After a 15-year layoff, legendary reggae band Black Uhuru returns with a 15-track effort that shows they've still got it. Originally founded back in 1972, the Kingston, Jamaica-based outfit is second only to Bob Marley in terms of all-time sales in the genre, and toured with the Police and the Rolling Stones back in the day.
But enough about the past — As the World Turns has sights set on the future. Longtime frontman Duckie Simpson, along with trusted names like keyboardist Horace "King Hopeton" Campbell, guitarist Leebert "Gibby" Morrison and vocalist Nicole "Nikki" Burt, deliver conscious vibes like lead single "Chalice," a number that feels both throwback and fresh all at once.
Even after being in the industry for 50-plus years, Simpson's vocals sound as youthful and reverent as ever: the title track takes insightful stock of the state of the world, "Spectrum" rides its horns hard as it makes a statement on human nature, rising star Agent Sasco joins the fray with standout "Stronger, " while the self-explanatory "Jamaica Herbman" still has something to say about the benefits of the legendary plant.
Black Uhuru have traditionally been rooted in Rastafarian music and Jamaican anti-colonialism, and As the World Turns strongly maintains this mandate. The 2018 project proves that the group still has something to say, after all these years.
(Independent)But enough about the past — As the World Turns has sights set on the future. Longtime frontman Duckie Simpson, along with trusted names like keyboardist Horace "King Hopeton" Campbell, guitarist Leebert "Gibby" Morrison and vocalist Nicole "Nikki" Burt, deliver conscious vibes like lead single "Chalice," a number that feels both throwback and fresh all at once.
Even after being in the industry for 50-plus years, Simpson's vocals sound as youthful and reverent as ever: the title track takes insightful stock of the state of the world, "Spectrum" rides its horns hard as it makes a statement on human nature, rising star Agent Sasco joins the fray with standout "Stronger, " while the self-explanatory "Jamaica Herbman" still has something to say about the benefits of the legendary plant.
Black Uhuru have traditionally been rooted in Rastafarian music and Jamaican anti-colonialism, and As the World Turns strongly maintains this mandate. The 2018 project proves that the group still has something to say, after all these years.