New Chapter

Unlike the later more commercial offerings, this album is a true heavyweight and set the standard for British reggae. 'New Chapter' represent Aswad's, albeit brief, creative peak. For most of its tracks, even those with ho-hum titles like "I Will Keep on Loving You" and "He Gave the Sun to Shine", Aswad balances the heavy roots, dub influence of Lee Perry and King Tubby with a supple, jazzy swing. Tony Robinson's spacious bass and Angus Gaye's fluid drumming create insistent riddims that make up for the earnest, occasionally overwritten lyrics. If you have never listened to Aswad before then this extended album with its soothing lyrics and dub will blow you away.