Artist: Black Uhuru Album: Dynasty

Year: 2001
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: Dynasty by Black Uhuru

Black Uhuru is a reggae band that originated in Kingston, Jamaica and has made an influential impact on the Jamaican Reggae scene since the 1970s. This legendary band, known for their fiery political messages in their music, released an album in 1983, called “Dynasty”. The album was produced by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, who were also a part of the band at the time. In this post, we will review this album with a brief history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, and the most innovative part of the album.
The music genre of the album was classic roots reggae with a mix of tribal beats, heavy bass and horns, and a smooth vibe. The band focused on political and social messages in this album while still keeping the traditional sound of the genre intact. This was a different direction for the band, and it showed in the music. It was a fusion of traditional reggae with eccentric elements that screamed innovation and something different from what was just ordinary.
The album contains some of the best songs the band released, like “What is Life”, “World is Africa”, and “Chill Out”. “What is Life” starts with a beautiful horn section that leads into a powerful vocal delivery, and it’s a perfect song for people reflecting on their lives. “World is Africa” is a personal favorite, and it’s a powerful anti-colonialism song that brings out the band members’ roots and political messages. “Chill Out” is another fan favorite, and it describes the harsh realities of the world in a relaxed tone.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the vocal delivery of the band members. It was not just the usual delivery that represented reggae music. It was evident that the band had a lot to say and was on a mission to bring social issues to the forefront. They oozed with confidence in their performances, and their message was loud and clear through their music. The tone of each song was intentionally different and well crafted, making a powerful statement without comprising the delivery.
However, as great as the album is, there were a few criticisms about the album. One being that some of the tracks could have been longer, and others could have been shorter. The problem is that some songs tend to drag on, and one or two could have used an extra verse or chorus to compliment the groove. Additionally, the mixing of the album could have improved for some tracks, as it seemed mistimed or off-rhythm in some instances.
In conclusion, Black Uhuru’s “Dynasty” was a fantastic album that showed the depth of the band and their willingness to experiment with the reggae genre. The fusion of traditional reggae with eccentric elements and political messages showcased the band's talent and their dedication to social issues. The album had great energy, and the vocals were delivered with passion and confidence throughout, with a polished sound. Although the album has its flaws, the missteps didn't take anything away from the sheer brilliance of the album. Overall, it's a must-listen to all reggae and music lovers out there.