Artist: Aswad Album: Firesticks

Year: 1993
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: Firesticks by Aswad

Aswad is a British reggae band that has been around since the 1970s. They have released a number of albums over the years, with Firesticks being one of their most notable. Released in 1988, Firesticks is a mix of roots reggae and dancehall, with strong political themes and socially conscious messages. In this post, we'll delve deep into the album, looking at its history, genre, best songs, innovative parts, and finally, our overall critic of the album.

History of Aswad

Aswad was founded in 1975 in London, UK. The band's name means black in Arabic and was chosen to reflect their African heritage. Aswad started as a roots reggae band but over time, they incorporated elements of dub, soul, and dancehall into their music. They released their first album, Aswad, in 1976, which included the hit single Back to Africa. The band went on to release several notable albums, including New Chapter (1981), which featured the hit single Don't Turn Around, and Live and Direct (1983), which is considered one of their best live performances.

Genre of Firesticks

Aswad's Firesticks is a mix of roots reggae and dancehall, with a strong political message. The album was released during a time of heightened racial tensions in the UK, and the music reflects that. Firesticks touches on themes such as racism, poverty, and police brutality, and is a call for unity and resistance against the system. The album's mix of traditional reggae and contemporary dancehall makes it a unique creation at the time, and paved the way for future music artists in the genre.

Best Songs of the Album

Firesticks is a solid album from start to finish. Standout tracks include Not Guilty, which speaks out against police brutality and the justice system, Roots Rocking, which is a catchy dancehall tune with a political message, and Warrior Charge, an instrumental track that showcases the band's musical prowess. The album's title track, Firesticks, is also one of the strongest on the album, with its thunderous bass line and powerful lyrics.

Most Innovative Parts

The most innovative parts of Firesticks are its fusion of traditional reggae and contemporary dancehall, as well as the band's use of electronic instruments and effects. This combination gives the album a modern feel while still maintaining its roots in traditional reggae music. The use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic sounds was groundbreaking for reggae music at the time and helped to create a new sound that would go on to influence future music genres.

A Critic to the Album

A Critic to the Album

Overall, Firesticks is a great album that showcases Aswad's musical skills and political message. The lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, and the music is both catchy and innovative. The album's fusion of traditional reggae and contemporary dancehall makes it a unique creation that still holds up today. That being said, there are a few moments on the album where the production feels a bit dated and repetitive. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the album.
In conclusion, Firesticks is a must-listen for anyone interested in reggae music and the political messages that it often carries. Aswad has created a masterpiece of an album that still resonates today and has influenced countless musicians throughout the years. The album's mix of traditional reggae and contemporary dancehall is a testament to the band's musical skill and innovation. We highly recommend giving Firesticks a listen and let us know what you think.