Flames (Island, 1988)
It's strange that this group isn't more well-known, since they've had some releases on Island Records -- this being their debut -- which usually means a relatively good amount of exposure. In addition, Foundation's style of uptempo reggae with a balance of conscious lyrics and crossover appeal (aided by the production of Steven "Cat" Coore, formerly of crossover band extraordinaire, Third World) seems to ensure a large following. However, while at their best, Foundation draws comparisons to Steel Pulse or Aswad, at their worst, they are mediocre imitations (I do have to give them credit, however, for not crossing into the realm of ultra-pop reggae; they keep it well-grounded.) For every song like "Dance If You Dancin'," which has the feel of an instant classic, or the the "Many Rivers to Cross"-ish "Just to See Love," there is a generic "Some People" or "Sometimes." This inconsistency, then, goes a long way to explaining why Foundation has failed to escape the shroud of obscurity.
| Track Listing 1. Flames 2. Animal Mind, Human Body 3. Beverly Hills 4. Sometimes 5. Some People 6. Dance If You Dancin' 7. Reggae Music 8. Just to See Love 9. Pride 10. Blackman World |
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Heart Feel It (Island, 1989) This is Foundation's best album for the simple fact that it is their most consistent. While there are no absolutely great songs (like "Dance If You Dancin'" on Flames or "Africa" on One Shirt), most of the tracks are solid with surprisingly distinct, catchy melodies. Typical of this catchy material are the bouncy "If They Could They Would" and "Struggle Have to End," the two best tunes on the album. Heart Feels It has a prototypical roots sound -- so much so that it is hard to tell Foundation's style from any other generic reggae band. What does help distinguish them, though, is the quality of the music. Aside from the previously mentioned songs, "When Will It End," "You and I (Got to Be Free)," "Sign of the Time," and the cool, airy "Genie" are also enjoyable. |
| Track Listing 1. When Will It End 2. Struggle Have to End 3. You and I (Got to Be Free) 4. If They Could They Would 5. Heart Feel It 6. Symptom and Sign 7. Sign of the Time 8. Lack of Wisdom 9. Laughing Reggae 10. Genie |
One Shirt (Island, 1995)
The "little group that should" returns from seemingly nowhere, and unfortunately, their underachieving ways are at an all-time high (or low). You can always seems to rely on Foundation for a touch of greatness. In this case, it's the song "Africa," a high-energy African-styled (natch) reggae gem that is serious in message but fun in format. "Struggling Man" and "Life of Living" are also nice tunes that help the album's "foundation," but the rest of the songs, while not bad at all, do little to make the listener take notice. Foundation is so close to being a great group, I can taste it. Tastes like...chicken.
| Track Listing 1. One Shirt 2. Set the People Free 3. Universal Unrest 4. Private Life 5. Struggling Man 6. Africa 7. Fire Is Burning 8. Beverly Hills featuring Prezident Brown 9. Life of Living 10. Friends 11. Leaders of the World 12. Serious Time |
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