Third World: Ain’t Givin’ Up (Shanachie) 3 Stars out of 4
By Dexter
http://www.indierec.com

Not only is the release of a new album by Third World (their first in four years) reason to rejoice, but that they have signed with Shanachie, a major independent distributor guarantees exposure not given their two previous albums. Third World’s unique fusion of reggae and R&B; has met with a good deal of criticism, but they’ve rightfully ignored their critics to produce some of the most vibrant music throughout their storied thirty year career. Now with Shanachie they should receive the major backing they did in their heyday while with Island Records.

While a bit bloated at fourteen tracks (along with none of the long instrumental interludes that marked some of their greatest hits) Ain’t Givin’ Up is satisfying and sometimes spectacular. One only song can be added to their pantheon of Greatest Hits, the pulsating “As One,” but there are any number of highlights and pleasurable diversions. “As One” with the chorus of “Let’s Live As One” espouses world unity and harmony amidst the reality of war and terrorism. It’s classic Third World.

Oddly, two of the best tracks are R&B; ballads. Their interpretation of Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic” is a beautiful rendering, reinterpreting another’s composition and making it their own (as they did with the O’Jays “Now That We Found Love” and the collaborative effort with Stevie Wonder on “Try Jah Love.”). Likewise “It’s Not Too Late (Sleeper Awake)” is Third World Unplugged – a passionate piano and cello-driven lament on the state of the environment.

Keep in mind that like Earth Wind & Fire Third World remains a band (unlike the Isley Brothers where only Ernie Isley remains as a musician from the original group). Even devoid of vocals the music itself and stellar musicians are extraordinary. One of the best examples of this is “Fire and Desire” featuring dancehall legend Lady Saw. On first (second and third) listen it was disappointing, with Lady Saw too much in the forefront. She and her dancehall rap aren’t necessary. But the song, even Lady Saw’s contribution, grows on you, aided greatly by some of the albums most haunting music. Amidst an up-tempo percolating track are two extraordinary string interludes. It’s got hit (at least on reggae stations) written all over it, due in great part to Lady Saw’s popularity. Listen carefully and you hear almost two songs in one.

“Get over it” is another mid-tempo mix of reggae and R&B; the band is most noted (and unjustifiably criticized) for, dealing with the heartbreak of a breakup followed by the healing. And “It’s Over Now” is another fusion of the two art forms, dealing with the end of a relationship and beginning of a friendship. It opens with a beautiful string quartet played by Stephen “Cat” Coore.

Third World has never abandoned the music that propelled them to stardom thirty years ago. Unlike the Isley Brothers they’ve never desired to reinvent themselves to garner new (meaning younger) listeners. They’ve stubbornly stayed true to their musical roots and legacy and Ain’t Giving Up reintroduces great music, vocal performances and stellar musicians to those who thought they may have faded away due to lack of promotion. Hopefully their relationship with Shanachie will continue and we won’t have to wait another four years for a new set of tunes.