Jimmy Cliff
Jimmy Cliff was a pioneering Jamaican reggae, ska, rocksteady, and soul musician renowned for popularizing the genre internationally. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, he passed away on November 24, 2025, at age 81.
Jimmy Cliff grew up in rural Somerton, Jamaica, as one of nine children in a Pentecostal family. He started writing songs in primary school, inspired by local sound systems, and moved to Kingston at 14, adopting his stage name to reflect his ambitions.
Cliff's first hit, "Hurricane Hattie," came in 1962 at age 14, produced by Leslie Kong. He signed with Island Records, relocated to the UK, and gained international traction with albums like Hard Road to Travel (1967) and hits such as "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" (1969).
His starring role in the 1972 Jamaican film The Harder They Come and its soundtrack propelled reggae globally, featuring classics like "Many Rivers to Cross" and the title track. The album became a cornerstone for the genre's worldwide spread.
Cliff earned two Grammy Awards for Cliff Hanger (1985) and Rebirth (2012), plus seven nominations. He received Jamaica's Order of Merit and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, with enduring hits like "You Can Get It If You Really Want" and covers of "I Can See Clearly Now."
Struggling Man
Written-By – Jimmy Cliff
3:27
A2 When You're Young
Written-By – Jimmy Cliff
3:23
A3 Better Days Are Coming
Written-By – Jimmy Cliff
3:15
A4 Sooner Or Later
Written-By – Jimmy Cliff
5:14
A5 Those Good Good Old Days
Written-By – Jimmy Cliff
3:49
B1 Can't Stop Worrying, Can't Stop Loving You
Written-By – Dave Mason
4:52
B2 Let's Seize The Time
Written By – G. Bright-Plummer
4:57
B3 Come On People
Written By – G. Illingworth-B. Finton
2:52
B4 I Can't Live Without You
Written By – G. Bright-Plummer
4:01
B5 Going Back West
Written-By – Jimmy Cliff
4:50
Label: Island Records – SW-9343
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: Reggae
Style: Roots Reggae
Jimmy Cliff's Struggling Man (1973) is a raw, emotionally intense album capturing his struggles in London, blending powerful reggae with soul/gospel, featuring classics like "Many Rivers to Cross," showcasing his pure voice against hardship, and highlighting his pivotal role in bringing reggae to the world. Reviews note its poignant depth, timeless melodies, and strong emotional core, despite some listeners finding it less purely roots reggae and leaning towards pop/soul.
The album's strength lies in Cliff's raw portrayal of pain, confusion, and turmoil, making it deeply personal and powerful. It moves from straightforward reggae to soulful gospel/pop, with rich backing vocals, especially on tracks like "Many Rivers to Cross"..
Recorded during a difficult period for Cliff in London, it reflects his challenges and serves as a crucial part of reggae's global story, following The Harder They Come. While some find it less "roots" and more commercial, many praise its depth, beautiful melodies, and raw honesty, with "Many Rivers to Cross" considered a masterpiece.
Highlights from Tracks:- "Many Rivers to Cross": A poignant, timeless ballad showcasing pure vocals over deep organ; "Viet Nam": A catchy and important protest song; "Sooner or Later": Noted for its strong minor-key groove.
In essence, Struggling Man is celebrated for its honest portrayal of struggle, stunning vocal performances, and pivotal tracks that cement Jimmy Cliff's legacy in reggae and beyond, even as it shows his stylistic evolution. While it may not be Cliff's most celebrated work, its "undiluted power" and emotional honesty make it a significant piece of his early 1970s discography.