Third World are a Jamaican reggae band formed in 1973. Their sound is influenced by soul, funk and disco. Although they have undergone several lineup changes, Stephen "Cat" Coore and Richard Daley have been constant members, and singer William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke has been with them since 1976, singing on all but their debut album. Third World started when keyboard player Michael "Ibo" Cooper and guitarist (and cellist) Stephen "Cat" Coore (son of former Deputy Prime Minister David Coore), who had originally played in The Alley Cats then Inner Circle, subsequently left to form their own band along with Inner Circle singer Milton "Prilly" Hamilton. They recruited bassist Richard Daley, formerly of Ken Boothe's band and Tomorrow's Children, and added drummer Carl Barovier and former Inner Circle percussionist Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett before making their live debut in early 1974.

After recording some tracks with Geoffrey Chung which were not released, the band's first single was the self-produced "Railroad Track" (1974). In their early days they played primarily in Kingston's hotels and nightclubs and (along with The Wailers) supported The Jackson Five when they played at the Jamaican National Stadium.

They were soon signed by Island Records and toured Europe with The Wailers. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1976.

The album included a cover of "Satta Massagana", originally performed by The Abyssinians, which became a local hit. Hamilton and Barovier were replaced by singer (and another former Inner Circle member) Wlliam "Bunny Rugs" Clarke and drummer Willie Stewart before the recording of their second album, 96° in the Shade (1977), which included several local hits.

Notable among its eight tracks were "1865 (96° in the Shade)", "Rhythm of Life" and the album's only cover, "Dreamland", written by Bunny Wailer.