Victims (Lucky Dube album)

The album was produced by Richard Siluma and Simon Law.[6] The title track, about black-on-black crime, references Bob Marley's "Redemption Song".[7][8] "Keep On Knocking" is about the love of a mother for her child.[9] Lucky Dube based his lyrics on the experiences of real people, rather than news coverage of political events.[10]

Lucky Dube used a horn section and emphasized a more rock guitar style.[11] Lucky Dube's backing band, the Slaves, performed on Victims.[12]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[13]
Robert Christgau	[14]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[15]
MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide	[16]
The Philadelphia Inquirer	[17]

The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that "Lucky Dube's buttery baritone, Rasta preacher vibe and relaxed old-style groove will come as a delight to fans of the classic Wailers records."[17] The Chicago Tribune noted that the album "mixes Jamaican and African influences with a sharply modern pop-oriented approach."[18] The Tampa Tribune called it "an appealing blend of solid, grooving music with a concern for the plight of the oppressed."[19]

The Gazette determined that "the singer's studio delivery always seems less fiery, less passionate ... that has never been truer than on his latest release."[20] The Boston Globe stated that "smooth horns and a myriad of percussion instruments keep things moving seamlessly as Dube tackles his usual themes of oppression, racism and liberation in the spiritual and physical sense."[21] The Boston Herald concluded that Lucky Dube's "range of material—from heart-wrenching groovers to tough-minded reggae-rockers—and vivid arrangements make this album a contemporary roots reggae treasure."[22]

AllMusic wrote that the album "manages to ease him into a lighter, more commercial setting without diluting his message or sound."[13] The Columbus Dispatch included Victims on its list of the best albums of 1993.[23]