What is the best Third World album of all time?

Jamaica's most genre-spanning reggae band blended roots, funk, rock, and soul across four decades of unforgettable records. From island classics to Stevie Wonder-produced moments — where do you stand?

1. 1
   96° in the Shade

   The 1977 breakthrough album mixing reggae with rock and soul, launching Third World to international success.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Generation Coming

   The 1999 album released on Déclic Communication, a late-1990s set of new songs from the veteran Jamaican band.
   801pts
3. 3
   More Work to Be Done

   The 2019 album released on the Marley brothers' Ghetto Youths International label, nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.
   801pts
4. 4
   All the Way Strong

   The 1983 confident roots-pop album, the band's third for CBS, with tight rhythms and radio-friendly hooks that reached the US R&B albums chart.
   705pts
5. 5
   Serious Business

   The 1989 Mercury album led by the single 'Forbidden Love', which reached No. 107 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Recording.
   632pts
6. 6
   Arise in Harmony

   The 1980 album, the band's last studio record for Island before moving to CBS, released the same year as the live set 'Prisoner in the Street'.
   632pts
7. 7
   Third World

   The 1976 self-titled debut on Island Records, introducing the band's mix of roots reggae with funk, soul and rock influences.
   548pts
8. 8
   Sense of Purpose

   The 1985 CBS album that reached the US Billboard 200 and R&B charts, continuing the band's polished crossover blend of reggae, soul and pop.
   548pts
9. 9
   Hold on to Love

   The 1987 Columbia album, the band's last for the label, pursuing the polished pop-reggae sound of their mid-1980s records.
   548pts
10. 10
    Black Gold Green

    The 2005 album named after the colours of the Jamaican flag, released on Nocturne with a cover showing the flag held aloft.
    548pts
11. 11
    Under the Magic Sun

    The 2014 album on Cleopatra Records, released months after the February 2014 death of Bunny Rugs, the band's lead singer since the mid-1970s.
    548pts
12. 12
    Journey to Addis

    The 1978 album featuring the massive hit Now That We Found Love, a fusion of reggae and pop-soul.
    448pts
13. 13
    Live It Up

    The 1995 album released on the French label Bud Music, keeping the band's blend of reggae, R&B and pop going into the mid-1990s.
    448pts
14. 14
    Rock the World

    The 1981 album with a harder edge, showcasing Third World's versatility across reggae and funk styles.
    329pts
15. 15
    Committed

    The 1992 Mercury album that reached No. 51 on Billboard's R&B albums chart, the band's second release for the label after 'Serious Business'.
    329pts
16. 16
    Patriots

    The 2010 album celebrating more than three decades of music, featuring guests including Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Capleton, Tarrus Riley and Stephen and Damian Marley.
    329pts
17. 17
    Ain't Givin' Up

    The 2003 Shanachie album released around the band's 30th anniversary, a roots reggae set of new songs from the long-running Jamaican group.
    0pts
18. 18
    You've Got the Power

    The 1982 album featuring 'Try Jah Love', written and produced for the band by Stevie Wonder, which became one of their biggest international hits.
    0pts
19. 19
    The Story's Been Told

    The 1979 album continuing their winning streak with heartfelt roots reggae and smooth melodic songwriting.
    0pts

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