10 Great Songs from The Harder They Come Soundtrack

‘The Harder They Come’ is a 1972 Jamaican crime film, starring Jimmy Cliff as Ivanhoe Martin, a young man who turns to a life of crime in Kingston after failing to make it as a musician. The film’s soundtrack, which features some of the greatest reggae songs of all time, became a massive success both in Jamaica and internationally, introducing many people to the vibrant and infectious sound of Jamaican music for the first time.

The soundtrack was produced by Jimmy Cliff himself, along with Leslie Kong, and features songs by some of Jamaica’s most renowned musicians, including Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker, and The Melodians. The album’s title track, “The Harder They Come,” performed by Cliff, became an instant classic and is often cited as one of the greatest reggae songs of all time. Other notable tracks from the album include “Many Rivers to Cross,” also performed by Cliff, which is a deeply emotional and soulful ballad about the struggles of life, and “Pressure Drop” by Toots and the Maytals, a high-energy ska-infused track that has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

The soundtrack as a whole showcases the breadth and depth of Jamaican music, from ska to rocksteady to reggae, and the enduring influence it has had on music around the world.

1. You Can Get It If You Really Want – Jimmy Cliff

“You Can Get It If You Really Want” by Jimmy Cliff is a reggae classic that was released in 1970. The song has a catchy, upbeat rhythm that encourages listeners to stay positive and keep trying. It is an anthem for anyone facing obstacles or challenges in life and a reminder that with persistence and determination, one can achieve their goals. The lyrics are simple but powerful, with Cliff’s smooth vocals urging listeners to “put your shoulder to the wheel” and “climb that hill.” The song’s message of hope and resilience has made it a popular choice for motivational and inspirational playlists.

2. Draw Your Brakes – Scotty

“Draw Your Brakes” by Scotty is another reggae hit from the early 1970s. The song’s title is a Jamaican slang phrase that means to slow down or stop, and the lyrics warn against being too hasty in relationships. The song’s melody is laid-back and relaxed, with Scotty’s smooth voice providing a soothing accompaniment. The lyrics are full of clever wordplay and metaphors, such as “love is like a bicycle, you got to keep on pedaling” and “you can’t rush the cook, no matter how you look.” Overall, “Draw Your Brakes” is a timeless classic that showcases the best of Jamaican reggae music, with its mellow rhythms, smooth vocals, and clever lyrics.

3. Rivers of Babylon – The Melodians

“Rivers of Babylon” by The Melodians is a reggae classic that was released in 1970. The song’s lyrics are based on Psalm 137 from the Bible, which tells the story of the Israelites being exiled to Babylon and longing for their homeland. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with its melancholy lyrics, creating a bittersweet tone that resonates with listeners. “Rivers of Babylon” has become a beloved reggae standard and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Boney M.

4. Many Rivers to Cross – Jimmy Cliff

“Many Rivers to Cross” is another classic reggae track by Jimmy Cliff. Released in 1969, the song is a heartfelt ballad that speaks to the struggles and hardships of life. The lyrics are deeply personal and autobiographical, with Cliff singing about his own experiences growing up poor in Jamaica and facing adversity. The song’s slow tempo and Cliff’s soulful vocals add to its emotional impact, and the chorus of “Many rivers to cross, but I can’t seem to find my way over” has become a powerful anthem for anyone facing obstacles in life. “Many Rivers to Cross” has been covered by a wide range of artists over the years, including Cher, UB40, and Annie Lennox, and remains one of the most beloved and enduring songs in the reggae genre.

5. Sweet and Dandy – Toots and the Maytals

“Sweet and Dandy” is a classic reggae track by Toots and the Maytals. Released in 1968, the song is an upbeat, feel-good anthem that celebrates the joy and positivity of life. The lyrics are simple but infectious, with Toots Hibbert’s soulful vocals urging listeners to “dance to the rhythm” and “feel the beat.” The song’s catchy melody and lively instrumentation make it a staple of reggae playlists and a favorite of fans of the genre.

6. The Harder They Come – Jimmy Cliff

“The Harder They Come” is another iconic reggae track by Jimmy Cliff. The song was released in 1972 as the title track of the movie of the same name, which starred Cliff as a struggling musician trying to make it in the music industry. The song’s lyrics speak to the struggles and hardships of life and the importance of perseverance and determination. The chorus of “the harder they come, the harder they fall” has become a powerful rallying cry for anyone facing adversity, and the song’s infectious rhythm and Cliff’s impassioned vocals have made it a staple of reggae playlists and a beloved classic of the genre. “The Harder They Come” has also been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Costello, Keith Richards, and Bruce Springsteen.

7. Johnny Too Bad – The Slickers

“Johnny Too Bad” is a classic reggae track by The Slickers. Released in 1971, the song tells the story of a notorious criminal named Johnny who is on the run from the law. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy melody make it a standout of the reggae genre, while its lyrics have become a popular subject of interpretation and analysis. Some see the song as a commentary on the social and economic struggles faced by many Jamaicans, while others see it as a celebration of the outlaw spirit and rebel attitude that has long been a hallmark of Jamaican culture.

8. 007 (Shanty Town) – Desmond Dekker

“007 (Shanty Town)” is a classic reggae track by Desmond Dekker. Released in 1967, the song is a tribute to the tough and resilient spirit of the people of Jamaica’s shantytowns, who have persevered in the face of poverty and adversity. The song’s catchy rhythm and Dekker’s soulful vocals make it a beloved classic of the reggae genre, while its lyrics have been interpreted as a celebration of the resilience and strength of the Jamaican people. “007 (Shanty Town)” remains a popular choice for reggae playlists and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Specials and UB40.

9. Pressure Drop – Toots and the Maytals

“Pressure Drop” is a classic reggae track by Toots and the Maytals. Released in 1970, the song is a high-energy, uptempo track that showcases Toots Hibbert’s powerful vocals and the band’s infectious groove. The song’s lyrics speak to the pressures and stresses of modern life, and the chorus of “pressure drop, oh pressure, oh yeah pressure gonna drop on you” has become a rallying cry for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of the world. “Pressure Drop” is a staple of reggae playlists and a favorite of fans of the genre.

10. Sitting in Limbo – Jimmy Cliff

“Sitting in Limbo” is another classic reggae track by Jimmy Cliff. Released in 1972, the song is a slow, soulful ballad that speaks to the feelings of uncertainty and apprehension that can come with life’s big changes. The song’s introspective lyrics and Cliff’s emotive vocals make it a powerful meditation on the human experience, while the sparse instrumentation adds to the song’s emotional impact. “Sitting in Limbo” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, and remains a beloved classic of the reggae genre.