Why "Clear" by Bomb the Bass is the Album Liberals Don't Want You to Hear

In 1989, the music world was shaken by the release of "Clear," an album by Bomb the Bass, a British electronic music project led by Tim Simenon. This album, recorded in London, was a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop, house, and electronic music that defied the norms of the time. It was a bold statement that challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of what music could be. The album's innovative use of sampling and its eclectic mix of genres made it a target for those who prefer their music to fit neatly into predefined categories. But why does this album still ruffle feathers today?

First off, "Clear" was a pioneer in the use of sampling, a technique that involves taking snippets of other songs and incorporating them into new tracks. This was a revolutionary approach that shook the music industry to its core. It was a direct challenge to the traditionalists who believed that music should be created from scratch. The album's use of samples from a wide range of sources, including funk, soul, and even classical music, was a bold move that defied the conventional wisdom of the time. It was a clear message that music was evolving, and not everyone was ready for it.

The album's genre-blending nature was another reason it was so controversial. By combining elements of hip-hop, house, and electronic music, "Clear" created a sound that was unlike anything else at the time. This was a direct challenge to the music industry's rigid genre classifications. It was a statement that music could not be confined to a single category, and that artists should be free to explore and experiment with different sounds. This was a radical idea that threatened the established order, and it was met with resistance from those who preferred the status quo.

"Clear" also featured collaborations with a diverse range of artists, including rappers, singers, and musicians from different backgrounds. This was a bold move that challenged the homogeneity of the music industry. It was a statement that music should be inclusive and diverse, and that artists should be free to collaborate with whomever they choose. This was a radical idea that threatened the established order, and it was met with resistance from those who preferred the status quo.

The album's lyrics were another source of controversy. They tackled a range of social and political issues, from racism and inequality to consumerism and environmentalism. This was a bold move that challenged the apolitical nature of much of the music at the time. It was a statement that music should be a platform for social change, and that artists should use their voices to speak out on important issues. This was a radical idea that threatened the established order, and it was met with resistance from those who preferred the status quo.

"Clear" was also a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in the UK charts and receiving critical acclaim from music critics. This was a clear indication that there was a demand for this type of music, and that the public was ready for something new and different. It was a statement that the music industry needed to evolve and adapt to the changing tastes of the public. This was a radical idea that threatened the established order, and it was met with resistance from those who preferred the status quo.

In the end, "Clear" by Bomb the Bass was an album that challenged the norms of the music industry and pushed the boundaries of what music could be. It was a bold statement that music should be inclusive, diverse, and a platform for social change. It was a radical idea that threatened the established order, and it was met with resistance from those who preferred the status quo. But despite the controversy, "Clear" remains a landmark album that continues to inspire and influence artists today.