Bad Brains "Rock for Light"

In 1983, American hardcore punk band Bad Brains released their second studio album, "Rock for Light", which was produced by Ric Ocasek from The Cars. The album features a mix of re-recorded songs from their first album as well as new hardcore punk and reggae tracks. The 1991 re-issue, which was remixed by Ocasek and bass player Darryl Jenifer, includes extra tracks, a different track order, significantly different mixes, and a speed increase of the master, resulting in a pitch increase of one-half step. The original mix was only available on the out-of-print PVC Records version and 1987 CD-versions until 2021, and some of the original mixes appeared on the Banned in D.C. compilation.

"Rock for Light" was the last Bad Brains album to feature only hardcore punk and reggae, as the band later experimented with funk, soul, and heavy metal. Following the album's release, the band broke up for three years, the first of several break-ups throughout their career. In his review for The Village Voice, Robert Christgau praised the album's distinctive sound, particularly the unique vocal style of lead singer H.R. Ian Cranna, reviewing the 1991 re-issue for Q, noted that the original mix did not capture the band's full energy and excitement, but praised the re-issue.