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No, this is the real shit--classic lightning riffage, hearkening dub rhythms, and a perfectly insane H.R. and Co. following the great spirit to hardcore heaven

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Entertainment Weekly

Bad Brains' most cohesive effort since the 1986 watershed I Against I. [29 Jun 2007, p.136]

Boston Globe

The music? Thrilling as ever.

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Observer Music Monthly

It doesn't stray too far from their original template but it is focused and involving.

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Spin

Build a Nation roars and throbs with vintage fire. [Jul 2007, p.92]

All Music Guide

While Bad Brains never quite match the intensity of their early days, this is easily the best record they've released since Quickness.

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Billboard

A welcome return from a band that still doesn't sound quite like anybody else. [30 Jun 2007]

Alternative Press

It's surprisingly decent. [Jul 2007, p.174]

Pitchfork

What torpedoes Build a Nation is the heavy cream of reverb and echo that drowns the vocals.

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NOW Magazine

Bad Brains can still blast with ferocity, but the jarring changes in tone and tempo could prove more of a problem than the lo-fi production for many listeners.

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PopMatters

Ultimately, however, listening to a Bad Brains record is a disjointed experience. Those expecting a 30-minute blast of frenetic punk may be put off by the occasional reggae, while those hoping for a mellow, positive reggae album may be startled by the ferocity of the band’s punk tracks.

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Rolling Stone

It lacks the messiness that made them so beautiful in the first place, but be glad they're still punching.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 12 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Andrew J gave it an8:
Very good. I particularly like the low-fi production quality. It's a really nice contrast to today's millisecond-timed, glossy, overproduced digital products.

Robert R. gave it a6:
The 9s and 10s are too high. The reggae tracks are the best parts of the album and the punk parts are lacking. No one likes to blame age for a classic bands latest shortcomings but on tracks such as Universal Peace and Let there be angels, HR's vocals are in another octave from what wants from the songs. In regards to one wants from those songs, I reference some of their biggest hits, such as Banned in DC and Sailin' On where he explodes fast and furiously. For me, it was the balance of mellow reggae and fast visceral punk experience that made Bad Brains great. With the somewhat lacking latter, this album is just good, not great and certainly not worth a 10.

Hermann W. gave it a10:
the best record since 5 years and the best Bad Brains record since i against i. I hope they will tour Europe . i will always love the Brains for their PMA.

Eric P gave it a10:
Strong album from begining to end. Reaggae tracks stand strong. I don't want to comment more. It's Bad Brains, powerfull hardcore pionners, no match. You know em ?!

Otto M. gave it a10:
I love, i love my Jah

Jean R. gave it a9:
The're back with an amazing album!!!

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