Customer Reviews

96 Degrees in the Shade

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Anyone who knows good reggae already has this album. 96 Degrees is one of the most definitive examples of roots reggae ever produced. It is timeless. The rhythms are dynamite and the lyrics are unforgettable. Remarkably, Third World still tours - so catch them if you can.

This classic roots reggae CD is a must for any serious lover of
reggae. This is for me the best piece of music that Third World has ever put out. You cannot go wrong with this.

I bought this CD way back in 1991. In my book it rated fantastic then.......and today "96 Degrees" is still HOT!

OK, 96 Degrees is a great record, but why dont they issue Third World's first albumn (self titled) on CD? I'd love to acquire it. That albumn has some really trippy congas and lacerating guitar work from Cat!

Hard to label any of their albums as anything less than spectacular. They have really taken reggae and explored new ground with the style. Superb musicians and great vocals, and songs that stay with you. Of their albums, I like Journey to Addis the best, only because I was exposed to it first. I immediately tracked down their other early albums and thrilled with the results. They don't just stay in any predictable groove, but explore everything from the simplest rhythms to the most sophisticated arrangements. How these guys escaped notoriety at the time is pretty stunning, considering the quality and depth of their catalog of songs. A seriously good addition to any reggae collection.

I was glad to see this masterpiece of pop reggae available again in US markets. This disc represents one of the most overlooked gems in their extensive discography. Originally formed by guitarist Stephen "Cat' Coore and keyboardist Michael "Ibo" Cooper in the early seventies, Third World took reggae in a new direction. Influenced by American R&B and rock like the likes of Santana they delivered sweet music, that was suttle in it's political message, unlike Bob Marley but rather more party flavored ;think Earth Wind and Fire meets Santana on a Jamaican beach jam. Some of the original lineup even had those groovy Afros, well, except "Cat" who always had the dreads. Anyway the music is divine and well worth seeking out. There are greatest hits packages like the excellent Reggae Ambassadors: 20th Anniversary Collection and the well received Journey to Addis which was the follow up to this disc. Favorite outstanding tracks on this disc include the heavy "Human Market Place" that is mostly instrumental, dub style, with the exception of a few refrains imploring "Why is this buying and selling still going on" followed by another chant in harmony of "Human Market Place" as crowd noise filters through the chugging bass lines, "Third World Man" that is a anthem of the oppression suffered to this day by people in the third world with lyrics still relevent today like "oil shieks in their big German benz, freedom fighters and everyday people, sing a simple song say why can't we be friends.....no more trouble", and my favorite "1865" that recounts the British rule with "You caught me on the loose fighting to be free, Now you show me a noose on the cotton tree, Entertainment for you Martyrdom for me.....all taking place in "96 degrees in the shade", hence, the title. I saw them live in '76 opening for Bob Marley and they were awesome. Great stuff from a band that continues to play festivals to this day. Recommended for reggae fans who like R&B.

One of the best i have ever heard! mesmerizing music, soulful lyrics, soothing rhythm. Wish there would be more like album.

1978's 'Journey To Addis' was the album that secured Third World's place in the international pop lexicon, especially in the US, but it's '77's '96? In The Shade' that's the masterpiece.

Clearly created as an *album* that holds together as a unified piece (dare I call it a concept album?), it addresses the pains, the struggles, the spirit, the hopes, the resiliance and the beauty of the Black diaspora. From the opening call to rely on faith in "Jah Glory" to the magnificent reading of Bunny Wailer's "Dream Land" to the chilling "Human Market Place" to the blistering title track to the triumphant "Rhythm Of Life," '96? In The Shade' pales only to some of Marley's later albums to show what reggae musicians could do with the album format (a medium they typically didn't - and don't - work in).

Hip-O Select's reissue adds three alternate mixes, the best of which is the the alternate, extended cut of the title track with Willy Stewart's thundering drum intro.

This is a reggae classic. Put this on the deck, shut your eyes and your imaginery beach and spliff will appear!
Every track is a winner, my faves are "Human Market Place" "96 Degrees in the shade" and the cruisy opener "jah Glory".
Highly underrated album made by a band at their absolute peak.
I am suprised and honoured to be the first person to review this album.

I first bought this album in 1977 amidst all the Marley mania and thought it was ( I now know it was ) head and shoulders above everything else on the market at the time, it was and still is Pete Kane