Black Uhuru - Black Sounds Of Freedom (2009)

Formed in 1974, Black Uhuru had been recording singles exclusively when the trio joined forces with the highly regarded reggae producer Prince Jammy for their debut album, Black Sounds of Freedom (originally released in a different mix and titled Love Crisis). Although not quite in a class with subsequent treasures like 1981's Red and 1982's Chill Out, this engaging date (which Shanachie reissued on CD in 1990) has all of Uhuru's trademarks: haunting themes, addictive grooves, and deeply spiritual lyrics based on the Rastafarian faith. Longtime followers of the group (whose 1977 lineup included Michael Rose, Errol Nelson, and original member Duckie Simpson) will be more than familiar with such heartfelt classics as "I Love King Selassie," "African Love," and "Satan Army Band." These songs point to the fact that in 1977, Uhuru were well on their way to becoming the reggae powerhouse they would be in the '80s. ~ Alex Henderson

Tracklist:
1.01 - Black Uhuru - I Love King Selassie (4:34)
1.02 - Black Uhuru - Satan Army Band (3:01)
1.03 - Black Uhuru - Time To Unite (3:03)
1.04 - Black Uhuru - Natural Mystic (3:08)
1.05 - Black Uhuru - Eden Out Deh (3:30)
1.06 - Black Uhuru - Love Crisis (3:13)
1.07 - Black Uhuru - African Love (3:39)
1.08 - Black Uhuru - Hard Ground (3:03)
1.09 - Black Uhuru - Willow Tree (2:58)
1.10 - Black Uhuru - Sorry For The Man (4:03)
1.11 - Prince Jammy - Eden Dub (4:10)
1.12 - Prince Jammy - Mystic Mix (3:36)
1.13 - Prince Jammy - His Imperial Majesty (3:43)
1.14 - Prince Jammy - Weeping Willow (4:09)
1.15 - Prince Jammy - Bad Girls Dub (3:25)
1.16 - Prince Jammy - Tonight Is The Night (3:55)
1.17 - Prince Jammy - Firehouse Special (3:03)
1.18 - Prince Jammy - African Culture (3:45)
1.19 - Prince Jammy - Crisis Dub (3:45)
1.20 - Prince Jammy - Sound Man Style (3:27)
1.21 - Black Uhuru - Crisis For Love (3:14)
1.22 - Black Uhuru - Satan Army Band (Love Crisis Mix) (3:03)
1.23 - Black Uhuru - Tonight Is The Night To Unite (3:06)
1.24 - Black Uhuru - Eden Out Deh (Love Crisis Mix) (3:30)
1.25 - Black Uhuru - Sorry For The Man (Love Crisis Mix) (4:07)
1.26 - U-Black - Love You Girl (3:03)
1.27 - Black Uhuru - I Love King Selassie (Love Crisis Mix) (4:40)
1.28 - U-Black - King Of All Time (3:09)
1.29 - Black Uhuru - Natural Mystic (Love Crisis Mix) (3:06)
1.30 - Black Uhuru - Hard Ground (Love Crisis Mix) (3:03)
1.31 - U-Black - Crocodile Style (2:52)
1.32 - Black Uhuru - African Love (Love Crisis Mix) (3:39)
1.33 - U-Black - Ride Into Zion (3:52)
1.34 - Black Uhuru - Willow Tree (Love Crisis Mix) (2:54)