the soul influence a bit and started getting a more mystical, "deep" vibe.

i would agree with benjamin and well charge. all these things make a good roots sound, gotta come from within to get that vibes.

ites

ital kemar

So then some artists that epitomise roots would be:


Culture

Burning Spear

Bob Marley and the Wailers


Agreed?

yes leggo. most definitely.

ites

ital kemar

i'd say yabby you, ijahman or israel vibration rather than culture for the mystical vibe

benjamin

www.myspace.com/wareikahills

I'd add Wailing Souls, Black Uhuru, and Earl Zero to the list.

I would add Prince Fari too.... as producer & DJ... and Pablo's vocals productions...

"So then some artists that epitomise roots would be: Culture, Burning Spear, Bob Marley and the Wailers....Agreed?"

Burning Spear most definitely, but I'd replace Culture and the Wailers with Lee Perry and Yabby U when I think about who 'epitomises' the Roots sound.