Aswad - Discography (1976-2002)
Aswad - Discography (1976-2002)
Aswad - Discography (1976-2002)
Aswad is a British reggae band that was formed in the Ladbroke Grove area of West London in 1974. The band's name means "black" in Arabic, and they are widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful reggae groups in the UK. Aswad has released 14 studio albums, 2 live albums, 13 compilation albums, and 41 singles over the course of their career. This article will provide an overview of their discography from 1976 to 2002.
Studio Albums
Aswad's debut album, simply titled Aswad, was released in January 1976 on Island Records. The album featured a roots reggae style with socially conscious lyrics and a heavy dub influence. The album received positive reviews from critics and established Aswad as a promising new act in the reggae scene. Some of the standout tracks from the album are "Back to Africa", "Three Babylon", and "It's Not Our Wish".
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The band's second album, Hulet, was released in September 1979 on Island Records. The album continued the roots reggae direction of their debut, but with a more polished and sophisticated sound. The album also featured guest appearances from saxophonist Michael "Bami" Rose and trombonist Vin Gordon. The album was well received by critics and fans alike, and spawned the singles "Behold", "Natural Progression", and "Oh Jah".
In November 1981, Aswad released their third album, New Chapter, on CBS Records. The album marked a significant change in their musical style, as they incorporated elements of soul, funk, pop, and rock into their reggae sound. The album also featured the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and horns. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 50 on the UK Albums Chart, and produced the hit single "Love Fire", which reached number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. The album also received critical acclaim, with some reviewers calling it one of the best reggae albums of the year.
The band's fourth album, Not Satisfied, was released in July 1982 on CBS Records. The album continued the crossover style of New Chapter, but with a more pop-oriented approach. The album featured collaborations with singers Lorna Bennett and Dennis Brown, as well as producers Chris Porter and Steve Lillywhite. The album was another commercial success, reaching number 50 on the UK Albums Chart, and spawning the singles "Not Satisfied", "Ways of the Lord", and "Don't Turn Around". The latter became one of Aswad's most popular songs, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1988 when it was covered by Swedish pop group Ace of Base.
In October 1984, Aswad released their fifth album, Rebel Souls, on Island Records. The album saw them return to their roots reggae style, but with a more modern and experimental edge. The album featured guest appearances from singers Michael Prophet and Sandra Cross, as well as producer Martin Rushent. The album was well received by critics and fans, and generated the singles "Need Your Love (Each and Every Day)", "54-46 (Was My Number)", and "Chasing for the Breeze".
In November 1985, Aswad collaborated with dub pioneer Jah Shaka on the album Jah Shaka Meets Aswad in Addis Ababa Studio. The album was a dub version of Rebel Souls, featuring heavy bass lines, echo effects, and sound samples. The album was a tribute to Ethiopian culture and history, as well as a showcase of Jah Shaka's sound system style. The album was praised by critics and dub enthusiasts for its innovative and powerful production.
In June 1986, Aswad released their sixth album, To the Top, on Simba Records. The album was a return to their crossover style, featuring elements of soul, funk, pop, rock, and dancehall. The album also featured collaborations with singers Maxi Priest and David Grant, as well as producers Glyn Bush and Skip McDonald. The album was a moderate success, reaching number 71 on the UK Albums Chart, and producing the singles "To the Top", "Bubbling", and "Best of My Love".
In March 1988, Aswad released their seventh album, Distant Thunder, on Mango Records. The album was their most successful to date, reaching number 10 on the UK Albums Chart, and number 173 on the US Billboard 200. The album also achieved gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The album featured a pop reggae style, with catchy melodies, smooth vocals, and polished production. The album also featured the hit single "Don't Turn Around", which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, as well as the singles "Give a Little Love", "Set Them Free", and "Beauty's Only Skin Deep".
In September 1990, Aswad released their eighth album, Too Wicked, on Mango Records. The album was a continuation of their pop reggae style, but with a more dance-oriented and upbeat approach. The album featured collaborations with singers Shabba Ranks and Yazz, as well as producers Gussie Clarke and Jazzie B. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 51 on the UK Albums Chart, and producing the singles "Next to You", "Smile", "On and On", and "Shine". The latter became one of Aswad's most successful songs, reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart, and number two on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.
