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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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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]
The 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]
Review scores | |
---|---|
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]
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
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" |