I Can See Clearly NowJimmy Cliff1rank/position

Jimmy Cliff – I Can See Clearly Now

Singer Jimmy Cliff from Jamaica is famous as a reggae singer, but he is also well-versed in mento, Jamaica’s traditional folk music.

His signature work, “I Can See Clearly Now,” is a piece that fully showcases mento.

While it doesn’t explicitly take spring as its theme, it features a gentle, delicate melody that brings mento to the forefront.

It perfectly matches the calm atmosphere of spring, so be sure to check it out.

C’mon Get HappyJimmy Cliff2rank/position

Jimmy Cliff – C’Mon Get Happy

Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican reggae singer who transcends genres.

This song is a single he released in 2013 and was featured in Volkswagen’s Super Bowl commercial campaign, “Get Happy.” Its upbeat rhythm makes you want to hum along! Overflowing with a happy vibe, this track perfectly suits a calm, sunny day.

It’ll make you want to head out for a drive, play it as background music, and enjoy the outing with your family, your partner, or someone you love.

Many Rivers To CrossJimmy Cliff3rank/position

Many Rivers To Cross

It’s a number with a deep, soulful vocal that resonates in the heart.

The lyrics, filled with the strength to overcome life’s trials and the determination to keep moving forward, seize listeners and don’t let go.

Released in 1969, the song is said to have been written by Jimmy Cliff when he was 21.

It has long been loved as a song that stands by those who’ve experienced heartbreak or setbacks.

It was also included on the soundtrack of the film “The Harder They Come,” helping to spread the appeal of reggae music around the world.

It’s the perfect track for when you’re feeling down or need to rally yourself.

Why not sing it with feeling, while sensing the depth of Cliff’s emotions?

Wild WorldJimmy Cliff4rank/position

Jimmy Cliff – Wild World (1970)

The original is by Cat Stevens, who also wrote the lyrics and composed the music.

This Jimmy Cliff version was released as a single just a few months after Cat’s original was released, and it became a Top Ten hit in the UK.

Opportunity only knocks onceJimmy Cliff5rank/position

Jimmy Cliff—Opportunity only knocks once

Alongside Bob Marley as a pioneer of reggae who continued to share it with the world, Jimmy Cliff.

This track’s album was, amazingly, recorded at the holy ground of American soul, Muscle Shoals.

Unfortunately, it has not been released on CD.

It’s a hidden gem.

The Harder They ComeJimmy Cliff6rank/position

The Harder They Come

Even before reggae was established as a distinct musical genre, Jimmy Cliff was a pioneering artist who helped drive the development of the reggae scene.

He forged an original sound and a musical identity rooted in Jamaica.

This work, too, offers a reggae sound that seems to serve as a model for how to express such innovative elements through music.

The bright yet slightly gritty organ tone and the rhythmic, catchy guitar chops create an open, liberating mood.

It still doesn’t feel dated even today.

VietnamJimmy Cliff7rank/position

Vietnam

It sings of the tragedy of the Vietnam War.

It’s a work released in 1969 by reggae legend Jimmy Cliff from Jamaica, and a revival of an earlier release.

There’s a famous story that Bob Dylan praised it as the best protest song he had ever heard up to that point.

The song’s content is a heartbreaking episode: a young man who was a soldier is about to finish his tour in Vietnam and head home—after a letter arrives with that news, a telegram comes the very next day announcing that he has been killed in action.

It became a topic of conversation when Paul Simon sang this song on stage at a live show and invited Jimmy Cliff as a guest for a collaboration.