Eternal Rhythm: Max Romeo & The Upsetters - War Ina Babylon
Released in 1976 on Island Records, War Ina Babylon is widely regarded as one of the greatest roots reggae albums ever recorded — a landmark that distilled the political unrest and social struggles of 1970s Jamaica into a set of songs that were both immediate and enduring. For Max Romeo, it marked a career-defining moment. Having built his name on risqué “rude” records, he had begun writing with sharper social focus, and in Lee “Scratch” Perry found the ideal partner to bring this vision to life.
Perry’s Black Ark studio was in full creative bloom. The dense, humid sound he conjured here - all rolling basslines, ghostly organs, clipped guitar, and layers of subtle percussion - is unmistakable. Instead of the stripped-down spaciousness of dub, Perry built a rich, saturated atmosphere, with each instrument suspended in a shimmering haze. Romeo’s voice sits right at the centre, clear and emotive, carrying stories of hardship, hope, and resilience.
The title track opens the album with a slow, deliberate sway, its rhythm steady but its lyrics urgent, speaking to the violent factionalism of the time. “Chase the Devil” may be the best known song - thanks in part to The Prodigy sampling it decades later - but its biblical imagery and playful defiance give it lasting weight. “Uptown Babies Don’t Cry” contrasts the privileges of the wealthy with the struggles of the poor, “One Step Forward” urges persistence against the odds, while “Norman” mixes satire with social critique.
What makes War Ina Babylon so enduring is its balance of grit and grace. The political messages never overshadow the sheer musical pleasure of the performances, and the production has a warmth that draws you in rather than pushing you away. Upon release, the record found an audience well beyond Jamaica’s shores, resonating with the UK punk movement that was beginning to take shape - proof that righteous music travels far.
Nearly 50 years on, it remains a cornerstone of reggae, an album where artist, producer, and historical moment locked together to create something timeless. War Ina Babylon doesn’t just document an era; it captures a spirit that still sounds alive every time the needle drops.