| Review of Dynasty by Black Uhuru | |
| Artist: Black Uhuru | |
| Album title: Dynasty | |
| Release year: 2001 | |
| Label: Sanctuary / Ras | |
| Genre: Reggae | |
| Rating: 8 out of 10 | |
| Track listing: | |
| Liberation 2000 | |
| Mother of Iration | |
| Stability | |
| Dread to Be Rasta | |
| Prophecy | |
| Bone Alone | |
| Proselyte | |
| Top of the Pop | |
| Psychopathic Drunkies | |
| Unfair Game | |
| Evil Spiritual Gangster | |
| Gathering Time | |
| Review: Dynasty is a shameless return to the classic Black Uhuru sound of the 1980s, complete with vintage '80s reggae rhythms provided by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, just like in the old days. By now the only remaining original member of the group is singer Derrick Gong Simpson (formerly known as Derrick Duckie Simpson); lead vocals are now handled by Michael Rose sound-alike Andrew Bees Beckford, while the female vocal parts come courtesy of Puma Jones sound-alike Pam Hall. All of this could have added up to a stale rehash of former glory, if it weren't for the fact that Beckford and Simpson are both in fine voice, the songwriting is as strong as ever, and Sly & Robbie can still crank out the crucial rhythms with all the strength and creativity of youth. Highlights on this fine return to form include the typically dread and unsparing Psychopathic Drunkies and Dread to Be Rasta, as well as the stern Proselyte, which berates false Rastas everywhere. The band that years ago told you to quit smiling so much is now back with a vengeance. Highly recommended to all fans of modern roots reggae. | |