Black Uhuru is probably the most successful group in the history of reggae; even several changes in the line-up didn't affect that. Derrick Simpson, Don Carlos and Rudolph Dennis formed the initial band in the Waterhouse district of Kingston - with Simpson being the only constant in all the years of Black Uhuru. Don Carlos left the group, Michael Rose replaced him, and then Rose went solo and was replaced by sound-alike Junior Reid. Sandra Jones from North Carolina, USA joined the group in 1979, and left in 1987. The original three members (Simpson, Carlos and Dennis) reunited in 1990 and are still touring around the world.

The brilliance of Black Uhuru is very simple to explain: it is the irresistible rhythm section of Sly Dunbar on drums and Robbie Shakespeare on bass, combined with the most outstanding reggae singers of the period. The most successful years where the early 80s, when the group reached its peak being the winner of the first Grammy in the reggae category in 1985 (for the album "Anthem" from 1983). The Rolling Stone magazine once ranked this album higher than any of Bob Marley's in a list of the 100 best albums of all times, and for many enthusiasts it belongs among the top ten of this list.

Michael Rose is at the peak of his form on this album. Backed by the tight and dancehall-era defining Sly & Robbie Band, the trio (Rose, Jones, Simpson) reels off eight high quality reggae cuts, including classics like "Youth Of Eglington" and "Sponji Reggae". Rose's incomparable phrasing is always politically ambitioned and deals with everyday life in Jamaica. He is talking about gunfights ("Youth Of Eglington" and "Carbine"), and is one if the first reggae acts that claims the participation of women in Rastafari religion ("Sistren").

Overall, this is a very enjoyable listen, recommended along with other fine offerings by the band, like "Chill Out" and "Sensimilla".

(Last edit: 2007, Feb 19, SB, Reggae-Shack)