Victims is an album by the South African musician Lucky Dube, released in 1993.[2][3] It has sold more than a million copies.[4] Lucky Dube supported the album with a North American tour.[5]
Victims | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 1993 | |||
Genre | Reggae | |||
Label | Shanachie[1] | |||
Producer | Richard Siluma, Simon Law | |||
Lucky Dube chronology | ||||
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Production
editThe album was produced by Richard Siluma and Simon Law.[6] The title track, about black-on-black crime, references Bob Marley's "Redemption Song".[7][8] "Keep On Knocking" is about the love of a mother for her child.[9] Lucky Dube based his lyrics on the experiences of real people, rather than news coverage of political events.[10] Lucky Dube used a horn section and emphasized a more rock guitar style.[11] Lucky Dube's backing band, the Slaves, performed on Victims.[12]
Critical reception
editReview scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [13] |
Robert Christgau | [14] |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [15] |
MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide | [16] |
The Philadelphia Inquirer | [17] |
The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that "Lucky Dube's buttery baritone, Rasta preacher vibe and relaxed old-style groove will come as a delight to fans of the classic Wailers records."[17] The Chicago Tribune noted that the album "mixes Jamaican and African influences with a sharply modern pop-oriented approach."[18] The Tampa Tribune called it "an appealing blend of solid, grooving music with a concern for the plight of the oppressed."[19]
The Gazette determined that "the singer's studio delivery always seems less fiery, less passionate ... that has never been truer than on his latest release."[20] The Boston Globe stated that "smooth horns and a myriad of percussion instruments keep things moving seamlessly as Dube tackles his usual themes of oppression, racism and liberation in the spiritual and physical sense."[21] The Boston Herald concluded that Lucky Dube's "range of material—from heart-wrenching groovers to tough-minded reggae-rockers—and vivid arrangements make this album a contemporary roots reggae treasure."[22] The Columbus Dispatch included Victims on its list of the best albums of 1993.[23]
AllMusic wrote that the album "manages to ease him into a lighter, more commercial setting without diluting his message or sound."[13]
Track listing
editNo. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Different Colours / One People" | |
2. | "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" | |
3. | "Victims" | |
4. | "My World" | |
5. | "My Game" | |
6. | "Keep On Knocking" | |
7. | "Soldiers for Righteousness" | |
8. | "You Know (Where to Find Me)" | |
9. | "Johnny" | |
10. | "Little Heroes" |
References
edit- ^ Benarde, Scott (June 20, 1993). "World Harmony Links Music of Morrison, Clegg, Dube". The Palm Beach Post. p. 3J.
- ^ Barlow, Sean; Eyre, Banning (1995). Afropop!. Chartwell Books, Inc. p. 19.
- ^ Gehr, Richard (16 July 1993). "When Lucky Dube began singing reggae...". Weekend. Newsday. p. 77.
- ^ "Obituary: Lucky Dube". The Guardian. October 22, 2007.
- ^ Schulman, Sandra (18 June 1993). "Reggae Takes Lucky Dube's Message to the Masses". Features Showtime. Sun-Sentinel. p. 30.
- ^ "Album reviews — Victims by Lucky Dube". Billboard. Vol. 105, no. 27. Jul 3, 1993. p. 48.
- ^ Eng, Monica (July 2, 1993). "Lucky Dube Sparks Reggae Explosion". Weekend Plus. Chicago Sun-Times. p. 27.
- ^ Havea, Jione; Neville, David J.; Wainwright, Elaine M. (March 15, 2014). Bible, Borders, Belonging(s): Engaging Readings from Oceania. Society of Biblical Lit.
- ^ Tanzilo, Robert (2 July 1993). "Reggae star to sing here". Feature. Milwaukee Sentinel.
- ^ Reilly, Terry (November 17, 1993). "Tuning in to the real thing". News. The Age. p. 17.
- ^ Morse, Steve (8 July 1993). "Reggae rhythms rolling in". Calendar. The Boston Globe. p. 6.
- ^ Professor Skank (13 Aug 1993). "'Victims' Lucky Dube". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 8F.
- ^ a b "Lucky Dube Victims". AllMusic.
- ^ "Lucky Dube". Robert Christgau.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 3. MUZE. pp. 141–142.
- ^ MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 2000. p. 234.
- ^ a b Wood, Sam (29 June 1993). "Lucky Dube Victims". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. E1.
- ^ Heim, Chris (2 July 1993). "Club and concert dates". Friday. Chicago Tribune. p. R.
- ^ Booth, Philip (June 20, 1993). "The worldbeat goes on". Baylife. The Tampa Tribune. p. 10.
- ^ Feist, Daniel (31 July 1993). "Dube's intensity fails to make transition from stage to recording studio". The Gazette. p. D2.
- ^ Cawley, Jimmy (30 June 1994). "Lucky Dube Victims". Calendar. The Boston Globe.
- ^ Katz, Larry (July 9, 1993). "Discs". Boston Herald. p. S18.
- ^ "Best Albums 1993". The Columbus Dispatch. December 26, 1993. p. 7D.