Quickness
Bad Brains · 1989
33 min · 12 tracks · hardcore punk
A frenetic blend of hardcore punk and reggae-infused rhythms, embodying the band's rebellious spirit and musical versatility.
Top tracks — play these first
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Soulcraft — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its explosive energy and showcases Bad Brains' signature fusion of punk and reggae elements.
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With the Quickness — The title track encapsulates the album's energetic vibe while featuring intricate guitar work and a catchy chorus that highlights the band's eclectic style.
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Don't Blow Bubbles — This track exemplifies the band's playful yet incisive lyricism, intertwining social commentary with an infectious melody that draws listeners in.
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The Messengers — A shorter but impactful piece, this song reflects on themes of spirituality and guidance, underscored by a driving rhythm and powerful delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Quickness showcases Bad Brains' genre-blending approach but lacks the cohesion of their earlier work.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rapid-fire tempo in 'Soulcraft' and maintains high energy through the first half, before shifting to slower, reggae-influenced tracks like 'Sheba'.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between punk and reggae styles, such as 'Gene Machine/Don't Bother Me', which blends aggressive guitar riffs with laid-back rhythms.
- The final track, 'Endtro', serves as a brief instrumental outro that contrasts sharply with the preceding intensity, creating a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- quick energetic listening bursts
- short, punchy tracks
- introspective yet lively vibes
- dynamic and frenetic pacing
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 14, 1989, Quickness was Bad Brains' fifth studio album and marked their return after a five-year hiatus following the critically acclaimed I Against I. At this point in their career, the band was grappling with lineup changes and seeking to redefine their sound amidst evolving musical landscapes.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Prophet's Eye
The verses shift from personal introspection to broader societal critique, employing vivid imagery to convey urgency and hope.
This transition from personal to collective experience emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual struggles with larger societal issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Soulcraft 3:07
- 2 Voyage Into Infinity 3:14
- 3 The Messengers 2:17
- 4 With the Quickness 2:45
- 5 Gene Machine/Don't Bother Me 2:59
- 6 Don't Blow Bubbles 3:03
- 7 Sheba 2:51
- 8 Yout' Juice 3:00
- 9 No Conditions 2:22
- 10 Silent Tears 2:49
- 11 The Prophet's Eye 4:25
- 12 Endtro 0:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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