Review of Aswad by Aswad
Artist: Aswad
Album title: Aswad
Release year: 1976
Label: Mango
Genre: Reggae
Rating: 8 out of 10

Track listing:
I a Rebel Soul
Can't Stand the Pressure
Ethiopian Rhapsody
Natural Progression
Back to Africa
Red Up
Ire Woman
Concrete Slaveship

Review: Aswad's debut on Mango is still one of the band's strongest efforts. Nicely displaying the group's jazz-tinged, roots reggae sound, Aswad features such vocal highlights as Can't Stand the Pressure and Concrete Slaveship, as well as the fine instrumental Red Up. And while not as successful as their British peers Steel Pulse, Aswad still qualifies as one of the best roots outfits to emerge outside of Jamaica. A fitting start to the band's long and impressive run.