Album: Pure Ranking by Horace Andy (1979)
Genre: Reggae
Record Label: Cobraside/Abraham/Clock Tower
Format: Album

Description: Reggae singer Horace Andy’s distinct voice seems to be both at the edge of heartbreak and about to take flight, fraught and weightless all at once. His 1979 album <i>Pure Ranking</i> revels in this tension. The title track's cavernous congas give Andy’s voice plenty of space to soar, while the bittersweet “No Love in the City” finds him clenched at the social injustice surrounding him. Amid the political squalor depicted in “Modern Babylon”, Andy’s voice floats over it all like an angel.

Artist Background: Horace Andy (born Horace Hinds on 19 February 1951 is a Jamaican roots reggae songwriter and singer, known for his distinctive vocals and hit songs such as "Government Land", as well as "Angel" and "Five Man Army" with English trip hop duo Massive Attack. He is also famous for a cover version of "Ain't No Sunshine". Andy is often described as one of the most respected and influential singers in Jamaica. Emerged in the classic era. Associated with Reggae movement.

Music Scene: Emerged in the classic era. Associated with Reggae movement.

Tags: Reggae, 1970s, Album, Cobraside/Abraham/Clock Tower


Reggae singer Horace Andy’s distinct voice seems to be both at the edge of heartbreak and about to take flight, fraught and weightless all at once. His 1979 album <i>Pure Ranking</i> revels in this tension. The title track's cavernous congas give Andy’s voice plenty of space to soar, while the bittersweet “No Love in the City” finds him clenched at the social injustice surrounding him. Amid the political squalor depicted in “Modern Babylon”, Andy’s voice floats over it all like an angel.

Pure Ranking

Horace Andy

Track List

Buy Now

You May Also Like