Third World - More Work to Be Done '2019

Tracks list

After over four decades as one of the preeminent Jamaican bands, Third World
returns with a prevailing prescription: there is still “more work to be
done.” Enlisting the help of Damian and Stephen Marley, as executive
producers of the 11-song set, the venerable group delivers a sharply executed
and meticulous album that mirrors the diversity of style and genre within the
expansive world of Third World. Threading classic one-drop reggae with vintage
R&B, adorned by present-day descendants of their legacy - with guests such as
Chronixx and Busy Signal - the veteran band has once again created a work of
musical art, or should it be said, art of musical work.

Leading with a seductive pacifying guitar and lilting flute, the opening
YimMasGan then springs to life, riding on a breeze of lush harmony vocals,
jumpstarting the record’s intent. From there is a shift to ‘70s
R&B, winking with a reference to 96 degrees in the shade, under spirited horns
on Third World Keeps Turning. A reggae-lite vibe carries Loving You is Easy,
while the call for racial harmony on People of a Different Color features
Pressure Busspipe as the first of several guests lending a hand.

Once again R&B details emerge, this time on Na Na Na, a kind of hybrid between
old-time dancefloor burner and current sing-along, with Chronixx bringing his
updated spark to the fire. There is another hint to the past via disco-era
voicebox dotting Feel Good made contemporary by the rapid force of Busy Signal,
whose impactful turn grabs the ear. Winner of the U.S. TV show, The Voice,
Tessanne Chin joins Tarrus Riley for the gentle Island Dreams, while the
repeated refrain rings again and again on the following Sheep in Meadows. 

Next, Damian Marley steps out from behind the board, bringing his distinctive
vocal styling to You’re Not The Only One. Give Jr. Gong a lot of credit
for keeping the sound of Third World true, and for showcasing the various
talents within the band’s songwriting and musicianship. Guests serve the
song, not the opposite, and Marley and his sibling, Stephen, along with Third
World’s singer and guitarist Cat Coore - also executive producing - find
the sweet spot between contributing and overshadowing.

The provocative title track precedes the closing Hear Us Out, and its own
message to disseminate. Though airy and upbeat, and most certainly optimistic,
it is a clear call for action. Like the ten before it, the finale exemplifies
what makes Third World an enduring group; finding the messengers - be it within
one-drop or soul or lovers’ rock - to ensure the message gets through.
And the work gets done.

Tracklist:
01. Third World - YimMasGan (5:24)
02. Third World - Third World Keeps Turning (4:43)
03. Third World - Loving You Is Easy (3:32)
04. Third World; Pressure Busspipe - People of a Different Color (3:48)
05. Third World; Chronixx - Na Na Na (3:56)
06. Third World; Busy Signal - Feel Good (3:55)
07. Third World; Tessanne Chin; Tarrus Riley - Island Dreams (4:50)
08. Third World - Sheep in Meadows (4:19)
09. Third World; Damian Jr. Gong Marley - Youre Not the Only One (4:03)
10. Third World - More Work to Be Done (3:55)
11. Third World - Hear Us Out (4:05)

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