REVIEW: Third World, Generation Coming (Gator)
- Reto Koradi
Reggae has certainly seen brighter times than the 90s. Apart from some smash hits by Inner Circle a few years back, its biggest chart bubbles came, somewhat ironically, from countries like Sweden, with Ace of Base, Dr. Alban, and the like. Artists such as Jimmy Cliff and Third World are keeping the flag up with tireless live appearances, but the mass public seems to have turned away since the much too early loss of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Third World, with more than 25 years of band history to their credit, are trying to span a bridge between traditional reggae and more modern influences with their latest album, Generation Coming. The first half of the album is dominated by the first category, with fine, solid songs such as "Clown In A Circus" and the title track, and the more catchy numbers "Tuff Me Tuff" and "Can't Afford To Lose". The second half gets much more adventurous, most notably with "Dem Man Deh" featuring heavy drum beats and sampled sounds, and "Millennium Symphony", an instrumental track with many classical elements, including strings.
To complete these new originals, Third World throw in three covers. Considering how much Police were always affiliated with reggae, the choice of their classic "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" looks almost obvious, and they do the expected nice job on it. Next in line is "Love Train" by the O'Jays, and the set is topped off by the most surprising selection. "Baltimore" would probably win the award for best reggae version of a Randy Newman song simply due to lack of competition, but it also shows that real quality easily lasts over twenty years and a total style change.
It is doubtful that Generation Coming will change the regrettable shadow existence of the reggae scene, but if you are ready for a personal dose, Third World are certainly one of your better tickets. The official web site of the band is at http://www.thirdworldband.com .
