Bob Andy’s 20 Best Songs, Ranked On His Birthday
Keith ‘Bob Andy’ Anderson, the veteran whose career spanned decades, is widely recognized as one of the most influential Reggae artists ever. Between the early ‘60s and the late 90s, Anderson distinguished himself through his spirited brand of activism, exceptional skills as a songwriter, and his feats as a founding member of The Paragons and one-half of the iconic duo Bob and Marcia [Griffiths].
He unfortunately passed away in 2020, leaving behind an untouchable legacy. Today, on what would have been his 79th birthday, DancehallMag honors his contributions to Reggae music by looking at 20 of his best songs, ranked.
20. Hell A Go Broke Loose
Bob Andy’s spirit of activism is laced throughout his music, and it was no different in Hell A Go Broke Loose – a chilling warning to those who refuse to pay people their due, metaphorically and otherwise. The consequence of such a violation, Andy sings, is hell to pay for the offenders.
Released: 1975
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Retrospective (1988)
19. Desperate Lover
An exceptionally vulnerable and soulful song, Bob Andy reflects on losing his love, and how much he yearns to have her back. A timeless Reggae ballad, the song makes an interesting choice to include a few synth-pop sounds, which, in the end, only serve to complement Andy’s soul-filled delivery. Tarrus Riley recorded a cover of Desperate Lover for VP Records last year.
Released: 1975
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Retrospective (1988)
18. Rock It Down
Nursing a seemingly incurable heartbreak, Bob Andy ultimately decides in Rock It Down that he’s drying his tears and heading downtown. Whether he’ll be downing his sorrows in alcohol or other women, Andy makes it clear that, at the very least, he will be having fun.
Released: 1975
Producer: Geoffrey Chung, Bob Andy
Album: The Music Inside Me
17. I’ve Got To Go Back Home
Bob Andy’s homesickness – both individually and as someone of African descent – drives the sweet message of returning to wherever one calls home on this track. The soothing song, which can soundtrack anything from a groovy, fun-filled dance to a deeply introspective moment, demonstrates well Andy’s unparalleled skills as a wordsmith.
Released: 1967
Producer: Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd
Album: N/A
16. You Think It’s A Joke
An engaging and thought-provoking song that delves into the serious issues affecting people at all levels of society, You Think It’s A Joke sees Bob Andy tackling less-than-desirable conditions for doctors, teachers, students etc., and warns a day of reckoning is coming for those who turn a blind eye to their plight. Listeners are challenged to consider many troubling trends, such as Andy’s sentiments that the more he works, the less he earns. It is no laughing matter for the singer, hence the title.
Released: 1987
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Freely
15. Fire Burning
The continued deterioration of society is laid bare through the use of Biblical metaphors on this track. Pointing a finger at negligent politicians and leaders, Andy issues a timely reminder that the fire consuming society is growing, and not much is being done about it.
Released: 1974
Producer: Lloyd Charmers
Album: Retrospective
14. Games People Play
Bob Andy takes issue with people’s willingness to trivialize the truly important things in life in Games People Play. Though the song is a lively offering, it is a cautionary tale to those who refuse to treat their lives and relationships with the respect they deserve.
Released: 1969
Producer: Richard Khouri
Album: N/A
13. Too Proud To Beg
A healthy sense of pride, direction and drive make this interesting fusion of Funk and Reggae music one of Bob Andy’s most exciting. In the track, the singer is intent on finding his own way in life, and appears especially excited to uncover his purpose.
Released: 1986
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Retrospective
12. Feeling Soul
We’re all in possession of a soul, and in this track, Andy makes a direct appeal to it. He soulfully sings that love, togetherness and kindness are not only necessary for a better world, but also for the very elements that connect us to our own soul. Nadine Sutherland, who was tapped by VP Records last year for its tribute album for Bob Andy, delivered a heartfelt rendition for Feeling Soul on We Remember Bob Andy.
