Easy Star All-Stars: Blending Genres and Pushing Boundaries

Easy Star All-Stars have continually pushed the boundaries of music over their extensive career. This band has a unique and intriguing repertoire of music, blending different genres to create something truly special – from traditional reggae to metal and all points in between. However, not everyone is a fan of Easy Star All-Stars’ approach; some believe that they veer too close towards kitsch at times, while others believe that they lack depth or originality. Despite this criticism, there are still many great things about Easy Star All-Star’s music which should not be overlooked - their lyrics often explore political issues, as well as making culturally significant statements about human life and society overall. Moreover, it is indisputable that the group take influence from multiple genres and expertly blend them together like an alchemical potion resulting in earworms which people simply cannot get enough off! In this blog post we will explore both the highs and lows of Easy Star All-Stars’ discography -Stay tuned for more!

Easy Star All-Stars have been making music together for over two decades, and in that time they've continually pushed the boundaries of what's considered reggae, blending together different genres to create something unique and special. However, not everyone is on board with their approach, and some have criticized them for being too kitschy or lacking depth. In this blog post, we'll explore both the positives and negatives of their discography, looking at the political and cultural statements they make with their lyrics, as well as the undeniable catchiness of their music.

Let's start with the positives. One of the things that sets Easy Star All-Stars apart from other bands is the political issues they tackle in their lyrics. For example, their album Dub Side of the Moon is a reggae reinterpretation of Pink Floyd's iconic album Dark Side of the Moon, which addresses themes such as mental illness and the human condition. By putting a reggae spin on it, Easy Star All-Stars offer a new perspective on these issues, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Another positive aspect of their music is the way they blend different genres together. Their album Radiodread takes on Radiohead's OK Computer, reimagining it through a reggae lens. The result is a fascinating and deeply immersive experience, where the listener is transported into a world where reggae and rock meld together in perfect harmony. They also incorporate other genres like jazz and metal into their music, showing that they're not afraid to experiment and try new things.

However, there are those who criticize the band for being too gimmicky or lacking in originality. For example, their album Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band is a reggae cover of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which some have accused of being too superficial or lacking in depth. While it's true that some of their covers might not be as groundbreaking as others, it's important to remember that the band is not trying to reinvent the wheel. They're simply taking beloved songs and putting their own spin on them, giving them new life and introducing them to a new audience.

Another criticism that's been leveled at Easy Star All-Stars is that they can veer too closely to kitsch at times. While it's true that they have a whimsical and irreverent approach to their music, this doesn't necessarily mean that they lack substance. In fact, their lyrics often make cultural statements about human life and society as a whole. Their album First Light addresses themes such as climate change and environmentalism, while their song One Likkle Draw critiques the war on drugs and the damage it does to communities.

In conclusion, Easy Star All-Stars are a band that have continually pushed the boundaries of music over their extensive career. While some may criticize them for being too kitschy or lacking in depth, it's important to remember the political and cultural statements they make with their lyrics, as well as the way they expertly blend different genres together. Whether or not you're a fan of their approach, it's impossible to deny the catchiness and infectious energy of their music. Easy Star All-Stars are a unique and intriguing group, and their discography offers something for everyone.