| Make Way for the Indian | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Apache Indian |
| Border: | yes |
| Released: | 1995 |
| Genre: | Reggae, bhangra |
| Label: | Island[1] |
| Prev Title: | No Reservations |
| Prev Year: | 1993 |
| Next Title: | Real People |
| Next Year: | 1997 |
Make Way for the Indian is an album by the English musician Apache Indian, released in 1995.[2] [3]
The title track peaked at No. 29 on the UK Singles Chart.[4] "Boomshackalak" was a hit in the United States.[5]
The album was produced in part by Mafia & Fluxy.[6] "Armagideon Time" is a cover of the Willie Williams song; "Born for a Purpose" was originally by Dr Alimantado.[7] Frankie Paul, Sly and Robbie, and Tim Dog contributed to the album.[8] Apache Indian chose to produce a sound more rooted in reggae than in bhangra.[9]
Trouser Press wrote that "Apache uses a more folkloric bhangra sound with his dancehall and adds elements of roots reggae, jungle, hip-hop, R&B, rock steady and rock."[10] The Independent called the album "a more diversely accessible set than his debut [that] finds Apache coming close to jungle on 'Who Say?'"[11] The Times considered it to be "fresh, strong and entirely credible... Indian's gruff growl really comes into its own on 'Born for a Purpose', a rumbling reggae groove freighted with a hard-hitting declamation of self-belief that gradually mutates into a wickedly soulful chorus."[12]
The Guardian determined that "accessibility remains paramount ... and clearly contributed to the muddled musical identity evident here."[13] The Washington Informer thought that "this Indian West Indian brother has a smooth dancehall sound that is as refreshing as a cool Ginger Beer."[14] The Orange County Register deemed the album "a stylish mix of reggae, hip-hop and Indian lyrical consciousness, especially on the title track and 'Ansa Dat'."[6]
AllMusic wrote that "'Boba' is one of the most explicitly bhangra-based songs he has recorded, and it's one of the best things on the album."