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.
- What is DUB? A Beginner’s Guide to Dub Music!
- The world of rocksteady born in Jamaica — a roundup of must-hear classic tracks to get you started
- Must-Listen for Beginners: Legendary Reggae Albums You Should Hear at Least Once — A Collection of Popular Records
- [Reggae] Introducing Classic Dub Tracks | Featuring Japanese Reggae and International Reggae!
- Japanese reggae bands, plus bands that incorporate reggae-influenced styles.
- Danceable Jazz! Classic and Recommended Albums of Acid Jazz
- [For Beginners] Introducing Recommended Overseas Reggae Bands and Groups!
- [Foreign Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and a Recommended Pick
- Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- Masterpieces, fan favorites, and new 21st-century staples for reggae beginners
- From the UK! The Allure of Grime — Essential Albums and Fan Favorites to Start With
The Profound Allure of Dub: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Picks (71–80)
African BloodSingers & Players
Singers & Players is a reggae group composed of vocalists and musicians from On-U Sound Records.
Members include Bim Sherman, Prince Far I, and Mikey Dread, and the group is often described as a dub music supergroup.
This track is included on the 1983 album “Staggering Heights.”
Garden Of LoveWinston McAnuff & Fixi
Winston McAnuff, a Jamaican reggae and dub singer and composer active since 1978, is also known as Electric Dread.
This track is the title track from a joint album released in 2013.
Darker Shade Of RedAugustus Pablo
Augustus Pablo is a Jamaican roots reggae and dub producer.
He is also known for popularizing the use of the melodica in reggae music.
This track is included on the album “Red Sea,” released in 1998.
All Wi Doin’ Is DefendinPoet And The Roots
Poet and the Roots is a reggae band from London.
They were formed to record Linton Kwesi Johnson’s poetry with dub backing music.
This track is the title track from an album released in 1978.
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.
Master Blaster (Jami’n)Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is a musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer from Saginaw, Michigan, born in 1950.
He signed with Motown’s Tamla label at the age of 11 and has continued to work with the label to this day.
He has scored over 30 U.S.
Top 10 hits and, among male solo singers, holds the record for the most Grammy Awards.
Master Blaster! is a dub- and reggae-pop–style track released in 1980, a reggae-inspired number that Stevie Wonder created as a tribute to Bob Marley.
In conclusion
The music genre known as DUB may seem a bit intimidating at first, but the more you learn about it, the more you find yourself drawn into its deep allure. If this article encourages those who’ve been hesitant or are thinking of giving it a try to discover and enjoy the profound world of DUB, I’d be delighted!