What is the best Aswad album of all time?

UK reggae's most versatile band moved from raw roots to No. 1 pop hits while always keeping their Jamaican soul intact. From Brixton roots to arena-filling anthems — which era is best? Cast your vote!

1. 1
   Distant Thunder

   The 1988 breakthrough album featuring Don't Turn Around, their biggest chart hit that reached No. 1 in the UK.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Hulet

   The 1979 raw and rootsy sophomore album building on their debut with tougher rhythms and politically engaged lyrics.
   864pts
3. 3
   Not Satisfied

   The 1982 album showcasing Aswad's evolution with harder rhythms and stronger songwriting craft.
   546pts
4. 4
   Big Up

   The 1997 album on Gut Records, released after the UK chart success of 'Shine' and the 'Rise and Shine' era.
   387pts
5. 5
   Rebel Souls

   The 1984 Island album that peaked at No. 48 on the UK Albums Chart, supported by tours of the UK and North America.
   387pts
6. 6
   Too Wicked

   The 1990 album capitalising on their commercial peak following Don't Turn Around with dancehall-flavoured reggae.
   387pts
7. 7
   To the Top

   The 1986 album on the Simba label, the record that bridged Aswad's roots era and the pop breakthrough of 'Distant Thunder' two years later.
   387pts
8. 8
   Cool Summer Reggae

   The 2002 album released by Universal, a light summer-themed reggae set from the band's later years, its cover drawn in cartoon style.
   387pts
9. 9
   Aswad

   The 1976 self-titled debut that established Aswad as a major force in UK reggae with deep roots authenticity.
   284pts
10. 10
    Roots Revival

    The 1999 album on Ark 21 that, as its title says, steered Aswad back towards the roots reggae of their early years after their pop chart hits.
    284pts
11. 11
    Rise and Shine

    The 1994 album featuring 'Shine', a UK top-five hit that returned Aswad to the top of the charts six years after 'Don't Turn Around'.
    284pts
12. 12
    New Chapter

    The 1981 album, the band's first for CBS, a mature roots set later remixed by Island as 'A New Chapter of Dub'.
    284pts
13. 13
    Jah Shaka Meets Aswad in Addis Ababa Studio

    The 1985 dub collaboration with London sound system pioneer Jah Shaka, released on his own Jah Shaka Music label.
    284pts
14. 14
    City Lock

    The 2009 album on Rhythm Riders, the band's first studio record in seven years, made by the core duo of Drummie Zeb and Tony Gad.
    0pts

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