Third World

Ain't Givin' Up

BY Brent HagermanPublished Jul 1, 2003

Third World are one of the longest running major reggae bands and their success throughout the ’80s and ’90s has been dependent on their R&B/reggae hybrid. Ain't Givin' Up continues this tradition of watered-down reggae, appealing to some, but too pop-oriented for fans of classic roots reggae. Songs like the synth bomb "Shine on Me," "Rebel Rock Session" and even the soul version of Marley's "Natural Mystic" have very little that’s rebellious about them as the clean cut production and adult contemporary vibe leave no room for any sort of edge. The more traditional sounding, "Jah Is In Your Heart" and "Ain't Givin' Up" are the album's best tracks, still mere copper among coal.
(Shanachie)

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