Max Romeu War Ina Babylon is simply one of reggae’s finest moments. Along with The Heptones Party Time and Junior Murvin’s Police And Thieves, this album can be seen as part of a Black Ark “holy trinity”.

This album is perhaps the strongest of the three, with passionate vocals, powerful songwriting, and Lee Scratch Perry expert hand at the mixing board. Max and Scratch shared a common vision when it came to music, and you can certainly hear that in every groove of this album. The Upsetters put a fine gloss on Max’s diamond. Highlights include the moving “Uptown Babies Don’t Cry”, the militant “Chase The Devil”, and the film noir reggae of “Norman”.

Complete with rootsy scratch style guitar and the musicality of the Jamaican patois, this record is a classic example of what reggae used to be at its best. Essential listening.