The Profound Appeal of Dub: Recommended Masterpieces and a Popular Classic
If you know the music genre called dub, chances are you’re a serious music lover who frequents record shops.
While it’s a genre derived from reggae, it’s also a production method, and its world is incredibly deep and profound.
This article focuses on classic, essential albums recommended for beginners, while also highlighting releases that trace the roots from authentic Jamaican roots dub to UK dub, as well as works in post-punk and new wave that bear dub’s influence.
Even those who usually listen mainly to rock will find plenty to enjoy—so be sure to check it out!
- The deep world of dub music: classic albums where you can experience the sonic magic born from reggae.
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- Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first
- Masterpieces, fan favorites, and new 21st-century staples for reggae beginners
- [For Beginners] Introducing Recommended Overseas Reggae Bands and Groups!
- From the UK! The Allure of Grime — Essential Albums and Fan Favorites to Start With
- Classic rock masterpieces: a roundup of must-listen albums
- [For Beginners] Popular Post-Rock Songs in Western Music: A Curated List of Recommended Classics
- A collection of classic progressive rock albums: popular records you should listen to at least once.
- [UK Music] A Britpop masterpiece. One recommended album.
The Profound Allure of Dub: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Picks (61–70)
Clint EastwoodGorillaz
Gorillaz is a virtual band project formed in London, UK, in 1998 by Damon Albarn of Blur (music production) and comic artist Jamie Hewlett (visuals).
They are characterized by a wide range of musical styles, including Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Electronica, Britpop, Hip Hop, Reggae, Dub, and Trip Hop.
“Clint Eastwood” is a track released in 2001 in the styles of Trip Hop, Dub, Downtempo, and UK Garage.
CreatorSantigold
Santigold, born in 1976, is a singer-songwriter and music producer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
She began her career in 2003, and her work is characterized by genres such as electronica, reggae, and alternative hip-hop.
She made her solo debut in 2008 with the album Santogold, and released her second album, Master of My Make-Believe, in 2012.
Creator is a track from her first album that features dub, indie rock, and experimental styles.
JAVA JAVA JAVA JAVA (Instrumentals ,Dubwise & Versions) – E.T. SpecialIMPACT ALLSTARS
IMPACT ALLSTARS’ “JAVA JAVA JAVA JAVA,” released by Randy’s, is the first legendary dub album in history.
Its title is taken from Augustus Pablo’s signature track “Java,” which became the first hit on the IMPACT label, and it includes “Level Rock.” As a foundational dub album, it’s a must-have, and the album’s style spans early reggae, dub, and instrumental.
Guiding DubIMPACT ALLSTARS
Impact All Stars is a group made up of members considered “all-stars,” formed under the sub-label Impact, itself part of Vincent Chin’s label Randy’s—which, along with Lee “Scratch” Perry and others, supported the dawn of dub.
They’re an essential group for anyone looking to understand reggae dub.
From their classic album Java Java Java Java, the track I recommend is Guiding Dub.
It’s a perfect song for experiencing the early days of reggae dub, so be sure to check it out.
Look At Where We Are (Major Lazer Remix) ／Hot ChipMajor Lazer, Hot Chip
Major Lazer is an electronic duo formed in 2009 by Diplo and Switch.
They released an album recorded in a Jamaican studio, and after Switch left in 2011, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire joined in 2012, making it a three-member group that continues to operate today.
Their musical style is wide-ranging, spanning electronic, dancehall, reggae, moombahton, trap, reggae fusion, electro house, soca, and rocksteady.
“Look At Where We Are” is a track from Hot Chip’s 2012 album In Our Heads, released by Domino Records, and Major Lazer’s remix renders it in a dub, synth-pop, and dancehall style.
Plum IslandThe Orb
The Orb is a techno music act from London, England, formed in 1988.
Their musical range spans techno, electronic, ambient house, dub, trip hop, intelligent dance music, and breakbeats.
Plum Island is a track from the album Cydonia, released in 2001, featuring dub, trip hop, and ambient styles.
Never Get Burn & dubTwinkle Brothes
Twinkle Brothers is a group formed in 1962 by brothers Norman Grant and Ralston Grant.
They made their record debut on Leslie Kong’s Beverley’s label, with their first single being “Somebody Please Help Me” in 1966.
Handling everything from vocal tracks to instrumentals, they are popular in both Jamaica and the UK.
“Never Get Burn & Dub” is a reggae/dub release from 1998.