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Harambe (Working Together for Freedom)

 
Album Review: Harambe (Working Together for Freedom)

  • Artist: Rita Marley
  • Rating: StarStarStar
  • Release Date: 1988
  • Genre: Reggae

Review

Low-key but likable, Rita Marley's second album after her husband's death in 1981 breaks little new ground. As on her solo debut, Who Feels It Knows It, members of Bob Marley's crack touring band, the Wailers, help out on the material. Their role underscores the sense of familiarity here, even if their professionalism could stand more spark at times. On the other hand, the discreet backup style allows Rita's vocal star to shine; she's in especially fine fettle on the bouncy title track. The unhurried grooves that made Who Feels It Knows It so appealing -- spiced with unobtrusive guitars and keyboards -- are fully evident here, while the rhythm work is sturdy and self-assured. Not surprisingly, Rita retains the moral authority of her late husband's finest work: "Fussing and Fighting" is a stern warning against internecine squabbling, and "The Beauty of God's Plan" revisits the world's existence through the lens of Rasta theology. Rita also takes care to look beyond her backyard -- as on "Who Can Be Against Us," which closes the album on an upbeat, resounding note. However, the most appealing track is "There'll Always Be Music," whose elementary melody line neatly underscores its optimism about the future of song. One Draw remains the album to beat on a songwriting level, but Harambe is an agreeable enough follow-up. ~ Ralph Heibutzki, All Music Guide

Similar Albums

Reggae Gold [Hip-O], Song, Heart of the Congos, Jezebel, Strength of My Life, Our Music, Burnin', Blackheart Man, Born to Love, Live at the One Love Peace Concert

Tracks

Track TitleComposersPerformersTime
The Beauty of God's Plan Rita Marley (3:37)
Fussing and Fighting Bob Marley Rita Marley (4:22)
Harambe Rita Marley, Ricky Walters, Ashley Cooper Rita Marley (4:13)
King Street Rita Marley Rita Marley (3:09)
There'll Always Be Music Ricky Walters Rita Marley (4:32)
My Kind of War Steve Golding Rita Marley (4:45)
Who Is Your Neighbour Eddie Randall Rita Marley (3:32)
Love Iyah Rita Marley, Ashley Cooper Rita Marley (5:13)
Retribution Alvin Campbell Rita Marley (3:38)
Who Can Be Against Us Ashley Cooper, Rita Marley, Ricky Walters Rita Marley (3:59)

Credits

Rita Marley (Vocals)
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Album Review. Copyright © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.  Read more