The Harder They Come

The Harder They Come (1972) is the soundtrack to the Jamaican film starring Jimmy Cliff, compiling roots reggae, rocksteady, and deejay recordings from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Anchored by Jimmy Cliff's title track and several of his performances, the album brings together raw bass-driven grooves, offbeat guitar skanks, and vocal approaches that range from melodic roots singing to toasting. Its selection of tracks captures the energy and social edge of Jamaican popular music of the period and has long been regarded as an influential entry point for international listeners into reggae and rocksteady.