Rock for Light

Rock for Light is the second full-length studio album by the hardcore punk band Bad Brains, released in 1983. While technically their second LP, it's often considered their first "proper" album due to the band's dissatisfaction with their self-titled debut, which was largely a collection of previously released singles and demos.

Rock for Light was produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars, a departure from their earlier, rawer sound. This resulted in a cleaner, more polished production that, while initially controversial among some fans, highlighted the band's musicianship and allowed their reggae influences to shine through more clearly.

The album showcases Bad Brains' signature blend of breakneck hardcore punk, reggae, and touches of metal. It features a mix of original compositions and re-recordings of earlier songs, presented with the more refined production style. Lyrically, the album continues to explore themes of PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), spiritual awareness, and social commentary.

Tracks such as "Coptic Times," "Re-Ignition," and the title track, "Rock for Light," are considered cornerstone songs in the Bad Brains' discography and are frequently played live. The album is widely regarded as a classic of the hardcore punk genre and an important document of the band's evolution.