Here's everything you need to know about this classic album and where to find it legally.
A celebration of overcoming struggle. The organ work is reminiscent of classic Studio One.
Fans searching for a often want the full curated flow—where each song bleeds into the next—just as Riley intended. That’s why a complete folder (ZIP) is superior to streaming fragmented tracks.
The album features, as reviewers note, "tightly constructed, melodic, smart and accessible" songwriting. Best Tracks and Key Highlights
Inspired by the Jamaican working class, this song compares systemic oppression to a lead weight. The chorus: “Can’t keep a good man down / Even when heavy like lead.”
A dancehall-infused track where Riley sings, “What goes around comes around like a bicycle wheel.” It’s a warning to deceivers and oppressors.
: Supports the artist directly with digital downloads and high-fidelity options. Amazon Music : Available in CD, Vinyl, and MP3 formats. Album Tracklist
22 Feb 2015 — Provided to YouTube by VP Records Parables · Tarrus Riley Parables ℗ 2006 Vp Music Group, Inc Auto-generated by YouTube. YouTube·Tarrus Riley - Topic Parables - Album by Tarrus Riley | Spotify Parables - Album by Tarrus Riley | Spotify. Parables - Album by Tarrus Riley - Apple Music Parables - Album by Tarrus Riley - Apple Music. Apple Music Physical Media For collectors, physical copies can be found through:
Yes, if you buy from Bandcamp, Amazon, or 7digital, the ZIP includes a high-res cover (usually 1400x1400 pixels) and sometimes a PDF booklet.
A reflective piece on aging and mortality. Deeply philosophical.
: Noted for being a fan favorite and a "highly original tune" on a traditional riddim.
Upon its release, Parables received strong reviews from critics and fans alike. The songwriting was widely praised as "tightly constructed, melodic, smart and accessible." Critics noted that while Riley stayed true to the themes of Rastafari—love, righteousness, and social commentary—he did so without the "sanctimoniousness that often drives away non-devotees of hardcore reggae."
Produced by Dean Fraser, the album boasts a refined, polished sound that appeals to both purists and new listeners.
“Parables” is a 15-track journey that balances infectious rhythms with powerful messages. The full tracklist is as follows:
The musical style on "Parables" is characterized by Tarrus Riley's smooth, soulful vocals, and the album's lush instrumentation. The album features a range of rhythms, from upbeat dancehall-infused tracks to more laid-back, rootsy tunes.