Black Uhuru Official - "Red"

45 years ago, Black Uhuru Official released “Red.” Arriving less than a year after “Sinsemilla,” this became one of the Jamaican reggae group’s most acclaimed albums. Led by primary songwriter Michael Rose (23), he was accompanied by vocalists Puma Jones and Duckie Simpson; Red was produced by its rhythm section Sly & Robbie. NME ranked it 3rd Best Album of 1981; recently Rolling Stone placed it 466th Greatest Album of All Time. Fun fact: In 1984 Black Uhuru opened for King Sunny Ade at Dane County Coliseum. See our original promotional album poster + more in Comments.

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Review by Stephen Cook

The sophomore release from the third and most successful incarnation of Black Uhuru (singers Don Carlos, Erroll "Jay" Wilson, and Rudolph "Garth" Dennis had come before), Red spotlights the singing talents of then rising star Michael Rose, American-born Sandra "Puma" Jones, and original member Derrick "Duckie" Simpson. Backed by the tight and dancehall-era defining Sly & Robbie band, the trio reels off eight high-quality reggae cuts here, including classics like "Youth of Eglington" and "Sponji Reggae." Filled with Rose's astute lyrics, the album provides an engaging blend of steppers rhythms and social commentary. Sly & Robbie's ingenious mix of sophisticated roots reggae and a variety of modern touches (synthesizers, electronic drums) not only brought Black Uhuru widespread fame but, along with Henry "Junjo" Lawes and Prince Jammy's contemporary productions, also helped define the slicked-up last stand of roots rhythms in the first half of the '80s, while foreshadowing reggae's coming digital age. A very enjoyable listen, recommended along with other fine offerings by the band like Chill Out and the Grammy-winning Anthem.

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