Two Sevens Clash

Released

There are lots of albums that could vie for the title Dreadest Reggae Album of All Time: the Congos’ Heart of the Congos would be an obvious contender, as would Prince Far I’s Voice of Thunder and Bunny Wailer’s Blackheart Man. But for sheer seriousness of intent, bone-deep fear of God, and stern prophetic imprecation, it’s tough to imagine any release beating out Two Sevens Clash by Culture. The title song invokes a Rastafarian belief that the year 1977 would usher in the apocalypse foretold in the Biblical book of Revelation; other songs with titles like “Natty Dread Taking Over,” “Calling Rastafarai,” and “I’m Not Ashamed” convey the band’s twin messages of defiance and warning with equal power. This is one of the best roots reggae albums ever made.

Rick Anderson