Jamaica
1972- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILS 003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
D.S.R. 7724-1
D.S.R. 7725-1
Vinyl pressings
The Harder They Come / Many Rivers To Cross
by Jimmy Cliff · 1972
23 pressings7 countriesReggaeSoulReggaeFunk / Soul
The Harder They Come was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Harder They Come
10 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 3 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
Jamaica
1972- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILS 003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
FLK-7935-A frm 6695-ASide A, runout
DSR-6697-1Side B, runout
Jamaica
1972- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILS 003
- Format
- 7"
- Runout / matrix
FLK-7935-A frm 6695-A
DSR-6694-1
Jamaica
1972- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILS 003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
D.S.R. 7724-1
D.S.R. 7725-1
Jamaica
1972- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILS 003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Stereo
Jamaica
1972- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILS 003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
DSR 2235 "A" K.M
DSR 2236 "B" K.M
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 23 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Unknown | Island Records ILS 003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 003First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 003First year7" | 7" |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 003First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 003First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Japan | Island Records ILR-20426First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | UK | Island Records WIP-6139First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | UK | Island Records WiP 6139First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1973 | Australia | Island Records IK-48177", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | France | Island Records 6172 5347", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
1980s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | France | Island Records 818 039-77", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1982 | France | Island Records 6837 8277", 45 RPM, Promo, Reissue · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
Year unknown9 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Island Records K-66847", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | France | Island Records 6172 5347", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | France | Island Records 61725347", Single | 7", Single |
| ? | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 0037", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| ? | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 0037", 45 RPM, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Repress |
| ? | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 0037", 45 RPM, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Repress |
| ? | Jamaica | Island Records ILS 0037", 45 RPM, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Repress |
| ? | Mexico | EMI Capitol De Mexico, S.A. De C.V. SME-0137", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | South Africa | Island Records IS 1047", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- AThe Harder They Come
- BMany Rivers To Cross
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Harder They Come are there?
23 vinyl pressings of The Harder They Come are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1972 and 1982.
When was The Harder They Come first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Jamaica, UK, Japan. One of them is Island Records ILS 003.
How do I tell if my copy of The Harder They Come is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ILS 003, WIP-6139, WiP 6139, ILR-20426) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, D.S.R. 7724-1 and D.S.R. 7725-1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Harder They Come on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
