BARRINGTON LEVY’S ‘PRISON OVAL ROCK’ TURNS 40 WITH AN EXPLOSIVE REISSUE
VP Records has cracked open the vaults to celebrate Barrington Levy’s Prison Oval Rock with a powerhouse 40th anniversary edition. Produced by Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes and backed by the legendary Roots Radics, this special reissue offers a fully remastered collection of thirty-nine tracks—stacked with rare mixes, dubs, and alternate cuts.
In the early ‘80s, Spanish Town Prison Oval became the stage for one of reggae’s most electrifying moments. Barrington Levy, a rising star, stepped onto the mic with an exclusive dubplate for Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes’ Volcano Sound.
The crowd roared. The energy soared. Prisoners at the nearby Spanish Town Adult Correctional Centre climbed onto the roof, waving flaming newspapers in the night sky. That legendary dancehall session birthed Prison Oval Rock, an album that cemented Levy as a king of dancehall.
THAT NIGHT AT PRISON OVAL WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL. I KNEW THIS TUNE HAD POWER
Originally released in 1985 on Junjo’s Jah Guidance label, Prison Oval Rock was built on the militant grooves of the Roots Radics and the unmistakable swagger of Levy’s voice. The title track, later reinterpreted by Chronixx as Spanish Town Rocking still pulses with the same raw energy that ignited that unforgettable night.
Reflecting on the album’s legacy, Levy shared, “That night at Prison Oval was something special. When I saw the prisoners on the roof, I knew this tune had power.” He added, “Junjo and the Volcano Sound brought a different energy to the dancehall—it was electric, and I was proud to be part of it.“
Prison Oval Rock 40th Anniversary Edition is a deep dive into history. It stands as a love letter to an era when sound system culture ruled Jamaica’s streets. For longtime fans and fresh ears alike, this reissue is a revival of pure dancehall magic.
ABOUT BARRINGTON LEVY
Barrington Levy stormed onto the reggae scene in 1979 with Shine Eye Gal, bringing the raw energy of dancehall straight to record. His rich, soaring vocals set him apart, blending celebration with deep introspection. Over decades, his music has evolved, proving talent and substance outlast trends.
A true pioneer, Levy stands alongside Jamaica’s greatest vocalists. His influence extends beyond reggae, with collaborations spanning hip-hop and dancehall, including Garnett Silk, Bugle, Beanie Man, Shaggy and Bounty Killer.
Still commanding stages worldwide, he headlines London’s South Facing Festival on August 10, 2025, alongside Burning Spear, Sister Nancy and trailblazing DJ David Rodigan.
