Album Review: Soldiers Take Over by The Rio Grandes
If you’re a fan of reggae with that rocksteady swagger, Soldiers Take Over by The Rio Grandes is one of those hidden gems from 1967 that deserves your attention. Released on the Pyramid label outta the UK, this album has a raw charm that’s hard to ignore. It doesn’t try too hard—just lets the grooves do the talking. And trust me, they’ve got plenty to say.
Let’s dive into a couple tracks that stand out for me. First up is “Moses.” This tune feels like an instant classic the moment it starts rolling. The bassline is deep and driving, locking in perfectly with the drums to create that hypnotic rocksteady rhythm. What makes it stick? Probably the vocals—they’re smooth but carry this undercurrent of urgency, like Moses himself is about to part some seas right there in the studio. You can almost picture the band vibing off each other, feeding off the energy of the room. It’s not flashy, just pure soulful delivery that pulls you in.
Then there’s the title track, “Soldiers Take Over.” Man, this one hits different. It’s got this militant vibe without being overbearing. The horns punch through at just the right moments, adding layers of texture while keeping things tight. Lyrically, it’s kinda cryptic—like, are we talking literal soldiers or something more metaphorical? Either way, it sticks with you long after the needle lifts. There’s also this subtle tension in the arrangement, as if the music itself knows something big is coming. Maybe it was ahead of its time politically, who knows? But damn, does it work.
What I love most about Soldiers Take Over is how unpolished yet deliberate it feels. In today’s world of hyper-produced beats and auto-tuned vocals, this album reminds us what real music sounds like—warts and all. Sure, it ain’t perfect. Some transitions feel rough around the edges, and maybe the mix could be cleaner. But honestly? That’s what makes it so human.
Here’s the kicker though—this record came out in ’67, smack dab in the middle of Britain’s cultural explosion. Yet, instead of chasing trends, The Rio Grandes doubled down on their rootsy sound. Bold move, huh? Makes you wonder if they knew they were onto something special—or if they were just having fun making music that mattered to them.
So yeah, give Soldiers Take Over a spin if you’re craving authenticity wrapped in killer grooves. Just don’t blame me when you can’t stop humming “Moses” for days.
