Album: Bad Brains by Bad Brains (1982)
Genre: Hardcore Punk | Style: Punk
Record Label: Megaforce Records
Format: Album

Description: Bad Brains is the first full-length studio album recorded by Bad Brains. It was originally released on cassette only but has since been re-released by ROIR on both CD and vinyl.

When the album was released in 1982, fans and critics alike were stunned to learn that the musicians behind this album - one of the fastest albums of all time upon its release - were religious African-American Rastafarians who also were skilled at reggae. The album was a crucial step in the formation of hardcore punk and the eventual fusion of hard rock and reggae adopted later by bands like Sublime, Fishbone, and 311.

Many of the album's tracks were re-recorded for their 1983 follow-up, Rock for Light. In-Effect Records released a CD version with the same track listing titled Attitude: The ROIR Sessions in 1991.

Artist Background: Bad Brains is a hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of other genres like funk, heavy metal, hip-hop and soul. Bad Brains are followers of the Rastafari movement. Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very f... Part of the Washington D.C, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Hardcore Punk movement. Known for Punk style.

Music Scene: Part of the Washington D.C, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Hardcore Punk movement. Known for Punk style.

Tags: Hardcore Punk, Punk, 1980s, Album, Megaforce Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Bad Brains is the first full-length studio album recorded by Bad Brains. It was originally released on cassette only but has since been re-released by ROIR on both CD and vinyl.

When the album was released in 1982, fans and critics alike were stunned to learn that the musicians behind this album - one of the fastest albums of all time upon its release - were religious African-American Rastafarians who also were skilled at reggae. The album was a crucial step in the formation of hardcore punk and the eventual fusion of hard rock and reggae adopted later by bands like Sublime, Fishbone, and 311.

Many of the album's tracks were re-recorded for their 1983 follow-up, Rock for Light. In-Effect Records released a CD version with the same track listing titled Attitude: The ROIR Sessions in 1991.

Bad Brains

Bad Brains

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