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. ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates