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
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- 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
- 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 (21–30)
I Love MarijuanaLinval Thompson
Linval Thompson, from Kingston, Jamaica, is a reggae and dub musician and producer who has been active since the 1970s.
This track is the title track from an album released in 1978 by Trojan Records.
Flag DubKing Tubby
King Tubby was a Jamaican sound engineer who had a major influence on the development of dub in the 1960s and 1970s.
This track is included on the album “Fatman Tapes II” and samples Barry Brown’s track “It Go a Dread.”
Dub ChargeAswad
Aswad is a reggae band formed in Notting Hill, London, in 1975.
Their sound is characterized by a strong incorporation of R&B and soul music.
The band name Aswad comes from the Arabic word meaning “black.” They have performed music with strong messages, such as roots rock reggae.
Their 1988 release Shine was a major hit.
Dub Charge is a track taken from the vinyl release of The Warrior Charge, which was issued by Island Records in 1980.
High Than the SunPrimal Scream
Primal Scream is a rock band formed in 1982 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Their 1991 album Screamadelica, which spans House, Dub, Downtempo, and Indie Rock styles, is a landmark work that expanded the possibilities of dance music and rock, and it won the inaugural Mercury Music Prize in 1992.
“Higher Than the Sun” is a Dub-style track from the Screamadelica album.
KilimanjaroIration Steppas Meet Dennis Rootical
Iration Steppas, alongside ABA SHANTI-I and others, are residents of the UK’s largest dub event, University of Dub, and are one of Europe’s top New Roots Reggae and Dub sound systems.
Dubstep, said to have evolved from Roots & Culture and Dub sound systems, remains a globally thriving DJ style and dance sound.
It stands at the core of bass music/dub/reggae and is heavily played across sound systems worldwide.
Kilimanjaro is a dub-style track released in 1995 on the Iration Steppa label.