This article takes a look at the most recent Bad Brains release in comparison to their older works
The Bad Brains' Build A Nation proves that sometimes the past is better left alone.
Reggae Origins
Reggae is primarily a rebellious genre, built on social and political change set to the most tranquil of grooves. These influences were taken to new rebellious heights when the Bad Brains introduced them to their heavily punk aesthetic. Their contradictory style would forever be known as the Bad Brains sound.
As roots reggae climbed to the heights of popularity in Jamaica, the punk rock explosion went on in the western world. The Bad Brains united both political music movements, blending the snarls and freakout tempos of punk with the subtle, peaceful rhythms of reggae.
Jamaican influences is most prominent in the lyrical aesthetic of tracks like “I and I Survive”, a religious tribute that optimistically look forward to the end of Jamaican poverty. “And why must the rich man keep on hoarding all the money?” HR crooned, calling attention to the struggles of an often overlooked area of the world.
Punk Influence
On the other hand, high octane rockers like “Banned in DC” sum up the punk side of the group. Their first three albums, Bad Brains, Rock For Light, and I Against I (the first of which is acknowledged by MCA of the Beastie Boys as "the best punk/hardcore album of all time") are landmark releases, blending Dr. Know’s jazz-inspired guitar riffs with H.R.’s Prince-like shriek.
The New Album
Now, two decades later, Bad Brains return with Build A Nation to revisit past glories. The problem is time and age; HR can’t reach the high notes he used to. He has to go for an unenthusiastic ramble instead, particularly in songs like “Pure Love” and “Natty Dreadlocks on the Mountain Top”, where it sounds like he is reading from a piece of paper. The power of his vocals is gone.
The guitar solos are still there, but the level of virtuosity is lower. “Expand Your Soul” is generic, and the intro lead to “Pure Love” sounds like a sad rip off of Dr. Know, not the man himself. It’s great to see these aging rockers attacking their instruments the same as before, but since this is such a boring document, listeners may get the impression that Build A Nation was a call-it-in for quick cash.
Build A Nation is better off forgotten. The Bad Brains need to be remembered for their revolutionary first 3 albums, which effectively changed the face of music at least once. Re-treading the same ground will only result in watered down releases like this.
