Ken Boothe - Im Just A Man

Review by Michelle Nihei

Ken Boothe’s I’m Just A Man: A Reggae Gem That Still Hits Different Let’s cut to the chase—Ken Boothe’s 1994 album I’m Just A Man is one of those records that sneaks up on you like a cool breeze in Kingston. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. This roots reggae masterpiece feels like sitting under a shady tree with a cold drink while life buzzes around you. Released via B.Lee and Esoldun (with some French flair sprinkled in), this joint effort between Jamaica and France delivers exactly what you want from reggae: soul-soothing vibes, thoughtful lyrics, and grooves so smooth they could butter toast. The lineup here? Pure fire. You’ve got Sly Dunbar thumping away on drums like he owns them, Winston Wright tickling the organ keys as if they’re his long-lost lover, and Bobby Ellis leading the horn section with swagger for days. And let’s not forget Bunny Lee pulling strings behind the scenes as producer—you know when Bunny’s involved, quality control ain’t just a suggestion; it’s law. Now, onto the tracks. There are enough bangers here to fill a playlist, but two stand out because they stuck in my head like gum on a hot sidewalk. First off, “Ain’t No Love.” Holy smokes, does this track hit different. Boothe’s voice drips with raw emotion, like he’s been through every breakup known to mankind and lived to tell the tale. The rhythm guitar by Willy Lindo lays down a foundation tighter than your grandma’s hugs, and Sticky’s percussion adds just enough spice to keep things interesting. When Ken sings about love gone wrong, it’s impossible not to nod along and mutter, “Yeah, I’ve been there too, buddy.” Then there’s “Gonna Take A Miracle,” which flips the vibe entirely. It’s hopeful yet grounded, like watching a sunrise after a rough night. Keith Sterling’s piano work shines brighter than a new penny, and the Zap Pow Horn Section swoops in like superheroes saving the day. By the time Boothe belts out the chorus, you almost believe miracles might actually exist—even if you’re skeptical AF most days. What makes this album special isn’t just its stellar musicianship or timeless appeal—it’s how unapologetically human it feels. These songs don’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, they remind us why we fell in love with reggae in the first place. It’s music made for real people dealing with real stuff, no frills attached. So, would I recommend I’m Just A Man? Absolutely. But fair warning: once you press play, don’t expect to stop anytime soon. Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with—why do reggae albums always sound better when you’re barefoot? Maybe Ken Boothe knows the answer.

Artist: Ken Boothe
Album: Im Just A Man

Reggae

1979

Rating: 4.29

Review
About Album
Download
Tracks
Video
Images
Catalog Numbers
Labels
Listen online
Formats
Companies
Credits
Notes
About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: ken-boothe-im-just-a-man.zip

MP3 size: 54.4 mb
FLAC size: 899.3 mb

Download

Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
I'm Just A Man
Not For Sale Girl	3:47
It's Gonna Take A Miracle	3:14
The Train Is Coming
Come Lay Some Loving On Me	3:07
Gonna Take A Miracle
Not For Sale
Ain't No Love
Sad And Lonely	2:46
Artibella
Ain't That Loving You
Memories By The Score
You Came Running Back
My Heart Is Like An Open Book	2:46
Now You Come Running Back	4:06
Evil Girl	3:24
Duke Of Earl

Video

Ken Boothe - Memories By The Score

Ken Boothe - I'm Just A Man

Images

télécharger l'album Ken Boothe - Im Just A Man

descargar álbum Ken Boothe - Im Just A Man

last ned album Ken Boothe - Im Just A Man

Album herunterladen Ken Boothe - Im Just A Man

Catalog Numbers

BL 009
LG2 - 1101

Labels

B.Lee
B. Lee
Esoldun

Listen online

lyssna på nätet
lytte på nettet
online luisteren
ouvir online
escuchar en línea
ascolta in linea
online anhören
écouter en ligne
kuunnella verkossa

Formats

Vinyl
LP
33 ⅓ RPM
Album
CD

Companies

Role	Company
Recorded At	King Tubby's Studio
Mixed At	King Tubby's Studio

Credits

Role	Credit

Bass
Drums	Carlton (Santa) Davis, Sly Dunbar
Graphics	A. Nero
Horns	Bobby Ellis, Zap Pow Horn Section, Tommy McCook
Lead Guitar	Earl China Smith
Mixed By	Pat Kelly
Organ	Winston Wright
Percussion	Scully, Sticky
Photography By	Sammy Jay
Piano	Keith Sterling
Producer	Bunny Lee
Recorded By	Pat Kelly
Rhythm Guitar	Willy Lindo

Notes

On label:
A1 - I Am Just A Man
B2 - Arti Bella
B5 - You Come Running Back
Produced by S. Lee (Striker Lee)

About Ken Boothe

Ken Boothe (born 22 March 1948, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies) is a Jamaican vocalist known for his distinctive vibrato and timbre. Boothe achieved an international reputation as one of Jamaica's finest vocalists through a series of crossover hits that appealed to both reggae fans and mainstream audiences.

Real Name

Kenneth George Boothe

Name Vars

Booth
Booth, K.
Boothe
Boothe, Ken
Bro. Boothe
K Boothe
K, Boothe
K. Booth
K. Boothe
K.Booth
K.Boothe
KBooth
Keen Boothe
Ken
Ken Booth
Ken Boothie
Ken Both
Ken Bothe
Ken booth
Kenneth Boothe
Kenneth F. Boothe
Kenneth G. Booth
Kenneth G. Boothe
Kenneth George Boothe
Kim Booth
Mr. Boothe
k.Boothe

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? Ken Boothe's 1994 reggae album *I'm Just A Man* was a collaborative masterpiece that brought together legendary talents from Jamaica and France. The album features iconic tracks like "Duke Of Earl" and "The Train Is Coming," with rhythms laid down by drumming giants Sly Dunbar and Carlton "Santa" Davis. Bunny Lee, a pioneer of roots reggae, produced the project, while Pat Kelly handled recording and mixing. Fun fact: the horn section included members of Zap Pow, adding a rich, soulful touch to the sound. It’s a perfect blend of reggae vibes and timeless storytelling!

Comments

arianagaona

2025-03-13

Where's the Pete Weston cut?

jingga39

2025-03-12

Lord Have Mercy So sweet

ilyazavyalow

2025-03-12

1979

dwiyuliyanti95531591382

2025-03-11

2022

noorazam117

2025-03-11

Great track from the "Memories" LP - any idea when this was originally released in the 1970s on the original Clock Tower Records? Thanks for posting this classic by the great Ken Boothe! Happy Mardi Gras!! ***DAVE♫♫♫♫DJ***