Black Uhuru Albums (24)
What The Critics Say
Dynasty is a shameless return to the classic Black Uhuru sound of the 1980s, complete with vintage '80s reggae rhythms provided by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, just like in the old days. By now the only remaining original member of the group is singer Derrick "Gong" Simpson (formerly known as Derrick "Ducky" Simpson); lead vocals are now handled by Michael Rose sound-alike "Andrew Bees" Beckford, while the female vocal parts come courtesy of Puma Jones sound-alike Pam Hall. All of this could have added up to a stale rehash of former glory, if it weren't for the fact that Beckford and Simpson are both in fine voice, the songwriting is as strong as ever, and Sly & Robbie can still crank out the crucial rhythms with all the strength and creativity of youth. Highlights on this fine return to form include the typically dread and unsparing "Psychopathic Drunkies" and "Dread to be Rasta," as well as the stern "Proselyte," which berates false Rastas everywhere. The band that years ago told you to quit smiling so much is now back with a vengeance. Highly recommended to all fans of modern roots reggae. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
'Reunification'
Release Date 10/13/1998
Tracks 14
Label Five Star General
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What The Critics Say
Nicely done dub version of Black Uhuru's Strongg album, with the rhythm section kept solid and everything else subject to the mutable nature of dub mixing. The drum seat for the tracks was held down by Rangutan Smith, who provides a steady riddim, with Sly Dunbar popping up on several cuts. Bagga Walker and Derrick Barnett split the bass duties. While the mix keeps a steady throb, the mixing magic isn't quite as lunatic as it could be -- Black Uhuru could use a helping hand from someone with the dub wizardry of Mikey Dread. A good album for kicking back and relaxing, all the same. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide
'Mystical Truth Dub'
Release Date 9/17/1993
Tracks 16
Label Mesa/Bluemoon
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'Mystical Truth'
Release Date 1/1/1993
Tracks 12
Label Mesa Blue Moon
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What The Critics Say
Ever since its earliest incarnation as a standard male vocal harmony group, Black Uhuru's uncompromising Rasta nationalism has set the band apart from most of its peers. In those days, Black Uhuru was an inspiring force within the reggae subculture. Then two things happened: first, one of the male singers was replaced by the American expatriate Puma Jones, who contributed her unique and eerie female voice to the mix. Second, the band teamed up with the legendary rhythm section of drummer Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, thus creating one of the most popular and influential reggae units in the world. Puma, tragically, died of cancer in the late 1980s; the trio of singers went all-male again and split with Sly & Robbie, and the resulting group has made fine records, but nothing to rival its groundbreaking early work. Iron Storm Dub is the dub version of Iron Storm, an album of relatively straight-ahead (if rather slick-sounding) modern reggae. The dub versions collected here are excellent-echoing drums, disappearing guitars and the occasional otherworldly shards of vocals drifting and bouncing through the mixes, to greatest effect on tracks like "Breakout" and "Dance Hall Vibes." Two versions of the wanky "Tip of the Iceberg," however, is two more than the world really needed. Recommended primarily for fans. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Decent but not essential, Iron Storm falls short of the type of excellence one associates with Black Uhuru. This isn't a bad album by any means, but it's less than a listener expects from the original lineup of Don Carlos, Garth Dennis and Duckie Simpson. The CD's more memorable cuts include "Tip Of The Iceberg" (which boasts a poignant rap by distinguished guest Ice-T), the painfully honest "Bloodshed" and the moving title song. But for all its strong points, Iron Storm is a CD that only completists and the more devoted Uhuru fans should acquire. For novices, Chill Out or Red would be a better place to start. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
