Brothers & Sisters by Leroy Stewart: A Roots Reggae Gem That Still Kicks
Released in 1977, Brothers & Sisters by Leroy Stewart feels like a warm hug from Jamaica itself. This Buke Star label release is pure roots reggae goodness—no frills, no gimmicks, just raw vibes that hit you right where it counts. If you’re into music that makes your soul feel lighter and your feet move heavier, this one’s for ya.
Let’s talk tracks. The title track “Brothers & Sisters” grabs you by the ears and doesn’t let go. It’s kinda like when someone tells you a secret so good you wanna shout it out loud. Leroy’s voice has this earthy grit to it, like he’s been sipping on wisdom straight from the soil of Kingston. The lyrics are simple but pack a punch—unity, love, standing together—it’s not rocket science, but man, does it resonate. You’ll catch yourself humming it hours later while scrubbing dishes or stuck in traffic. Don’t fight it; just roll with it.
Then there’s “Brothers & Sisters (Version).” Now, if you’re new to reggae, versions might seem like lazy repeats at first glance. But nah, fam, this ain’t no copy-paste job. This version strips things down even further, letting the bassline do its thing without distractions. It’s hypnotic as heck, perfect for zoning out or pretending you’re cruising through Port Antonio in a beat-up VW van. Honestly, I could loop this all day and never get bored. There’s something about how the rhythm locks into your brain—it’s sneaky like that.
Here’s the kicker: despite being over four decades old, Brothers & Sisters still sounds fresh. Like, weirdly fresh. Maybe it’s because we’re living in times where unity feels more important than ever, or maybe it’s just because roots reggae never really goes out of style. Whatever the reason, Leroy Stewart nailed it here. He didn’t need autotune or flashy production tricks—just honest music made with heart.
So yeah, give this album a spin. Let it wash over you like waves lapping at Negril beach. And hey, here’s some food for thought: what if every argument in the world could be solved with a solid bassline? Imagine world leaders sitting around jamming to “Brothers & Sisters.” Sounds far-fetched, sure, but weirder things have happened… right?
