Both his studio works and -remarkable for Reggae- his live performances had captured the attention of millions who would otherwise not have checked Reggae Music.

Burning Spear had one big advancement over many other Reggae Artists: he was actually able to tour all over the world to perform for local audiences. And these audiences were not really aware of the latest running on Jamaica, that had a recording culture rather than a concert culture so to speak.

But that was not the only reason for the spear's success.

Part of this had to do with his albums released by Chris Blackwell's Island Records, that had then already gained a tremendous success with their transformation of Bob Marley's music for a European (and in lesser degree: American) Rock audience. 

But they left the Spear alone in that respect: his militant and charismatic works simply wouldn't allow such a treatment. Besides, Island wouldn't have released Spear's music if it were not commercially attractive for them, right?

Right.

And with that, proof is provided with the statement, that you do not have to change Reggae Music in order to be heard by a predominantly non-Reggae listening audience.

The mere hearticality, the mere message and the mere personality of Winston Rodney was enough to make Island Records become interested and release his music as it came.

Social Living is such an album created for Island Records. Raw, raw Reggae Music which obviously comes as it is. With true gems like "Marcus Say Jah No Dead", the album really is a collection of Roots Reggae avant la lettre.

This particular re-release is even better than the original vinyl album. Not only because it has obviously been digitally re-mastered, but also because some tracks come with an extended Dub mix.