Lucky Dube - The Way It Is (1999)

Lucky Dube is widely considered to be Africa's "King of Reggae" and The Way It Is brilliantly continues his reign. Brandishing one of the most haunting voices in modern reggae, Dube tackles social and political issues with the style and sincerity of Bob Marley, coupled with the ferocity of his biggest influence, Peter Tosh. Opening with melancholy vocals on the sublime "Crying Game," capturing a touch of his South African Mbaqanga roots on "Let the Band Play On," and dabbling in a little classical chamber music for "Till You Lose It All," the singer manages to deliver hardcore roots reggae with a fresh perspective. This album showcases reggae at its best by one of the best.~The Way It Is Review by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates