Jimmy Cliff - Wonderful World Beautiful People 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Jimmy Cliff’s reggae masterpiece where the protest anthem Vietnam meets uplifting hope and rare vinyl treasures

Jimmy Cliff Wonderful World Beautiful People + Vietnam

"Wonderful World, Beautiful People" is by Jimmy Cliff, released as a single in 1969. The song became a hit in several countries and is considered one of Jimmy Cliff's most well-known and enduring songs. The song was written by Jimmy Cliff and produced by Leslie Kong. The lyrics of the song is a tribute to the beauty of the world and the people in it. The song was included in the album "Jimmy Cliff" and later was included in many compilations.

"Wonderful World, Beautiful People" Album Description:

"Wonderful World, Beautiful People," released in 1970 in Germany, marks one of Jimmy Cliff's earliest and most influential albums. This album played a crucial role in bringing reggae to international audiences, showcasing Cliff's unique voice and socially conscious songwriting.

Upon its release, the album achieved significant commercial success, especially in Europe, where reggae was beginning to gain traction. The title track, "Wonderful World, Beautiful People," became an international hit, celebrated for its hopeful message and infectious rhythm. The album's production, while relatively simple compared to later works, captures the raw energy and authenticity of Cliff's early sound.

What distinguishes this album is its groundbreaking role in popularizing reggae music outside Jamaica. Cliff's poignant lyrics and melodic sensibility resonated with a global audience, paving the way for future reggae artists. "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" remains a landmark album, celebrated for its historical significance and enduring appeal.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Reggae

Label & Catalognr:

Island Records – 86 488 ET

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo LP
Album weight: 200 gram

Year & Country:

1970 – Made in Germany

Album Production Information:

The album "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" was produced by Leslie Kong and Jimmy Cliff.

Arranged by Larry Fallon.

Photography by Richard Polak.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Jimmy Cliff – Vocals

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Time Will Tell – 3:19 (Cliff)
  2. Many Rivers to Cross – 2:44 (Cliff)
  3. Viet Nam – 4:52 (Cliff)
  4. Use What I Got – 3:04 (Cliff)
  5. Hard Road to Travel – 2:36
  6. Wonderful World, Beautiful People – 3:15 (Cliff)
Video: Jimmy Cliff - Vietnam -
Video: Jimmy Cliff - Wonderful World, Beautiful People
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Sufferin' in the Land – 3:12 (Cliff)
  2. Hello Sunshine – 2:49 (Cliff)
  3. My Ancestors – 3:34 (Tubert)
  4. That's the Way Life Goes – 2:12 (Cliff)
  5. Come into My Life – 2:55 (Cliff)
Song Interpretation: "Vietnam" – Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff’s “Vietnam” is a haunting protest song that humanizes the tragedy of war. Instead of political slogans, it tells a simple but devastating personal story.

  • Opening Verse: A young man receives a cheerful letter from his friend serving in Vietnam, assuring him that everything is fine. This sets up hope and normalcy.
  • Second Verse: Soon after, a telegram arrives from the government, not from the friend. It announces that the same soldier is dead. The contrast between the letter and the telegram exposes the sudden brutality of war.
  • Refrain: Cliff repeats “Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam” like a cry of pain, emphasizing the endless suffering and echoing the headlines of the era.
  • Closing: The song leaves the listener with grief and outrage — a personal story that symbolizes thousands of families’ losses, making it one of the most powerful anti-war songs of its time.
Album Front Cover Photo
Album cover featuring Jimmy Cliff against a plain wooden background. He stands upright, gazing directly at the camera with a calm but intense expression. He wears a faded tie-dyed shirt with long red sleeves, partially unbuttoned to reveal his chest. Around his neck hangs a long chain with a prominent curved tooth or horn-shaped pendant. His dark hair is short and natural, and his hands rest casually in front of him. The cover text appears above in bold yellow capital letters reading 'JIMMY CLIFF', while in the top right corner a black diagonal stamp says 'including Vietnam'. The image evokes rawness, simplicity, and honesty, placing the artist at the center without distraction.

The album cover presents Jimmy Cliff standing against a simple wooden backdrop, which enhances the earthy and unpolished atmosphere. His pose is direct and unguarded, leaning slightly with a natural stance that conveys both confidence and vulnerability.

