Aswad

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
with 'war of sound', mathis mootz (m2 / squaremeter) changed his direction from microtonal click'n'cut-oriented soundscapes to rhythm-oriented ambient music. this new approach was enjoyable at home and in concert. mootz's performances as panacea might be a reason for this change - he explains: 'the music of m2 should become more rhythmic to get better, interesting live shows for the crowd. in my opinion, pure ambient-music presented live is too one-dimensional'. so, the beats on 'aswad' are kept slow, but the drum sounds have become more dominant and powerful.

Aswad, Music, Squaremeter

Crucial Tracks: The Best of Aswad
Average customer rating:

Disappointing

a good compilation

Get ready to party!

a good disc

Slick, pop-oriented British reggae

Crucial Tracks: The Best of Aswad
Aswad
Manufacturer: Fontana Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Best of Me

Roots Revival [ENHANCED CD]

Aswad

Wake Up

Reggae Ambassadors: 20th Anniversary Collection

ASIN: B000003QJI
Release Date: 1989-05-26

Tracks:

Don't Turn Around
54-46 (Was My Number)
Set Them free
Roots Rockin'
Need Your Love (Each And Every Day)
Gimme The Dub
Dub Fire
Hooked On You
Beauty's Only Skin Deep
Chasing For The Breeze
African Children
Back To Africa
Warrior Charge
Give A Little Love
Woman
Kool Noh

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2003-10-03

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.

a good compilation.......2000-09-19

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.

Get ready to party!.......2000-03-21

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.

a good disc.......2000-01-08

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.

Slick, pop-oriented British reggae.......1999-04-27

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).

Tracks:

Fire
Next To You
Best Of My Love
Confidential
Gotta Find A Way
Just Can't Take It
Dancing On My Own
Smile
Love Won't Leave Me
Got To Get (To Your Loving)
Old Fire STick
Hang On Baby

Average customer rating:

Fantastic!
crossover favorite
Distant Thunder

Distant Thunder
Aswad
Manufacturer: Mango
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Hold on to Love
Babylon the Bandit

ASIN: B000003QJ5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Message
Don't Turn Around
Set Them Free
Smokey Blues
I Can't Get Over You
Give A Little Love
Tradition
Feelings
International Melody
Bittersweet
Justice

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2003-03-29

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.

crossover favorite.......2000-09-19

"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.

Distant Thunder.......1999-11-19

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!

Average customer rating:

Awesome Aswad
Aswawesome!
Do you like Rude SUNSPLASHING...
great debut
Aswad

Aswad
Aswad
Manufacturer: Universal/Spectrum
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Not Satisfied
New Chapter
Roots Revival [ENHANCED CD]
Blackheart Man
Who Say Jah No Dread

ASIN: B000025W98
Release Date: 2002-07-22

Tracks:

I A Rebel Soul
Can't Stand The Pressure
Ethiopian Rhapsody
Natural Progression
Back To Africa
Red Up
Ire Woman
Concrete Slaveship

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Aswad.......2002-10-02

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.

Aswawesome!.......2001-10-17

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!

Do you like Rude SUNSPLASHING..........2000-10-08

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

great debut.......2000-09-19

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.

Aswad.......2000-07-01

The raw "drum and bass" sound of this self-titled 1976 release makes this album a must for any fan of classic roots reggae. This release sits near the top of my extensive reggae collection as every track provides a powerful mix of music and message. Perhaps the best example of this mix can be found on track "Concrete Slaveship". If you're a fan of classic roots reggae, buy this release. You won't be disappointed.