# Rise In The Strength Of Jah / Minstrel Chant Review
This 1981 release on the Rockers label represents a notable collaboration between three significant figures in reggae music during the roots era. Norris Reid and Augustus Pablo were both respected artists within Jamaica's vibrant reggae scene, each bringing their own distinct approach to the music's spiritual and cultural dimensions. The involvement of Rockers All Stars, the studio ensemble behind much of the label's output, demonstrates the collaborative spirit that defined reggae production during this period.
The album consists of two primary tracks with their respective dub versions, a format that was standard practice in reggae releases of the era. "Rise In The Strength Of Jah" serves as the A-side, showcasing the spiritual consciousness that characterized roots reggae of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The track emphasizes themes of faith and cultural pride, delivered with the steady, grounding rhythms that define the genre. The accompanying dub version strips back the vocal elements, allowing the Rockers All Stars' instrumental arrangement to take prominence and create the hypnotic, bass-heavy sonic space that dub reggae aficionados valued.
On the flip side, "Minstrel Chant" offers another exploration of reggae's lyrical traditions, complemented by its own dub interpretation. Together, these tracks exemplify the production approach of the Rockers label during the early 1980s, when dub versions were considered essential components of any serious reggae release. This 12-inch single remains an important artifact of Kingston's roots reggae output from this decade.