In June 1994, Aswad released their ninth album, Rise and Shine, on Bubblin' Records. The album was a return to their roots reggae style, but with a more contemporary and diverse sound. The album featured guest appearances from singers Luciano, Marcia Griffiths, and Michael Rose, as well as producers Sly & Robbie and Mafia & Fluxy. The album was well received by critics and fans, and reached number 38 on the UK Albums Chart. The album also spawned the singles "Warrior Charge", "You're No Good", and "Shine (Beatmasters 7\" Mix)". The latter was a remix of their previous hit "Shine", which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. In April 1995, the album was reissued as Rise and Shine Again!, featuring four additional tracks.
In November 1996, Aswad released their tenth album, Big Up, on Gut Records. The album was a departure from their previous style, featuring a more urban and electronic sound. The album featured collaborations with singers Sweetie Irie and Easther Bennett, as well as producers Danny D and Steve Mac. The album was a commercial failure, failing to chart in the UK or elsewhere. The album also produced the singles "Big Up", "Come Into My Life", and "You're No Good (Ragga Mix)".
In June 1999, Aswad released their eleventh album, Roots Revival, on Ark 21 Records. The album was a return to their roots reggae style, but with a more acoustic and organic sound. The album featured guest appearances from singers Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Mikey Dread, and Brinsley Forde (who had left the band in 1996), as well as producers Fatis Burrell and Stingray. The album was well received by critics and fans, but did not chart in the UK or elsewhere. The album also produced the singles "So Good", "Heartbeat", and "Night Nurse".
In August 2002, Aswad released their twelfth and final studio album to date, Cool Summer Reggae, on Universal Records. The album was a collection of cover versions of popular songs from various genres, performed in a reggae style. The album featured covers of songs by artists such as Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sting, UB40, and Ace of Base. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 54 on the UK Albums Chart, and number 77 on the French Albums Chart. The album also produced the singles "Shy Guy", "Best of My Love (2002 Version)", and "Would I Lie to You".
Live Albums
Aswad has released two live albums in their career: Live and Direct (1983) and Live at Rockpalast Cologne 1980 (2016). Live and Direct was recorded at the Notting Hill Carnival in London in August 1983, and featured performances of songs from their first five studio albums. Live at Rockpalast Cologne 1980 was recorded at the Rockpal ast festival in Cologne, Germany in October 1980, and featured performances of songs from their first three studio albums. Both live albums received positive reviews from critics and fans, and showcased Aswad's energetic and dynamic live shows.
Compilation Albums
Aswad has released 13 compilation albums in their career, featuring various selections of their singles, album tracks, remixes, and rarities. Some of the most notable compilation albums are: Crucial Tracks: The Best of Aswad (1989), The Best of Aswad (1993), Reggae Legends: Aswad (2010), and The Complete BBC Sessions (2016). Crucial Tracks: The Best of Aswad was the first compilation album to feature the band's hit singles from 1981 to 1988, and reached number 27 on the UK Albums Chart. The Best of Aswad was a more comprehensive collection of the band's singles from 1976 to 1993, and reached number 38 on the UK Albums Chart. Reggae Legends: Aswad was a four-disc box set that included the band's first four studio albums, as well as bonus tracks and dub versions. The Complete BBC Sessions was a two-disc set that featured the band's live performances at various BBC radio and television shows from 1976 to 1995.
Singles
Aswad has released 41 singles in their career, spanning various genres and styles of reggae music. Some of their most successful and popular singles are: "Don't Turn Around" (1988), "Shine" (1994), "Next to You" (1990), "Give a Little Love" (1988), "On and On" (1990), "Love Fire" (1981), "54-46 (Was My Number)" (1984), "Warrior Charge" (1980), "Not Satisfied" (1982), and "You're No Good" (1994). Aswad has achieved 21 top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart, and one top 40 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 ("Don't Turn Around"). Aswad has also won several aw