He wears a tie-dyed shirt, faded in tone but accented with striking red sleeves. The shirt is unbuttoned low on his chest, drawing attention to a necklace with a large curved tooth or horn pendant that hangs as a bold centerpiece.

Cliff’s expression is serious yet contemplative, his eyes meeting the viewer with intensity. His short natural hair frames his face, emphasizing his strong features. The wood grain background contrasts with the vibrancy of his shirt and pendant.

At the top, the artist’s name JIMMY CLIFF is written in large, bold yellow block letters. In the upper right, a black diagonal stamp announces including Vietnam, highlighting the powerful protest anthem featured on the record.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of the album Wonderful World Beautiful People by Jimmy Cliff. The photograph shows Cliff in profile, turning his head slightly towards the camera with an intent and watchful gaze. He wears a tan suede jacket with long fringe details along the sleeves and shoulders, standing against a cream-colored brick wall marked with red spray-painted graffiti. To the right of the image, the complete track listing for both sides of the record is printed in red text, numbered and titled clearly. Small production credits are listed at the bottom left, including arrangement by Larry Fallon, production by Leslie Kong and Jimmy Cliff, and photography by Richard Polak. Stickers for catalog number and code labels appear in the upper corners, giving the cover an authentic vintage vinyl appearance.

The back cover features Jimmy Cliff in a striking half-profile pose. His body faces forward, but his head is turned toward the camera, creating an expression of quiet intensity and curiosity. His eyes catch the light, giving a sense of immediacy and presence.

He wears a tan suede jacket adorned with long fringe along the arms and shoulders, evoking both style and a hint of ruggedness. Behind him, the cream-colored brick wall carries streaks of red spray-painted graffiti, contrasting with his calm demeanor.

On the right-hand side, the track listing for Side 1 and Side 2 is laid out in red text, presenting songs such as “Time Will Tell,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” and “Vietnam.” Below, production notes credit Leslie Kong and Jimmy Cliff as producers, Larry Fallon as arranger, and Richard Polak for photography.

Catalog number labels and a yellow sticker in the corners emphasize the album’s physical authenticity, reminding the viewer of its original vinyl release era.

Close-up of Record Label
Close-up of the Side One record label for Jimmy Cliff's album Wonderful World, Beautiful People. The label is printed on a soft blue background with a gradient that darkens toward the edges. At the bottom center sits the Island Records logo, featuring a yellow sun setting behind a green palm tree within a white outlined square. Above the spindle hole, the album title is printed in bold black letters, followed by the track list for Side One: Time Will Tell, Many Rivers to Cross, Vietnam, Use What I Got, and Hard Road to Travel. Jimmy Cliff’s name is displayed prominently in uppercase letters, with production credits to Leslie Kong and Jimmy Cliff. To the right, the catalog number 86 488 ET and the word STEREO are printed in black. Surrounding the outer edge are white circular text warnings against unauthorized duplication and lending. Additional identifiers include the ST 33 logo, GEMA rights society box, side designation C 86 488 A, and a small code number 0407 inside a circle. The design is both practical and emblematic of Island Records' 1970s aesthetic.

This close-up reveals the Side One record label of Jimmy Cliff’s Wonderful World, Beautiful People. The background fades in a soft blue gradient that accentuates the bold black text.

The top portion lists the album title and songs on Side One: Time Will Tell, Many Rivers to Cross, Vietnam, Use What I Got, and Hard Road to Travel. Beneath them, Cliff’s name appears in uppercase, followed by production credits to Leslie Kong and Jimmy Cliff.

To the right side, details include catalog number 86 488 ET, stereo designation, and identifier code 0407. On the left are the ST 33 logo, GEMA rights box, and side designation C 86 488 A. The outer rim features white text warnings about copyright and duplication.

At the bottom, the iconic Island Records logo stands out: a radiant yellow sun setting behind a green palm tree within a white-outlined square, instantly tying the label to its reggae and world music legacy.

Index of JIMMY CLIFF Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

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JIMMY CLIFF - Reggae Night 12" Vinyl Maxi Single
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Updated JIMMY CLIFF - Wonderful World Beautiful People album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
JIMMY CLIFF - Wonderful World Beautiful People 12" Vinyl LP

Released in 1970 in Germany, this landmark reggae album introduced Jimmy Cliff’s powerful voice and socially conscious songwriting to the world. "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" helped reggae cross borders, blending hope and protest into an enduring cultural milestone.

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