Aswad

richly layered with vocal harmonies, horns, dubbed-out effects, and jazzy/uplifting melodies (all of which revolve around a dynamic rhythm section), this has got to be one of my favorite albums. it's somewhere between the sound of steel pulse and black uhuru (pre-1985)...so strongly recommended if youre into either of them

This is a must for the true reggae hedz! Very Hard to find this cd anywhere! Also New Capter Dub is a must have!

I have been looking for this CD for some time, since I damaged the tape which I bought brand new. It is a very good Reggae album, and I highly recommend it for purchase still, yes, even after all these years!! Actually, it is my favorite from Aswad.

"Distant Thunder" is only distinguishable in that the crossover hit "Don't Turn Around" (later covered by the inane Ace of Base)is on it.

In terms of a pure reggae album, this lp by no means qualifies. Indeed, the funk/soul elements that now dominate Aswad's music are front and center on this album, though reggae elements permeate the album, as well as some of its messages on tracks like the powerful "Set Them Free."

Fans of more traditional reggae will likely cringe at this album, as I did when I first heard it. Fret not- Aswad made credible reggae lps. Look out for their "Hulet" and "To the Top" lps for a better look at their reggae material.

As a crossover lp, this cd comes recommended, but fans of more pure reggae should look elsewhere for their fix.

I would recommend this album to anyone, who is in the market for some good reagge music. I was once the proud owner of this album many years ago when it first came out, since then I have upgraded my Aswad collection to their Anthology and other albums. This is definetly the album that put Aswad on the map.I personally think this album brought out the personal best of Aswad, with such songs as "Don't turn around & Feelings". I have been a fan of the group for many years, and I still continue to support them and their efforts. Personally, I think that they are one of the best bands to come out of Great Britain, along with UB40 & of course International Singer Maxi Priest. Because of Aswad & UB40 they paved the way for other groups and singers (Musical Youth). Thank you for all your years of music,that you have so generously given to us throughout the years. Good Luck! (Brinsley, Drummie & Angus) Love You!

Unfortunately bands, no matter how talented and creative, have to pay the bills, and if you are not one of the very top level of performers like the Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Marley etc., then sooner or later you are going to have to bow to the demands of what the market will bear to put some bread on the table. This means recording what current popular taste suggests will sell. Even an artist as uncompromising as Marley was not totally immune to this. In his attempts to achieve better penetration of the US market, later efforts like Could You Be Loved show the influence of the disco sound.

My two star rating may seem a little harsh, but if you like middle of the road type generic popular music of the type that you can find all over the radio dial, then you are probably already listening to the radio rather than buying CDs. What you will get here is a generous selection of reggae tinged pop songs of the type that would make ideal background music for a hairdressing salon. If that is what you want, then what are you waiting for? Buy this.

For the rest of you, the good news is that there is a remarkable Aswad album called New Chapter (not New Chapter of Dub--that is a different album) that is highly recommended. New Chapter didn't sell very well when it was first released, but it is a classic album, which this is not.

My rating system?

***** A veritable classic album.
**** Very good, representative of this artist's best work
*** Fans of the artist in question should enjoy this.
** Some good stuff, but some major flaws.
* Awful.

Since their formation in 1975, Aswad has emerged at the UK's premier reggae band, in the beginning fusing their mix of social commentary with overt Rastafarianism, though by the end of the 80's had transformed themselves into more is a soul/funk unit that still used reggae in the music. The result was international acclaim.

This collection takes a closer look at the group's major tracks, starting off with their crossover smash, "Don't Turn Around." Among the other very important tracks on this collection include their cover of Toots and the Maytals classic "'54-46 (Was My Number)," "Chasing The Breeze," a minor hit in the mid 80's, "Warrior Charge," featured in the film "Babylon," and my favorite track of their, the wonderful "Back To Africa."

While they are not pure reggae anymore, Aswad can not be overlooked as the UK's premier reggae act, and therefore, this collection is a nice way to get to know their style of music.

