ANTHEM came at the peak of Black Uhuru's career. Michael Rose was still its lead vocalist and the group was involved with Mango/Island Records, giving it significant clout. ANTHEM provides the classic Black Uhuru sound from start to finish, with a very flowing, unified feel among the tracks.
"What is Life?" starts the album off with an electrified feel, with Rose at his vocal best. "Solidarity" and "Botanical Roots" provide a similarly powerful vibe, and the album reaches its apex on the reggae classic "Black Uhuru Anthem" ("I and I are the living dread, / This is the dawn of the living dead"). Robbie Shakespeare's slow, driving bassline and Rose's carefully controlled vocals make this track's title utterly appropriate--it exemplifies all that is Black Uhuru. The album's closing track, "Elements," provides a similar feel with a more contemplative, philosophical tone.
