BAD BRAINS
Build A Nation (2007)
Megaforce Records
Produced by Adam Yauch

D.C punk/hardcore legends Bad Brains are back, after having broken up and reunited more times than an entire season of VH1’s Behind the Music.

Adam Yauch (Beastie Boys) is credited with producing the first studio album by the band in over ten years. Although the production of Build A Nation is more realized than its predecessor (1995’s God Of Love), it still lacks the raw power of the group’s legendary back catalog.

What makes Build A Nation the most unique of Bad Brains albums is this time around their aggressive material sounds more like a distraction from their reggae stuff, which has always been a part of band’s arsenal but often overshadowed by their punk rock legacy. However, on Build A Nation that sound has never been featured more prominently and has never sounded more rich or inspired.

Grade: B+

Highlights:
Peace Be Unto Thee, Natty Dreadlocks On The Mountain Top, Jah People Make The World Go Round