Year: 1972
Producer: Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd
Album: N/A
11. Too Experienced
Perhaps one of Andy’s most sampled songs, Too Experienced documents the singer’s predicament of being open and ready for love, but being faced with a lover who seems intent on deceiving him. The song swings between a celebration of wisdom and regret, as the singer recognizes the game being played his lover while simultaneously being saddened by the reality of it. One of the most popular covers of the track is the version released by Barrington Levy in 1989.
Released: 1968
Producer: Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd (Studio One)
Album: Bob Andy’s Song Book
10. Unchain Me
Unchain Me is a soulful song in which Andy expresses his longing to live a life of freedom and independence, shedding the metaphorical chains that hold him back. It’s a heartfelt ode to the desire and struggle for liberation and self-determination among black people.
Released: 1969
Producer: Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd
Album: N/A
9. Level Vibes
In this groovy track about love and admiration, Andy makes his feelings known to his ‘darling’, and invites her to “check the levels” – to consider how much he truly feels for her.
Year: 1988
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Freely
8. Going Home
Going Home is a poignant song that captures Andy’s determination to return to a place of comfort, love, and belonging – no matter what it takes him. The single additionally conveys a deep sense of nostalgia and the emotional journey of finding solace in one’s roots and familiar surroundings.
Year: 1969
Producer: Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd
Album: N/A
7. Let Them Say
Heart, perseverance and soul overflow from this track in which Andy reasserts his resilience amidst difficulties. The song is a moving display of the grit to be found in the human spirit, and Andy’s perfectly chosen words capture it succinctly. Bitty McLean, a British Reggae singer, last year sang a cover of Let Them Say as part of a tribute album by VP Records in memory of Andy. Titled We Remember Bob Andy, the project was produced by Dean Fraser.
Released: 1968
Producer: Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd
Album: N/A
6. Freely
Freely was released in 1968, during a time of social upheaval, making its statements on wealth inequality even more poignant.
Released: 1988
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Freely
5. To Be Young, Gifted And Black (ft. Marcia Griffiths)
In 1970, the duo of Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths, dubbed Bob and Marcia, shocked the world with their cover of Nina Simone’s Young, Gifted and Black. The up-tempo rendition of the classic secured a place on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent a total of 12 weeks, peaking at No. 5.
Released: 1970
Producer: Harry Johnson
Album: Young Gifted and Black
4. Life
We each have a role to play in this life, and everything that happens – even the bad, serves a grand purpose in adding value to our existence. That is the complex philosophical theme explored by Andy on this track, which provides an easy-to-follow guide on how one goes about finding meaning. It also encourages self-development, as Andy reminds those who would listen that the more we give to life, the more it gives us in return.
Released: 1972
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Retrospective (1986)
3. You Don’t Know
In You Don’t Know, Bob Andy perfectly captures the soul of one who lives proudly in spite of people’s negative opinions. His silky delivery, laid against a mid-tempo beat, flawlessly complements the song’s message of confidence and self-worth.
Released: 1970
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Retrospective (1986)
2. My Time (I Deserve)
A powerful track in which Bob Andy tackles the disenfranchisement of black Jamaicans, while simultaneously reflecting on his own humanity, My Time (I Deserve) stands as a masterclass in art-enabled activism. It is also an easy selection for anyone in need of a pep talk. In 1990, the track was covered by veteran Reggae singer Barrington Levy, produced by Jah Screw.
Released: 1972
Producer: Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd
Album: n/a
1. The Sun Shines For Me
Gems to live by abound in this groovy classic by Andy, whose talents as a songwriter were on full show throughout this optimism-packed offering. In the track, the singer embraces life in its fullness – acknowledging both the good and the bad – and ultimately comes to the conclusion that he is a wealthy man as all of life conspires for his own good. Whatever place life finds you, Andy reminds, the sun still shines.
Released: 1988
Producer: Bob Andy
Album: Freely