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What is the best Steel Pulse album of all time?

By YPB Team

From their electrifying Handsworth debut to Grammy-winning comebacks, their catalog tackles racism, injustice, and Rastafari spirituality with a passion that has never dimmed. Which era defines them? Cast your vote!

  1. Handsworth Revolution — ranked #11
    Handsworth Revolution
    The 1978 debut classic from Birmingham addressing racism and inequality in Britain, a UK reggae landmark.
    1000pts
  2. Mass Manipulation — ranked #22
    Mass Manipulation
    The 2019 Grammy-nominated comeback album, their first in 15 years, addressing systemic racism and social media.
    787pts
  3. Earth Crisis — ranked #33
    Earth Crisis
    The 1984 album whose single 'Steppin' Out' earned a Grammy nomination and helped Steel Pulse break through in the United States.
    692pts
  4. Victims — ranked #44
    Victims
    The 1991 Grammy-nominated album confronting racism and injustice, including 'Taxi Driver' about cabs refusing to stop for Black passengers.
    621pts
  5. African Holocaust — ranked #55
    African Holocaust
    The 2004 return to form tackling post-9/11 politics and global injustice with passionate reggae.
    538pts
  6. Caught You — ranked #66
    Caught You
    The 1980 album also known as Reggae Fever in the US, a transitional work bridging UK roots and international appeal.
    440pts
  7. State of Emergency — ranked #77
    State of Emergency
    The 1988 MCA album that pushed Steel Pulse toward a slicker crossover sound aimed at American radio audiences.
    440pts
  8. True Democracy — ranked #88
    True Democracy
    The 1982 album with a harder political edge and sophisticated production, featuring the single 'Ravers' and the band's growing transatlantic ambitions.
    440pts
  9. Rage and Fury — ranked #99
    Rage and Fury
    The 1997 Grammy-nominated album of fiery protest songs, reaffirming the Birmingham band's militant roots reggae identity.
    323pts
  10. Vex — ranked #1010
    Vex
    The 1994 album that returned Steel Pulse to heavier roots reggae while absorbing the dancehall and hip-hop influences of the era.
    323pts
  11. Babylon the Bandit — ranked #1111
    Babylon the Bandit
    The 1985 album that won the Grammy for Best Reggae Recording, making Steel Pulse the first non-Jamaican act to win the award.
    323pts
  12. Tribute to the Martyrs — ranked #1212
    Tribute to the Martyrs
    The 1979 sophomore album honouring freedom fighters from Malcolm X to Steve Biko with righteous reggae.
    0pts

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