Committed

Committed not only proclaimed Third World's renewed commitment to reggae and Rastafarian culture, but it also signaled the group's new label and theoretical new start. From the bold red, gold, and green of the Ethiopian flag on the CD's back cover to the equally prominent Lion of Judah, Third World was intent on displaying where their heart was. Indeed, the vocals and musical arrangements are fresher and more reggae-focused than anything the group had done in the previous five years. From the bass-heavy groove of the opening track, "Riddim Haffe Rule," to the sweet lovers rock melodies on the title song, Third World was back with a vengeance. Make no mistake, the pop orientation that the band had adopted during decades of playing is still here, from the pop-light tones on "Living for the Sunshine" to the sappy "Love Needs a Little More Love." But it appears to a much lesser degree, and gems like the patois-laden "Mi Legal" more than make up for the less authentic tunes.