Unity Is Power

A remarkable effort from one of reggae’s unsung heroes, Joe Higgs’ 1979 effort Unity Is Power is an earnest, soulful release that's easily the equal of landmark roots efforts by more heralded artists like Burning Spear, Junior Murvin, and The Wailers. During the ‘60s, when ska and rocksteady were in full flower, Higgs played a vital but underappreciated role in the development of reggae. He was a mentor and songwriter for Toots Hibbert of Toots & The Maytals and even gave vocal and guitar lessons to a young Bob Marley. His first proper solo album, 1975’s Life of Contradiction, was a powerful effort that showcased his seasoned songwriting and impassioned vocals. But it received little in the way of international promotion, and it was years before Higgs was able to record its follow-up, Unity Is Power. A more restrained but no less accomplished album than its predecessor, Unity Is Power benefited from the contribution of top Jamaican session men. They give the album lush, horn-heavy accompaniment that evokes the classic studio sound of American soul auteurs like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield.