There's much better reggae out there..., 16 Mar 2006
I disagree with all these plaudits! I too am a great reggae fan - mainly thanx to being a London punk in the 1970s and 80s - and think this album is derivative, one-dimensional, all too predictable, and just plain safe and boring... Good reggae in my opinion should move the heart, move the feet, and fire you up. This album does none of these. I keep listening to bits of it because of all the recommendations, thinking maybe I've missed something. Sorry, but I can't see it.

Timeless genius, 23 Jul 2004
Satta Massagana is, without question, one of the most amazing albums I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. I thought "Arise" was brilliant, but "Satta..." even surpasses this. Superb, unique harmony and tight, hard roots reggae combine to form the terrific back bone of this marvellously crafted work of art. All the tracks are wonderfully colourful and are littered with instantly memorable riffs and choruses. If you love reggae as much as I do, it is critical that you purchase this album because, quite simply, it'll be the best few quid you ever spend.

majestic - this really IS the one, 30 Jan 2004
The thing about great music is you can't really explain in prosaic terms what makes it special - it's always impossible to describe the sum of the parts and, above all, the way it feels, how it moves you. So how can I explain to you how great this music is? It defined a genre, it must have the most reused phrase in the whole of reggae (the unforgetteable, irresistible opening riff from the title track), it is sweet, but it's hard too and it doesn't compromise. All of which doesn't even begin to tell you what it's like to listen to this. Think for a moment about what nine quid means to you - a few pints? a couple of rides in a cab? Now consider this record could make a lasting, positive change to your life, have a little faith in these reviews and buy this.

Pure Class, 30 Aug 2002
This has to be one of the all time great Reggae albums, a must for every collection. Haunting melodies, tight rhythms, and spiritual lyrics - if you only have one reggae album in your collection, it should be this one.

Pure class!A truly mighty album.Every track's a killer!, 25 Mar 2001
This is THE spiritual album in the Reggae genre.an absolute classic!The whole package,from the songwriting and production to the performance itself is just pure class.The vocals are haunting yet joyuos and the musicians beuatifully restrained.A must for every conscious man/woman.Every track is a killer plus 4 extra rare tunes it's a steal.Go buy it now!

There's much better reggae out there..., 16 Mar 2006
I disagree with all these plaudits! I too am a great reggae fan - mainly thanx to being a London punk in the 1970s and 80s - and think this album is derivative, one-dimensional, all too predictable, and just plain safe and boring... Good reggae in my opinion should move the heart, move the feet, and fire you up. This album does none of these. I keep listening to bits of it because of all the recommendations, thinking maybe I've missed something. Sorry, but I can't see it.

Timeless genius, 23 Jul 2004
Satta Massagana is, without question, one of the most amazing albums I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. I thought "Arise" was brilliant, but "Satta..." even surpasses this. Superb, unique harmony and tight, hard roots reggae combine to form the terrific back bone of this marvellously crafted work of art. All the tracks are wonderfully colourful and are littered with instantly memorable riffs and choruses. If you love reggae as much as I do, it is critical that you purchase this album because, quite simply, it'll be the best few quid you ever spend.

majestic - this really IS the one, 30 Jan 2004
The thing about great music is you can't really explain in prosaic terms what makes it special - it's always impossible to describe the sum of the parts and, above all, the way it feels, how it moves you. So how can I explain to you how great this music is? It defined a genre, it must have the most reused phrase in the whole of reggae (the unforgetteable, irresistible opening riff from the title track), it is sweet, but it's hard too and it doesn't compromise. All of which doesn't even begin to tell you what it's like to listen to this. Think for a moment about what nine quid means to you - a few pints? a couple of rides in a cab? Now consider this record could make a lasting, positive change to your life, have a little faith in these reviews and buy this.

Pure Class, 30 Aug 2002
This has to be one of the all time great Reggae albums, a must for every collection. Haunting melodies, tight rhythms, and spiritual lyrics - if you only have one reggae album in your collection, it should be this one.

Pure class!A truly mighty album.Every track's a killer!, 25 Mar 2001
This is THE spiritual album in the Reggae genre.an absolute classic!The whole package,from the songwriting and production to the performance itself is just pure class.The vocals are haunting yet joyuos and the musicians beuatifully restrained.A must for every conscious man/woman.Every track is a killer plus 4 extra rare tunes it's a steal.Go buy it now!

If Tom Waits Likes it ..., 16 Mar 2007
Recommended by Tom Waits and presenting a gospel choir I had never heard of I had to buy this because if Mr Waits is for it who can be against it? Nobody I could share a room with. And, when it comes to Gospel music I like mine live, kicking and loud. I was not disappointed. From the raucous joyful first track this is music that fills your listening space with a sheer love of life and, as the title suggests, shakes the rafters so much you'll find yourself looking up at the ceiling in trepidation.

In the book 'Dylan Redeemed' by Stephen H. Webb, the author asks what might come about from the tension between Rock Music and Christianity. This cd answers the question with another. 'What tension?' As someone might have said once 'Sure music can save your mortal soul'. This is an album for everyone who likes the blues, gospel, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard while remaining distinctly The Abyssinian Baptist Gospel Choir. Buy it.

There's much better reggae out there..., 16 Mar 2006
I disagree with all these plaudits! I too am a great reggae fan - mainly thanx to being a London punk in the 1970s and 80s - and think this album is derivative, one-dimensional, all too predictable, and just plain safe and boring... Good reggae in my opinion should move the heart, move the feet, and fire you up. This album does none of these. I keep listening to bits of it because of all the recommendations, thinking maybe I've missed something. Sorry, but I can't see it.

Timeless genius, 23 Jul 2004
Satta Massagana is, without question, one of the most amazing albums I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. I thought "Arise" was brilliant, but "Satta..." even surpasses this. Superb, unique harmony and tight, hard roots reggae combine to form the terrific back bone of this marvellously crafted work of art. All the tracks are wonderfully colourful and are littered with instantly memorable riffs and choruses. If you love reggae as much as I do, it is critical that you purchase this album because, quite simply, it'll be the best few quid you ever spend.

majestic - this really IS the one, 30 Jan 2004
The thing about great music is you can't really explain in prosaic terms what makes it special - it's always impossible to describe the sum of the parts and, above all, the way it feels, how it moves you. So how can I explain to you how great this music is? It defined a genre, it must have the most reused phrase in the whole of reggae (the unforgetteable, irresistible opening riff from the title track), it is sweet, but it's hard too and it doesn't compromise. All of which doesn't even begin to tell you what it's like to listen to this. Think for a moment about what nine quid means to you - a few pints? a couple of rides in a cab? Now consider this record could make a lasting, positive change to your life, have a little faith in these reviews and buy this.

Pure Class, 30 Aug 2002
This has to be one of the all time great Reggae albums, a must for every collection. Haunting melodies, tight rhythms, and spiritual lyrics - if you only have one reggae album in your collection, it should be this one.

Pure class!A truly mighty album.Every track's a killer!, 25 Mar 2001
This is THE spiritual album in the Reggae genre.an absolute classic!The whole package,from the songwriting and production to the performance itself is just pure class.The vocals are haunting yet joyuos and the musicians beuatifully restrained.A must for every conscious man/woman.Every track is a killer plus 4 extra rare tunes it's a steal.Go buy it now!

If Tom Waits Likes it ..., 16 Mar 2007
Recommended by Tom Waits and presenting a gospel choir I had never heard of I had to buy this because if Mr Waits is for it who can be against it? Nobody I could share a room with. And, when it comes to Gospel music I like mine live, kicking and loud. I was not disappointed. From the raucous joyful first track this is music that fills your listening space with a sheer love of life and, as the title suggests, shakes the rafters so much you'll find yourself looking up at the ceiling in trepidation.

In the book 'Dylan Redeemed' by Stephen H. Webb, the author asks what might come about from the tension between Rock Music and Christianity. This cd answers the question with another. 'What tension?' As someone might have said once 'Sure music can save your mortal soul'. This is an album for everyone who likes the blues, gospel, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard while remaining distinctly The Abyssinian Baptist Gospel Choir. Buy it.

What more can I say, 19 Nov 2007
The vocal harmonies on this LP are what it must be like to be serenaded by angels for eternity. This is amongst the best reggae you are likley to hear.

There's much better reggae out there..., 16 Mar 2006
I disagree with all these plaudits! I too am a great reggae fan - mainly thanx to being a London punk in the 1970s and 80s - and think this album is derivative, one-dimensional, all too predictable, and just plain safe and boring... Good reggae in my opinion should move the heart, move the feet, and fire you up. This album does none of these. I keep listening to bits of it because of all the recommendations, thinking maybe I've missed something. Sorry, but I can't see it.

Timeless genius, 23 Jul 2004
Satta Massagana is, without question, one of the most amazing albums I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. I thought "Arise" was brilliant, but "Satta..." even surpasses this. Superb, unique harmony and tight, hard roots reggae combine to form the terrific back bone of this marvellously crafted work of art. All the tracks are wonderfully colourful and are littered with instantly memorable riffs and choruses. If you love reggae as much as I do, it is critical that you purchase this album because, quite simply, it'll be the best few quid you ever spend.

majestic - this really IS the one, 30 Jan 2004
The thing about great music is you can't really explain in prosaic terms what makes it special - it's always impossible to describe the sum of the parts and, above all, the way it feels, how it moves you. So how can I explain to you how great this music is? It defined a genre, it must have the most reused phrase in the whole of reggae (the unforgetteable, irresistible opening riff from the title track), it is sweet, but it's hard too and it doesn't compromise. All of which doesn't even begin to tell you what it's like to listen to this. Think for a moment about what nine quid means to you - a few pints? a couple of rides in a cab? Now consider this record could make a lasting, positive change to your life, have a little faith in these reviews and buy this.

Pure Class, 30 Aug 2002
This has to be one of the all time great Reggae albums, a must for every collection. Haunting melodies, tight rhythms, and spiritual lyrics - if you only have one reggae album in your collection, it should be this one.

Pure class!A truly mighty album.Every track's a killer!, 25 Mar 2001
This is THE spiritual album in the Reggae genre.an absolute classic!The whole package,from the songwriting and production to the performance itself is just pure class.The vocals are haunting yet joyuos and the musicians beuatifully restrained.A must for every conscious man/woman.Every track is a killer plus 4 extra rare tunes it's a steal.Go buy it now!

If Tom Waits Likes it ..., 16 Mar 2007
Recommended by Tom Waits and presenting a gospel choir I had never heard of I had to buy this because if Mr Waits is for it who can be against it? Nobody I could share a room with. And, when it comes to Gospel music I like mine live, kicking and loud. I was not disappointed. From the raucous joyful first track this is music that fills your listening space with a sheer love of life and, as the title suggests, shakes the rafters so much you'll find yourself looking up at the ceiling in trepidation.

In the book 'Dylan Redeemed' by Stephen H. Webb, the author asks what might come about from the tension between Rock Music and Christianity. This cd answers the question with another. 'What tension?' As someone might have said once 'Sure music can save your mortal soul'. This is an album for everyone who likes the blues, gospel, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard while remaining distinctly The Abyssinian Baptist Gospel Choir. Buy it.

What more can I say, 19 Nov 2007
The vocal harmonies on this LP are what it must be like to be serenaded by angels for eternity. This is amongst the best reggae you are likley to hear.

True Roots, 16 Jun 2008
Sorry, but i don't agree to the reviewer who got bored! It is said there exist over 400 versions of this root tune No 1. I first thought this CD was a kind of marketing ploy...but then listening loud and carefully I loved every version. It is history alive. A song that always touches my heart and is deeply satisfying. Well, it made me happy many times. True roots. Spiritual. Peace and love. What else?

Hmmmm..., 17 Jan 2007
There's no doubting that Satta Massa Gana is a great reggae tune, but do you really need 20 different versions of the same song? All 20 tracks open with the same few bars, and after an hour of that........ I know a song that will get on your nerves.

And not one version inspired me to try any of the various artists' other material. Anyway, easy listening, but disappointing after listening to the original, and the Abyssinians other great work.

There's much better reggae out there..., 16 Mar 2006
I disagree with all these plaudits! I too am a great reggae fan - mainly thanx to being a London punk in the 1970s and 80s - and think this album is derivative, one-dimensional, all too predictable, and just plain safe and boring... Good reggae in my opinion should move the heart, move the feet, and fire you up. This album does none of these. I keep listening to bits of it because of all the recommendations, thinking maybe I've missed something. Sorry, but I can't see it.

Timeless genius, 23 Jul 2004
Satta Massagana is, without question, one of the most amazing albums I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. I thought "Arise" was brilliant, but "Satta..." even surpasses this. Superb, unique harmony and tight, hard roots reggae combine to form the terrific back bone of this marvellously crafted work of art. All the tracks are wonderfully colourful and are littered with instantly memorable riffs and choruses. If you love reggae as much as I do, it is critical that you purchase this album because, quite simply, it'll be the best few quid you ever spend.

majestic - this really IS the one, 30 Jan 2004
The thing about great music is you can't really explain in prosaic terms what makes it special - it's always impossible to describe the sum of the parts and, above all, the way it feels, how it moves you. So how can I explain to you how great this music is? It defined a genre, it must have the most reused phrase in the whole of reggae (the unforgetteable, irresistible opening riff from the title track), it is sweet, but it's hard too and it doesn't compromise. All of which doesn't even begin to tell you what it's like to listen to this. Think for a moment about what nine quid means to you - a few pints? a couple of rides in a cab? Now consider this record could make a lasting, positive change to your life, have a little faith in these reviews and buy this.

Pure Class, 30 Aug 2002
This has to be one of the all time great Reggae albums, a must for every collection. Haunting melodies, tight rhythms, and spiritual lyrics - if you only have one reggae album in your collection, it should be this one.

Pure class!A truly mighty album.Every track's a killer!, 25 Mar 2001
This is THE spiritual album in the Reggae genre.an absolute classic!The whole package,from the songwriting and production to the performance itself is just pure class.The vocals are haunting yet joyuos and the musicians beuatifully restrained.A must for every conscious man/woman.Every track is a killer plus 4 extra rare tunes it's a steal.Go buy it now!

If Tom Waits Likes it ..., 16 Mar 2007
Recommended by Tom Waits and presenting a gospel choir I had never heard of I had to buy this because if Mr Waits is for it who can be against it? Nobody I could share a room with. And, when it comes to Gospel music I like mine live, kicking and loud. I was not disappointed. From the raucous joyful first track this is music that fills your listening space with a sheer love of life and, as the title suggests, shakes the rafters so much you'll find yourself looking up at the ceiling in trepidation.

In the book 'Dylan Redeemed' by Stephen H. Webb, the author asks what might come about from the tension between Rock Music and Christianity. This cd answers the question with another. 'What tension?' As someone might have said once 'Sure music can save your mortal soul'. This is an album for everyone who likes the blues, gospel, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard while remaining distinctly The Abyssinian Baptist Gospel Choir. Buy it.

What more can I say, 19 Nov 2007
The vocal harmonies on this LP are what it must be like to be serenaded by angels for eternity. This is amongst the best reggae you are likley to hear.

True Roots, 16 Jun 2008
Sorry, but i don't agree to the reviewer who got bored! It is said there exist over 400 versions of this root tune No 1. I first thought this CD was a kind of marketing ploy...but then listening loud and carefully I loved every version. It is history alive. A song that always touches my heart and is deeply satisfying. Well, it made me happy many times. True roots. Spiritual. Peace and love. What else?

Hmmmm..., 17 Jan 2007
There's no doubting that Satta Massa Gana is a great reggae tune, but do you really need 20 different versions of the same song? All 20 tracks open with the same few bars, and after an hour of that........ I know a song that will get on your nerves.

And not one version inspired me to try any of the various artists' other material. Anyway, easy listening, but disappointing after listening to the original, and the Abyssinians other great work.

a great shortcut to the best of the Abyssinians, 03 Mar 2003
This compilation gives in a mere 10 tracks some (but by far not all) of the reggae masterpieces by the roots harmony group par excellence, the Abyssinians. Included are the legendary Studio One original Satta amassa gana and its rare b-side Jerusalem as well as their great love song Love comes and goes. The other 7 tracks are equally compelling with Reason time as their best.
This cd has been reissued in the reggae essentials series by the Abyssinians own label Clinch.