Black Uhuru – Red

Released in 1981, Red is a landmark roots reggae album that fused militant messages with polished production. Featuring the classic lineup of Michael Rose, Puma Jones, and Duckie Simpson, and produced by the legendary Sly & Robbie, Red blends traditional reggae rhythms with heavy dub textures and futuristic edge. Tracks like “Sponji Reggae,” “Youth of Eglington,” and “Sistren” are socially conscious, rhythmically hypnotic, and spiritually charged—making Red one of the definitive reggae albums of the early '80s.

Reviews

"A roots reggae masterpiece—intense, atmospheric, and deeply political." – AllMusic

"With Red, Black Uhuru helped carry reggae into the post-Marley era." – Rolling Stone

"Sly & Robbie’s production is thunderous yet elegant—reggae with muscle and mood." – The Wire

"Michael Rose’s vocals are hauntingly soulful, perfectly matching the album’s revolutionary tone." – Pitchfork

"A high-water mark of conscious reggae—timeless in message and sound." – Mojo