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 (41–50)
Dub LarkingHorace Andy
Horace Andy, born in 1951 in Kingston, Jamaica, is a reggae singer known for his distinctive falsetto voice.
He began making music in his youth, and in 1969 he released the album Skylarking on Studio One, which produced hits such as Mr.
Bassie, Girl I Love You, and Got to Be Sure.
He moved to the UK in 1990 and contributed to Massive Attack’s debut album Blue Lines and their 1994 album Protection, helping drive their success.
Dub Larking is a track included on the album Horace Andy Dub Box: Rare Dubs 1973–1976, and it is the dub version of Skylarking.
Extra-Ordinary DubErrol Thompson
Errol Thompson, a Jamaican producer and audio engineer known as “ET,” is one of the first engineers of dub music.
This track is included on the compilation album “Java Java Dub,” released in 1989.
Dub VoodooMad Professor & Lee Perry
Mad Professor is a dub music producer and engineer who produces both original and remixed works.
This track is included on the album “Dub Take the Voodoo Out of Reggae,” released in 1996.
One Step ForwardMax Romeo
Max Romeo is a reggae singer born in 1944 from Saint James Parish on Jamaica’s north coast.
He moved to Kingston in 1954 and debuted in 1965.
His song “Wet Dream” became a hit in 1969, and “Let the Power Fall” was used as an election campaign song in 1971.
He visited Japan in 1985 and 1994.
His work is notable in the Rocksteady (a popular music style in Jamaica from 1966 to 1968) and reggae genres.
“One Step Forward,” released in 1975, is a track in the roots reggae and dub style.
DutchiesShapeshifter
Shapeshifter is a live drum and bass group formed in New Zealand in 1999.
They have performed at many festivals, including Glastonbury, The Big Chill, and Big Day Out.
This track was released in 2009 and reached No.
20 on the New Zealand charts.
Genius of LoveTom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club is a New Wave unit from New York, USA, formed in 1981.
It began as a project by husband-and-wife duo Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz, the original Talking Heads members responsible for the rhythm section.
Their debut single “Wordy Rappinghood” and second single “Genius of Love” both reached No.
1 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.
“Genius of Love” is a track from their 1981 album Tom Tom Club, which features dub, synth-pop, and disco styles.
Bald Head Bridge &DubCulture & Ranking Joe
Culture is a Jamaican roots rock reggae trio formed in 1976, initially performing under the name African Disciples.
Their debut album in the roots reggae style, Two Sevens Clash, released in 1977, was selected as Jamaica’s Best Album.
Bald Head Bridge & Dub is a roots reggae dub track from a vinyl release issued in 1977 on the Errol T Records label.