Great reggae pop. Perfect for parties. Guaranteed to make you smile. My favorites are: "Don't Turn Around"-Ace of Base covered this song. I like this version better. "Set Them Free" is another cool one about Botha and Apartheid. Reggae is good for the soul, so you really can't miss. Try it you'll like it. Recommended for all especially reggae newbies. Cool runnings.

something about this group i have always dug.they are able to play different styles and are outspoken and it all comes together for me.i feel this is a must have disc.

Aswad are most notable for being the first British reggae group signed to a major label. But their music is worth investigating to some degree. They construct an interesting reggae-based blend of pop, funk, and dub.

They've risen and fallen in popularity several times throughout their career, and this compilation charts all aspects of their work admirably. Probably the "best" track is their first no. 1 single, a 1988 cover of Tina Turner's "Don't Turn Around" (later made more successful by Ace of Base).

But many of the other, more political reggae songs are more interesting. Worth the investigation if you're a fan of reggae, or of British black music.

This possibly the best live reggae record I have ever heard, from beginning to end. It's definitely up there with Babylon by Bus.

OK..it is a good thing that this CD is re released,Aswad,UB40 and Steel Pulse were the leaders who defined the commercial UK bands.
Whereas Steel Pulse's strength lies in it's jamming ability, a band bolstered by their leader and front man David Hind's, whose feet long dread point upward as their political aspirations do, Aswad on the other hand like Pulse began in earnest as a Jazz fused reggae band but evolved more as sweet soul men masking behind sci-fi soundscapes,sweet Abba tunes later converted into hits,more lover's rock than strident militancy.
Aswad's introversion is more into love making than militancy, as a then functional trio they packed a unique rhythm with funky,sweet and lovely harmonies, great studio chicanery and overall stellar musicianship...
This live CD is a great upbeat affair,one of the best live reggae Cd's of any band capturing Aswad live at The Notting Hill Gate Carnival 1n 1983 when Aswad became a trio packing a strong punch behind main main Brinsley Forde, his co singer and drummer Drummie Zeb,and bassist Tony Robinson.The lineup here includes 2 lead guitarists, keyboards and that great traditional horn team of a sax,trumpet and trombone adding sway to the sensuous rhythms of Aswad.
The songs contained within were their staples of the time, with a 10 minute medley recorded well and mastered digitally...the cover artwork depicts the UK festival with it's political undertones and overt festivities..you can feel it all here..
Aswad's next studio album, Rebel Souls, their studio classic, will probably be reissued as well.

This is hands-down the best live reggae album I have ever heard! The band is on fire, and the recording is raw but captures the moment perfectly. Absolutely an essential part of my collection and one of my all-time favorite records.

The first time i ever heard this CD was in California, I was at a party and my friend had suggested Reggae music.I myself did not want to hear any Reggae music especially a band named Aswad and he told me how do you know if you don't like it if you haven't even heard it yet.Well to make a long story short he put the CD on and i was totally blown away.I had never heard Reggae music sound so perfect coming from his speakers.I knew right there and then.I was now an Aswad fan and i spent my entire next day searching for this disc.Believe you me,If you've never been to a reggae concert in your life.Buy this CD.take it home and crank it as loud as you can.Believe me it will be like if you were there live at the Notting Hill Gate Carnival 1983.Oh yea don't forget to buy a referee whistle to blow during the songs. As far as the songs on this CD.You wont be disapointed.Every song on this entire CD is awsome. (Roots Rocking) My favorite song.

NOW IM NOT REALLY A BIG ASWAD FAN AT ALL,REALLY THE ONLY SONG THAT HAS EVER DONE IT FOR ME IS "YOUR RECIPE",BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID THIS IS GONNA BE OFF THE MARK.THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME IT TOTALLY CHANGED MY OPINION ON ASWAD.THE DUB ON AFRICAN CHILDREN IS TRULY AMAZING,ITS HARD TO FIND THAT GOOD OF LIVE DUB.ALL OF THE SONGS ARE BRILLIANT EXCEPT FOR THE "CARNIVAL"MEDLEY WHICH IS ULTRA CHEESY,BUT OTHER THAN THAT EVERY SONG IS AWESOME. MY FAVORITES OVERALL BEING "YOUR RECIPE"STILL BECAUSE THAT IS SONGWRITING AND PERFORMING AT ITS VERY BEST.CHECK IT OUT IF YOU FIND SOMEWHERE FOR 10 BUCKS OR SO.RAS JOSH

Wow! This tasty reggae CD is the best Aswad title available with soaring vocals and a good remastered 32 year old recording. I rate this as good as the first New World CD which is exceptional. In fact I usually play Aswad after New World. It has sophisticated arrangements with melodic songs. As a bonus there's some dub. Get this CD if you want a tasty reggae treat.

