Third World - Arise In Harmony (1999)

Album review
1980's ARISE IN HARMONY is an excellent example of Third World's post-96 DEGREES IN THE SHADE transition period, from the heavy roots reggae of their earliest albums to the lighter, slicker, and poppier albums of the ALL THE WAY STRONG era. While it would be a few albums yet until Third World made a full-fledged bid for pop crossover, there's no denying that there's a cleaner and poppier vibe here.

Even Rasta devotionals like "Bridge of Life" and slice-of-Kingston-life numbers like "Uptown Rebel" and "Prisoner in the Street" (later the theme song of the Jamaican film of that name) have subtle synth coloration and brighter arrangements. The overall effect is not unlike the first couple of UB40 records mixed with late-era Bob Marley. Strict purists might sniff, but there's no denying that this stuff sounds terrific. This reissue includes three bonus tracks from the same era.

Tracklist:
1 Arise
2 Stand
3 Visit From Mozambique
4 Uptown Rebel
5 Prisoner In The Street
6 Stand Up On Your Own Two Feet
7 Stay
8 Saturday Evening
9 Dancing In The Rain
10 Bridge Of Life
11 Give A Little Something