Forces of Victory, Linton Kwesi Johnson

Linton Kwesi Johnson – Forces of Victory

Artist: Linton Kwesi Johnson (LKJ)

Title: Forces of Victory

Album Type: Second Studio Album

Original Release Date: May 1979

Label: Island Records

Genre: Dub Poetry / Reggae

Background & Production Forces of Victory is a seminal masterpiece of the Dub Poetry movement, where the rhythmic power of reggae meets the fierce intellectual weight of political verse. Produced by Linton Kwesi Johnson and Dennis "Blackbeard" Bovell, the album was recorded at Gooseberry Studios in London. Unlike the more commercial reggae of the late 70s, LKJ’s work was deeply rooted in the struggles of the British Caribbean community, addressing police brutality, systemic racism, and the rise of the National Front. The collaboration with Dennis Bovell—one of the architects of Lovers Rock and UK Dub—resulted in some of the most sophisticated and "heavy" reggae rhythms ever recorded on British soil.

Musical Composition & Style The album is defined by its stark contrast: Bovell’s lush, incredibly tight bass-heavy grooves and LKJ’s calm, resolute delivery in his native Jamaican patois.

• The Anthems of Resistance: Tracks like "Sonny's Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)" are landmarks of the genre, telling the harrowing story of a young man caught up in the "Sus" laws of the 1970s. Its driving bassline and dramatic narrative make it one of the most powerful tracks in the history of reggae.

• The "Blackbeard" Sound: The instrumentation features an elite group of musicians including John Kpiaye (guitar) and Webster Johnson (keyboards). The title track, "Forces of Victory," is a triumphant, horn-led march celebrating the resilience of the community.

• Dub Sophistication: Tracks like "Fite Dem Back" utilize a militant, steady rhythm to underscore poems about direct action and self-defense against racial violence.

Legacy & Collector Notes Linton Kwesi Johnson is only the second living poet (and the first black poet) to be published in the Penguin Modern Classics series, and Forces of Victory is arguably his finest musical achievement. For vinyl collectors, original UK Island Records pressings are highly coveted for their incredible low-end frequency response—the "Blackbeard" bass needs to be heard on a high-quality system to be fully appreciated. It is an essential cornerstone for any Shopify store specializing in Reggae, UK Dub, Political Music, or Post-Punk-era crossover records.

• Keywords: Linton Kwesi Johnson, LKJ, Forces of Victory, Dennis Bovell, Island Records, 1979 Vinyl, Dub Poetry, Reggae, Sonny's Lettah, UK Dub.

• Collection Ideas: Reggae & Dub Masterpieces, Music of the Black British Experience, Political & Protest Classics, The Dennis Bovell Productions.

• Related Artists: Dennis Bovell, The Slits, Steel Pulse, Mutabaruka, The Pop Group.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve