Slummin’ is a deeply expressive 1981 recording from Alton Ellis, Jamaica’s “Godfather of Rocksteady,” showcasing his ability to evolve with the times while staying true to his soulful roots. Pressed in Canada by Clocktower Records, this rare LP captures the singer’s refined blend of lovers rock warmth and roots reggae conviction.
With a career that began in ska and defined rocksteady, Alton Ellis brought unmatched emotional depth to reggae. On Slummin’, he turns his signature vocal style toward themes of love, struggle, and urban hardship, delivering lyrics that reflect the social realities of Kingston’s inner cities. The album’s title alone hints at the socio-economic commentary layered into the grooves—a nod to the “sufferer’s” perspective central to roots and culture reggae.
Recommended For:
Collectors of vintage reggae, fans of Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs, sound system DJs seeking mellow-yet-conscious vocal tracks, and listeners exploring the emotional depth of early 1980s Jamaican music.
