Various Artists Easy Star Volume One
Often called the original blueprint for Easy Star Records, Easy Star Volume One serves as the definitive foundational document for a label that would go on to redefine the global landscape of modern reggae. Conceived by co-founders Michael Goldwasser, Eric Smith, and Lem Oppenheimer, the compilation was born out of a collective desire to return to the pure roots of the genre. At a time when the industry was leaning heavily into digital dancehall and synthesized sounds, the label pivoted back to basics, utilizing live musicians and vintage analog equipment to capture the warmth, bleed, and unmistakable spirit of the 1970s and early 80s. This commitment to an organic, "hand-played" feel set the stage for the label's enduring reputation as a sanctuary for authentic roots music in an increasingly digital era.
The record features an ambitious, cross-generational lineup that bridges the gap between legendary Jamaican icons and the then-rising stars of the New York City scene. Reggae veterans like Sugar Minott, Sister Carol, and The Meditations contribute powerful original performances that anchor the project in tradition, while emerging talents such as Gary Pine and Rob Symeonn help establish the label's signature, forward-thinking sound. Every track on the album was written or co-written by Michael Goldwasser, who also led the Easy Star All-Stars as the house band, providing the rock-solid rhythm tracks and intricate arrangements that define the entire collection.
Far from being a simple collection of disparate singles, this compilation represents the birth of the Easy Star All-Stars as a singular studio entity capable of immense versatility. From the infectious, horn-driven energy of "Jah Music" to the dubbed-out, psychedelic echoes of "Dub-Lilah," the album moves with a cohesive energy that remains rare for various-artist compilations. Critics at AllMusic famously described the project as "exceptionally good," praising its rare ability to balance state-of-the-art production clarity with a classic, Rastafarian-themed soul. Years later, it remains a masterclass in how to honor the rich history of reggae while firmly planting a flag for its future evolution.
