Artist: Aswad Album: Aswad

Year: 1976
Duration: 39:16

A of the Album Aswad by Aswad

Aswad, the British reggae band formed in the mid 1970s, earned a reputation for their outstanding fusion of traditional reggae sounds, Jamaican dub music, and R&B. Over their long and illustrious career, they released numerous albums that defined the reggae music genre and entertained their fans worldwide. However, one of their most iconic works is the self-titled album Aswad, which was released in 1981. In this post, I will be providing a of the album Aswad by Aswad, with a brief history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and my overall critic to the album.
The band Aswad, which takes its name from the Arabic word for black, was started in 1975 by Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Angus Drummie Zeb Gaye, and Clive Benjamin Morrison. They were influenced by legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear and rose to fame with their innovative take on reggae music. The band quickly became known for their live performances, which were high-energy and incorporated elements of many different genres.
The Aswad album, released in 1981, is a fusion of classic reggae rhythms with electronic instrumentation that brought a fresh and innovative sound to the genre. Produced by Michael Reuben Campbell and set in Island Record's recording studio, the album comprises nine tracks that range from the upbeat Tuff We Tuff, through moody melodies like Love Fire and ending with the gentle anthem Not Guilty.
The album is, without doubt, one of the best works of Aswad, as it showcases the group's strength as musicians, as well as their ability to experiment with new sounds. The tracks on the album are well-crafted with each song flowing seamlessly into the next, making for an impressive listening experience. The album has been described, in various quarters, as A wonderful piece of work, a perfect intersection of classic and modern reggae sounds and a polished, mostly mellow masterpiece.
The standout tracks on Aswad are 'Drum and Bass Line, a lively, upbeat number that features a catchy chorus and the band's signature bass lines. Another hit song is Gave You My Love, which is a moody love song with melancholic lyrics and a strong bass line. The third most popular song on the album is Ina Your Rights which is a social commentary on injustice and division. It has an optimistic feel and managing to sound melodic while the lyrics deal with heavy subjects.
The album is also notable for its use of electronic instruments, which was a controversial move in the traditionally conservative reggae music genre. Aswad doesn't leave their fans disappointed as they integrate electronic sounds into the traditional reggae sound that’s instantly recognizable as theirs. It's, therefore, a testament to the band's creativity and evolution over the years.
In my view, the Aswad album by Aswad is a timeless piece of work that showcases the band's innovative approach to reggae music and their expertise as musicians. The album strikes a balance between classic and modern reggae sounds and showcases Aswad's versatility. The innovative use of electronic instruments and fusion of different genres established a new standard for reggae music that few bands have been able to emulate.
In conclusion, the Aswad album by Aswad is a must-have for any reggae music enthusiast. It is a masterpiece that showcases the band's creativity and sophistication, and its contribution to the reggae genre. If you would like some fresh air in classic reggae sounds, with innovative instrumentation, Aswad is a perfect album for you. Aswad fused the classic pillars of reggae with electronic sounds, and the result was a timeless piece of art that fans will continue enjoying for generations.