Max Romeo and The Upsetters – War Ina Babylon

2026 Universal Music repress of the Island Records masterpiece originally released in 1976. 
One of Lee Perry’s defining works and an absolute classic of any genre.

Widely regarded as Romeo’s finest work, the album is a landmark of roots reggae, combining political commentary, Rastafarian themes, and Perry’s distinctive dub-influenced production style. Released on Island Records, the album reflects the social and political turmoil of mid-1970s Jamaica, addressing poverty, violence, and oppression. Its lyrics frequently critique “Babylon,” a Rastafarian term for corrupt systems of power, while also offering spiritual resistance and social awareness. The record features nine tracks, including some of Romeo’s most enduring songs such as “One Step Forward,” “War Ina Babylon,” and “Chase the Devil,” the latter becoming especially influential through later sampling in popular music.