AMG Review of Mother Culture

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

Sister Carol mixed love tunes, defiant message tracks and hip-hop-influenced toasts/raps on this collection. "Shackles" and "Mother Culture," as well as "Mandela's Release," were aggressive, striking political tunes, while "Tight Spot" was in the rap/reggae groove just emerging in the early '90s. "Lovers Rock Style" and "The Music Nice" were romantic numbers, though not as sensual or soothing as they would be in the hands of a Sandra Cross. Sister Carol's tone and delivery belied her tough, independent style. There were no weak or compliant qualities in her music, even when the lyrics might suggest otherwise.