Artist: Aswad Album: Showcase

Year: 1981
Duration: 35:09

Aswad’s Showcase: A Mixed Bag of Reggae Goodness

Aswad, the iconic British reggae band that has been active since the mid-70s, has been consistently releasing music that has defined the genre. Their album Showcase has been one of their most successful yet, combining various styles of reggae, from roots to dancehall. In this post, we will delve deeper into the history of this influential band, explore the album’s genre, highlight the best songs, and critically evaluate it for its innovative parts.
Aswad’s roots can be traced back to the mid-70s, in West London, where a group of school friends decided to form a band that celebrated reggae music. They quickly gained a reputation for their live performances, and by the late 70s, Aswad had become one of the most sought-after reggae bands in the UK. They continued to release albums that resonated with audiences worldwide, and Showcase was no different.
Showcase, released in 1981, is a reggae album with a mix of roots and dancehall styles. It features popular tracks like Drum and Bass Line, Can't Stand The Pressure, and Love Fire. These songs are timeless classics that have become anthems for generations of reggae fans. The album reflects the band's versatility, as they switch comfortably from roots reggae to dancehall, creating a unique sound that is distinctively theirs.
The standout track on Showcase, in my opinion, is Warrior Charge. This instrumental track perfectly embodies the band's mastery of rhythms, with its hypnotic drum beats and guitar riffs that transport you to a different world. Another remarkable track is Tuff We Tuff, which has an infectious melody that will keep you humming along.
One of the most innovative aspects of the album is the way the band incorporates dub-style effects into several tracks. Dub is a subgenre of reggae that emphasizes the manipulation of sound, often using reverb, echoes, and other effects. Aswad’s use of dub effects on songs like Rockers Medley and Babylon showcases their ability to experiment with sound and push the boundaries of reggae.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. While Showcase has some fantastic tracks, some of the other songs don't quite hit the mark. Ina Your Rights and Pull Up feel like filler tracks that lack the charisma and energy that Aswad is known for. These tracks may have been better off left out of the album.
Aswad's Showcase is a mixed bag of reggae goodness. It highlights the band's versatility and ability to skillfully move between different reggae styles. The album's dub-influenced tracks are innovative and add a new touch to their sound, while other songs on the album aren't as compelling. Regardless, Aswad's Showcase remains a classic and a testament to the band's musical prowess.