Search - Third World :: 20th Anniversary Collection

Soulful reggae

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 05/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc has an appropriate and telling title, "Reggae Ambassadors." They were and still are one of the best bands to have surfaced despite Bob Marley getting most of the attention then and now. Third World were contemporaries of Bob Marley and I was lucky enough to have seen them both on the same stage. Third World have some of the sweetest soulful vocals that is reminiscent of the best American soul dating back to the 60's. This is not to say that the music is only reggae soul but rather a hybrid that flucuates and integrates the patois of the streets.There music is the best of both worlds with a highly polished yet raw sound. The songs featured on this disc are some of their best songs from the various LP's they released.There are several live songs, including "Jah Glory," "African Woman," and "Breaking Up is Hard to Do." The two discs features songs from thirteen different albums so there are bound to be some songs missing. Most of the signature Third World songs are here like "96 Degrees in The Shade," "Always Around" and "Talk to Me." There are also some oddities, previously unreleased songs, DJ edits and( including a 8:15 version of "Now That We Found Love") 12 inch versions of several songs. This deluxe two disc set is part of the Looking Forward to Looking Back Chronicles where the intent is to discover again. If your reggae knowledge is limited and you are just discovering Jamaicas sweet sound than give Third World a listen. They had great vocals, sweet harmony and music that was danceable while the lyrics stimulated your mind. A great package from one the best bands to emerge from the world of reggae music."

Oh how the mighty sell out

The masked reviewer | Teaneck, NJ | 01/19/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Ok. 96 degrees. Brilliant stuff. Then what? Disco sell out mess. If you like roots reggae DO NOT buy this CD. Buy 96 degrees and maybe some early stuff. If you like Abba's Dancing Queen a lot, then go ahead and purchase the collection. Make sure you own some Abba first.



I imagine their agent or label suggested recording mainstream disco crossover songs with a Jamaican feel. Most of their songs are what you would expect from a band at a Montego Bay hotel. Sad as when you listen to songs on their great 96 album, you will hear some of the most unique and creative songs recorded in the genre."