Build A Nation
by Bad Brains
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Filter
    88
    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
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Bad Brains' most cohesive effort since the 1986 watershed I Against I. [29 Jun 2007, p.136]
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  3. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    It doesn't stray too far from their original template but it is focused and involving.
  5. Boston Globe
    80
    The music? Thrilling as ever.
  6. Alternative Press
    70
    It's surprisingly decent. [Jul 2007, p.174]
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  7. Spin
    70
    Build a Nation roars and throbs with vintage fire. [Jul 2007, p.92]
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  8. AllMusic
    70
    While Bad Brains never quite match the intensity of their early days, this is easily the best record they've released since Quickness.
  9. Billboard
    70
    A welcome return from a band that still doesn't sound quite like anybody else. [30 Jun 2007]
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  10. Pitchfork
    69
    What torpedoes Build a Nation is the heavy cream of reverb and echo that drowns the vocals.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. AndrewJ
    Sep 16, 2007
    8
    Very good. I particularly like the low-fi production quality. It's a really nice contrast to today's millisecond-timed, glossy, 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.… Full Review »
  2. RobertR.
    Aug 2, 2007
    6
    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 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. … Full Review »
  3. HermannW.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    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 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.… Full Review »
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