I found the song Ethiopian Rhapsody to be a unique treasure to the music industry, there is no other song like it. Even after 25 years their music lives on, fantastic album if you like reggae it should be in your collection.

Probably one of the best and most underrated Reggae albums of all time! This could pass for a Marley album to the casual listener. It's that good!

Aswad is a great. I really reccommend this and they're other cd to consume, they are all awesome.

Aswad will probably be best known for the crossover hit "Don't Turn Around," which was later covered by the Sweedish juggernaut Ace of Base. To me, this is a shame, as the group made a few very credible examples of UK influenced roots reggae before their crossover to more soul/funk based grooves.

From 1976, Aswad's debut lp is a great slice of the roots reggae of which I speak. Each track on here, particularly "Ethiopian Rhapsody," and "Back to Africa," which is arguably their best track ever, is a powerful one, and helps to solidify this great lp.

While in my opinion, their "Hulet" lp is a more desirable one to listen to, there is little doubt that Aswad's debut lp is a very credible effort, and one worth having amongst your UK reggae collection.

I'm 29 from Zimbabwe & have been collecting reggae music since my teens and fell in love with Aswad. Their music has been ever growing over the years and I believe the album Rise and Shine Again is clear testimony to that. This is the ultimate in Reggae music and it's only Aswad who can blend other elements into the music whithout losing the original feel of Rootsy sunshine reggae, Dancehall,Lovers,Roots Rock,with the latest technology. This is one of their haaardest ever. Aswad leads the way & have not lost focus of their glorious past on this 16 track scorcher! DAY BY DAY is a song about how we should all live and know our rights that we be free, SHINE is the hit song about upliftment calling for all downtrodden people to work hard and archive their goals and shine and this should be the greatest ASWAD song of all time, LAY MY TROUBLES down is a song of hope,survival and hard work. DANCEHALL MOOD puts you in the mood. PICKIN UP features Brinsley and guest chanter in typical Dancehall stylee. This album was made with ALL reggae fans in mind. All reggae genres are represented here in the aunthetic typical ASWAD style. All tracks are awesome, you can listen to this CD all day and all night. This is ASWAD at their best. Aswad are my heroes, I treasure their music so much,their style satisfies ALL musical tastes. ASWAD are very inspirational to me & My wish is to meet one of them Brinsley, Drummie and Tony. One Love Rasta

Wow! This tasty reggae CD is the best Aswad title available with soaring vocals and a good remastered 32 year old recording. I rate this as good as the first New World CD which is exceptional. In fact I usually play Aswad after New World. It has sophisticated arrangements with melodic songs. As a bonus there's some dub. Get this CD if you want a tasty reggae treat.

I found the song Ethiopian Rhapsody to be a unique treasure to the music industry, there is no other song like it. Even after 25 years their music lives on, fantastic album if you like reggae it should be in your collection.

Probably one of the best and most underrated Reggae albums of all time! This could pass for a Marley album to the casual listener. It's that good!

Aswad is a great. I really reccommend this and they're other cd to consume, they are all awesome.

Aswad will probably be best known for the crossover hit "Don't Turn Around," which was later covered by the Sweedish juggernaut Ace of Base. To me, this is a shame, as the group made a few very credible examples of UK influenced roots reggae before their crossover to more soul/funk based grooves.

From 1976, Aswad's debut lp is a great slice of the roots reggae of which I speak. Each track on here, particularly "Ethiopian Rhapsody," and "Back to Africa," which is arguably their best track ever, is a powerful one, and helps to solidify this great lp.

While in my opinion, their "Hulet" lp is a more desirable one to listen to, there is little doubt that Aswad's debut lp is a very credible effort, and one worth having amongst your UK reggae collection.