'The Harder They Come' - Movie and Soundtrack Information

The Harder They Come is a 1972 film with a seminal soundtrack that helped to popularize reggae music in the United States. The film is about a young, poor Jamaican man named Ivanhoe Martin (played by Jimmy Cliff) who dreams of becoming a famous musician but ends up dealing drugs. The Harder They Come has dialogue both in standard Jamaican English and in patois. Two versions of the film are available - one with subtitles, and one without - but they have different endings. The film is not rated, but because of violence and blatant drug use, it's probably best for an adults-only audience.

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The Harder They Come soundtrack primarily showcases Jimmy Cliff, the star of the film, but also features Toots & the Maytals, The Melodians, Desmond Dekker, and others. Many of the songs from the film, including the title track, are now considered part of the classic roots reggae canon.

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Jimmy Cliff - "The Harder They Come" (Listen/Download)
The Melodians - "Rivers of Babylon" (Listen/Download)
Desmond Dekker - "007 (Shanty Town)" (Listen/Download)
The Maytals - "Pressure Drop" (Listen/Download)
Jimmy Cliff - "You Can Get it if You Really Want" (Listen/Download)