Description
Generation is an album by the Nigerian-born, British based singer and songwriter Ben Okafor, released in the UK on Plankton Records in 1992. Also released in the US by R.E.X. Music in 1994. The album was produced by Bob Lamb and Ben Okafor. All songs written by Ben Okafor.
After being severely messed around by almost every record company in the known universe Ben has finally settled with a label custom-tape concern who may actually do him some good. His easy reggae styled arrangements are the perfect vehicle for his words of protest as he cries out for social justice and shouts in the face of oppression. There are also some songs on the album that are more of a reflection of Ben’s personal life such as «Sanctify My Soul» and «Sweet Lady». For me the best number is «Living In A Suitcase», a catchy song with a hint of ska. Some interesting session players pop up on the album such as Iona‘s percussionist Terl Bryant and saxophonist Billy Paul who sadly is no longer with us. His smooth playing adds a subtle flavour to tracks like «Be My Brother» and the album is respectfully dedicated to his memory. [Andy Long, Cross Rhythms, October 1992]
Generation (Expanded & Remastered), 2006
Despite growing up as a Kalashnikov-carrying teenager in war torn Nigeria, Ben later found himself working hard as a peace campaigner alongside Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa. On moving to the Midlands in the late 1980s Ben recorded a string of excellent albums which borrowed heavily on the influences of his favourite artists – Jimmy Cliff, James Brown and most notably Bob Marley And The Wailers – and benefited mightily from the production talents of Bob Lamb, who produced several of UB40s early releases. Despite being recorded in the late ’80s and early ’90s this, his 1992 release still sounds totally fresh and relevant as do the three new recordings which fit seamlessly into the mood. Amazingly this only sold 3,000 copies first time round but if there’s any justice it should sell more like the 25,000 that it did in America. [Philip Croft, Cross Rhythms, February 2007]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/generation-remastered/265490459)
CD tracklist:
01. She Said – 3:57
02. Shadows – 4:06
03. Love Train – 3:10
04. Sanctify My Soul – 5:16
05. Call Me – 4:24
06. Living In a Suitcase – 4:01
07. Generation – 6:14
08. Go See – 3:31
09. Be My Brother – 4:54
10. Susan – 4:09
11. Sweet Lady – 4:06
12. Hear This Voice – 6:32
Bonus Tracks, Expanded & Remastered Version:
13. This Is My Life – 3:51
14. Tell Me Why – 4:43
15. God’s World (Do the Right Thing) – 4:22
Note: Remastered and re-issued on CD by Plankton Records in 2006, featuring 3 bonus tracks produced by Mark Stevens and Ben Okafor.
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