Barrington Levy

How do you describe Barrington Levy in one word? Mythical! If you’re a fan of reggae music, then the name is no doubt familiar. Barrington Levy has been hailed as one of the most influential artists to come from the Jamaican music scene and it isn’t hard to see why - but here at The Daily Beat we don’t want to just champion him blindly. We can still appreciate his contribution without giving him an undeserved free pass! So let us have a bit of fun by taking a wry look at some of our criticisms surrounding this man many deem reggae royalty.

When it comes to Jamaican reggae music, there are a few names that immediately spring to mind: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, just to name a few. But for all those who know their reggae, there is one name that stands out above them all - Barrington Levy. Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1964, Barrington Levy is a well-known reggae musician with a career spanning over four decades. He has been credited with revolutionizing reggae music and his unique sound has won him fans across the world. But as much as we all adore him, here at The Daily Beat, we believe in calling a spade a spade. So, with humor and a critical eye, let's take a wry look at some of our criticisms of this man many deem reggae royalty.

1. Too patchy, not consistent

One of the biggest criticisms that we have of Barrington Levy is his inconsistency when it comes to recording music. While he has produced some of the most iconic songs in reggae history, there are also long periods of time when he produces very little or no new music. His tendency to disappear from the scene for years at a time has left many of his fans feeling frustrated and impatient.

2. Too commercialized, missing authenticity

Another criticism levied against Levy is that his music has become too commercialized, lacking the authenticity that is so essential to reggae music. As much as we all love a hit song, the problem with commercialization is that it tends to dilute the very essence of what makes music great. The critical eye argues that despite his undeniable talent, an over-reliance on formulaic pop hits in recent years has unfortunately contributed to the half-heartedness of some of his recent releases.

3. Superficial lyrics

Levy has been hailed as a lyrical genius by some - with songs like Black Roses and Here I Come being considered some of the best reggae songs of all time. However, increasingly there's a sense that some of Levy's lyrics are starting to feel a bit hollow. His penchant for catchy phrases and rhymes is starting to feel more superficial and imitative than inspired. But perhaps that's just the nature of the modern music industry.

4. Too selective in performing

4. Too selective in performing

Barrington Levy has always been selective about where he performs, and this has been the source of frustration for many fans across the world. Often, Levy will only agree to perform at large festivals or high profile gigs, which means that fans in more remote areas miss out on the opportunity to see him perform live. There's no doubt that the musician deserves his share of breaks, but this behavior might alienate some of his dedicated fans, the critical eye argues.

5. A certain amount of arrogance?

Finally, there are some that argue that Levy has developed a bit of an ego over the years. While this is, to some extent, common with people in the entertainment industry, some feel that Barrington Levy could do with taking a step back and remembering those who helped him get where he is today. There's a shortcoming in the sense of humility that one expects from musical icons like Bob Marley, who never forgot his roots and always paid homage to his fellow Jamaicans.



In conclusion, even though Barrington Levy remains a much-loved musician (mythical, even), it’s worth taking a critical look at the artist from time to time. While he has been credited with revolutionizing reggae and having an incredible talent, there are still a few shortcomings that should not be ignored. Regardless of his flaws or strengths, we continue to love and appreciate the music of Barrington Levy and the immense contribution he has made to Jamaican music.

Some artists are born to perform on stage, and it's safe to say that Barrington Levy was one of them. His distinctive voice and unique style have made him one of the most prominent figures in reggae music. Born in Jamaica in 1964, he began his musical career at a young age, and it wasn't long before he became a sensation. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the life of Barrington Levy, his musical beginnings, and his most famous albums and songs.

Barrington Levy's musical career started early when he was just 14 years old. He recorded his first song My Black Girl with a local record producer. This success led to the recording of his debut album, Bounty Hunter, which quickly became a hit. This album presented a new style of reggae, which combined traditional roots reggae with dancehall and hip-hop sounds. This genre was later known as ragga and became popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

One of his most celebrated albums is Here I Come, released in 1985. This album showcased the distinctive voice of Barrington Levy and his unique style and songwriting ability. The title track, Here I Come, was an international hit and received critical acclaim. This album was a big deal, and it cemented his status as one of the most remarkable singers and songwriters in reggae music.

Another famous album was Prison Oval Rock, released in 1984. This album was a cultural triumph because it addressed social issues concerning the Jamaican community, such as political corruption and poverty. Barrington Levy's passionate vocals and insightful lyrics made the album a must-listen for reggae lovers worldwide.

Some of his most famous songs include Murderer, Under Mi Sensi, and Black Roses. These songs remain popular today and are considered classics in the reggae world. Murderer was a hit song from his album Divine, released in 1991 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Under Mi Sensi was a collaboration between Barrington Levy and legendary reggae producer Jah Screw, and Black Roses was a collaboration with the Jamaican dancehall musician Shabba Ranks.

Barrington Levy's style is rooted in traditional reggae, ska, soul, and the sound of Motown, amongst other genres. His unique voice and delivery set him apart from other reggae artists. His lyrics addressed social issues and his life experiences, such as love, dance, and cultural issues. Barrington Levy has been a major influence on other famous artists such as Shaggy, Damian Marley, and Sean Paul.

In summary, Barrington Levy's contribution to reggae music is significant. His unique style and sound have made him one of the most prominent figures in the reggae world. His story is a testament to how passion, talent, and hard work can bring success. From his early beginnings recording his first song at just 14 years old to becoming an icon in the industry, Barrington Levy has left an indelible mark in music history. His music will continue to inspire generations to come, and his legacy will live on.