THROWBACK THURSDAY: Junior Murvin's Timeless Treasure, "Badman Possee" Echoes the Sound of Rebellion

I first heard the legendary, Junior Murvin’s unique voice when I was a teenager, watching the classic film “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”.

I loved that film, and would rewind the VHS many times to watch the scenes I liked, but also to hear the tracks. Junior Murvin’s unforgettable classic song, “Police and Thieves” was featured on that film, and with my curiosity to Reggae music growing, I was mesmerised by that song.

Murvin’s hypnotic voice combined with that captivating riddim hypnotised me.

Despite Junior Murvin’s “Badman Possee” being released in 1982, unbelievable only this year, I stumbled upon it.

It’s something that I love about this vast genre, with so many talented artists, I am continually discovering albums, versions, artists, that I had no idea of.

As well as the influx of new torch bearers that have been blessing the genre with their musical talents.

Junior Murvin’s “Badman Possee” is a masterpiece of an album. With the reggae riddims followed by a dubby equivalent it is such an entrancing album. The hard hitting heavy dub bass taps into the tempo of my heart throughout the album, energising me. The beats in this album enliven and inspire my spirit forcing my body to move uncontrollably, primally, it intoxicates me. Combined with Murvin’s harmonic voice reverberating through my existence, I happily lose myself in the waves of vibrations.

The opening song of the album, “Badman Possee” is a warning to the listener encouraging them to stay away from gangs (possee) who only cause harm, loss of life and further division. The song has a forceful bass followed by echoey keyboards that evokes a trance like state. And encourages thoughts of larger scale, the Badman possee’s that influence and affect the entire world. “Guitar Dub” is pure duttyness, I thank Junior Murvin’s, Auntie Agnus for buying him his first guitar. I need to hear this track blasting out of a soundsystem soon. With the flecks of the acoustic guitar followed by the clean sounds of the keyboard its riddim is encapsulating.

“Never Fall In Love” and the dub version “Heartbreaker”, are both great tracks. Junior Murvins, heartache filled lyrics, poetic delivery, mixed with a consistent dub beat, soothe any broken heart. The dubplate remix “Heartbreaker” adds to the original, enhancing the beats with added bass and echo inflections that encourage the listener to move on from their heartbreak.

The real stand out song from “Badman Possee”, is undoubtedly “Rebellion”. The start of the track rumbles out a deep impactful purposeful beat. Murvin’s vocals are so pure, rich, poignant, profound.

The riddim throughout the song is amazing, every instrument complements the next blending masterfully. It’s a soundtrack that consistently vibrates through my mind. Especially in this current climate of destruction, as more conflict and more death unfolds around the world. I hear Murvin’s beckoning call for change as he highlights the injustices that were occurring back in 1982, but that are still occurring now in 2024, forty-two years later.

I wonder how we are ever going to progress as a people if we continue to allow these “leaders” who consistently attempt to destabilise, divide and defeat one another, “nation against nation, killing each other”.

Murvin conveys that we are all the same, but have been continually pitted against one another, causing suffering of the masses, due to the inadequacies of these so-called “leaders”.

Murvin calls for rebellion, “The leaders are dividing, when they should be uniting, rebellion, rebellion, rebellion”, a call that seems more necessary as each day goes by, as the “leaders” appear to be sleepwalking the masses into more suffering or ever another greater global conflict.

Murvin’s states how there’s, “No one to stop the blood from running”, highlighting the need for the people to take action, to stop the death of the innocents. I find the whole song thought provoking, a call for change that has been echoing through the psyche of the world since 1982, yet still no change has occurred.

I love Junior Murvin’s “Badman Possee” for many reasons, the enthrallingly mesmerising dub riddims, that provoke your body to move and bop. The unforgettable voice of Junior Murvin, delivering his lyrics with soul, with passion. And of course the deeply insightful lyrics, that despite being released in 1982 still are so relevant today. This album is a must listen, I managed to grab a copy on vinyl recently and I eagerly wait for its delivery, just as I wait for the people to heed the wise words of Murvin before it’s too late, “Rebellion”.

By Luka H.