OLDIES SUNDAY: @BadBrainsBand – Leaving Babylon (1982)

It’s Oldies Sunday, and today we’re going to do something different. While this section has been home to many Artists who hail from the Caribbean, what about those who have been influenced by the Caribbean? For today’s selection, we check out US band Bad Brains, and their track, “Leaving Babylon“.

“Leaving Babylon” was produced by Jay Dublee, and performed by original Bad Brains band members H.R., Dr. Know, Darryl Jenifer, and Earl Hudson. It was released through the ROIR (Reach Out International Records) label in 1982. Though Bad Brains originally started out as a Punk Rock band, they also tapped into the Reggae sound thanks to seeing Bob Marley perform live in their home base of Washington D.C., H.R.’s Jamaican background, and leaning into the Rastafarian faith and culture. “Leaving Babylon” was one of their Reggae releases, and it not only featured the Reggae sound, but shared lyrics about escaping the society that left people destitute, dealt with phony Politicians, and seeking a better place as nothing will change from where they’re coming from. It also sampled the Bass line from The Royals’ 1968 single, “Pick Up The Pieces“.

“Leaving Babylon” was featured on Bad Brains’ self-titled debut studio album, and quickly won over listeners. It was covered by the likes of Sublime, Jesse Malin, and 311. Their debut album is one of the most groundbreaking releases for the hardcore scene, with many Artists citing it as one of the greatest ever. Bad Brains is widely considered the pioneers of Hardcore Punk Rock, and along with fusing Reggae into the Rock scene, they paved the way for many bands to follow. Since the release of “Leaving Babylon”, they have released more albums, went through a number of breakups and reunions, and are still active today. Reggae Artist Jesse Royal briefly joined the band in 2015. “Leaving Babylon” is still a favourite for many listeners of Bad Brains.