Description
The Jamaican-bred Inner Circle is one of the world’s most respected reggae groups in the world, with a long string of successes stretching back to the mid-70′s. The two-time Grammy-winning quintet’s special brand of pop-oriented Jamaican beats and energy-filled live performances allow the band to transcend the traditional reggae niche and enjoy widespread crossover appeal. A mainstay at many of the world’s largest music festivals, Inner Circle has shared the stage with music icons such as Elton John, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Black Crowes, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Carlos Santana and many others.
Inner Circle is perhaps most known for the success of “Bad Boys,” the title track from the album of the same name, and the theme song to the television show, Cops. “Bad Boys” became a number one hit in almost every European territory and sold seven million copies worldwide. After winning a 1993 Grammy for Best Reggae Album with “Bad Boys,” the band scored again with the 1994 hit album “Reggae Dancer.”
Along the way, the group withstood two-and-a-half decades of triumph and tragedy, including the death of original lead singer, Jacob Miller, and various lineup changes. Despite these challenges, Inner Circle’s intense loyalty to one another – and their fans – has yielded more than 30 years of chart-topping hits and world tours. “To some people a world tour is North America, Europe and Japan, but not us. If it’s on the map, we’re going there,” says Inner Circle artist Ian Lewis. “Traveling around the world, you really learn that everybody’s basically the same. Music is the highest language; it transcends politics, geography, skin color; it transcends all the things that separate people.”
After over three decades, Inner Circle remains one of reggae's most successful crossover groups. Their most recent full album, Blazzin' Fire: Classic Cuts (DubShotta/SoundBwoy Ent), echoes their universal relevance, with hard-hitting lyrics and guest appearances by the likes of Buju Banton, Pitbull, Stephen and Damian Marley, Anthony B and more. Blazzin' Fire: Classic Cuts and Inner Circle’s intense tour schedule re-asserts the depth of Inner Circle's musical history. They are survivors, one of a handful of pioneering reggae bands still around with the credentials and artistry to do it.
Top Inner Circle Songs of All Time