Artist: Bad Brains Album: Quickness

Year: 1989
Duration: 33:48

Quickness by Bad Brains: A Fast and Furious Ride through Punk and Reggae

Bad Brains are one of the most legendary acts of punk rock to ever exist. Their unique fusion of punk rock and reggae created a sound that was both hard and soft, heavy and light all at the same time. The band's sixth studio album, Quickness, was released in 1989 and marked a departure from their earlier sound. The album was a departure from their earlier style, blending more genres into the mix, like funk, metal, and soul. I decided to put Quickness under the microscope, evaluating the quality of each track, as well as the genre-bending approach that Bad Brains took to create this album.
Quickness has some of the best songs Bad Brains have ever written. The second track on the album is called Youth Are Getting Restless and is a clear highlight. It features a slower tempo, a catchy chorus, and the kind of call-and-response vocals that make it a crowd pleaser at live shows. Other standouts include Soul Craft, which features a slight reggae influence, and Hired Gun, which is more straightforward punk rock. The Regulator is another standout, and arguably the best song on the album, with a signature Bad Brains guitar riff that provides the backbone for the song.
Quickness is an innovative album in many ways. Tracks like With The Quickness incorporate elements of funk, and Lightning Strikes has an unexpected synth intro. The use of samples and sound effects can also be heard throughout the album. The band always kept the listener on their toes, never sticking to one style or genre for too long. This artist's approach to music production is truly commendable.
However, Quickness does have some elements that may disappoint longtime fans. The production is a bit slick and polished, which may not be to everyone's taste. The band has stated before that they had to compromise in order to get mainstream airplay. Moreover, the lyrics aren't as socially aware as previous Bad Brains records and may feel a little shallow to some. It's a more laid-back, relaxed approach, and it may not resonate with those who preferred the band's earlier, angrier sound.
In conclusion, Quickness, overall, is an excellent album that combines numerous genres to create a diverse and enthralling listening experience. Bad Brains' risky approach to the album paid off, particularly with tracks like Youth Are Getting Restless and The Regulator, which demonstrate the band's classic sound, while With the Quickness highlights some quirky Funk influence. The innovative elements are the standout on this album, it is more polished but still stays true to their punk rock roots. Bad Brains has always been a band that pushes the limits of what is expected of them, and Quickness is no exception. It's a testament to the band's ability to create something new while still maintaining their legacy in the punk and reggae sphere.