Dub Side of the Moon cover

Dub Side of the Moon

Easy Star All-Stars · 2003

58 min · 13 tracks · reggae

A reggae-infused reimagining of classic rock, blending deep grooves with lush instrumentation and vibrant rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Money — This track transforms Pink Floyd's commentary on greed into a laid-back reggae anthem, showcasing the band's skill in reinterpreting familiar themes through a new lens.
  • →
    The Great Gig in the Sky — The reinterpretation features soulful vocal performances that evoke strong emotional responses while remaining true to the essence of the original.
  • →
    Time — This track's iconic clock sounds are reimagined with a reggae beat, illustrating how well the band marries elements from two distinct musical worlds.
  • →
    Brain Damage — This version emphasizes a more relaxed groove while maintaining the lyrical depth of mental health struggles, making it relatable across genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album creatively reinterprets classic rock through reggae, showcasing solid craftsmanship but with some unevenness in cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album maintains a consistent reggae rhythm throughout, with each track featuring prominent bass lines and syncopated drumming.
  • Several tracks incorporate dub techniques, such as echo and reverb, particularly in the transitions between songs.
  • The arrangement often includes brass and keyboard sections that add layers to the original melodies, creating a fresh interpretation of the source material.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • smooth, laid-back vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Dub Side of the Moon was the debut album by Easy Star All-Stars, marking their entry into the music scene. Prior to this project, they were primarily known for their work as a backing band in the reggae genre, but this album established them as pioneers of the reggae cover genre, setting the stage for subsequent works.
Stylistic neighbors
The Abyssinians· SOJA· Groundation

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Speak to Me / Breathe (in the Air) 3:52
  • 2 On the Run 3:23
  • 3 Time 6:58
  • 4 The Great Gig in the Sky 4:25
  • 5 Money 6:26
  • 6 Us and Them 7:55
  • 7 Any Colour You Like 3:38
  • 8 Brain Damage 4:06
  • 9 Eclipse 1:52
  • 10 Time Version 3:38
  • 11 Great Dub in the Sky 4:21
  • 12 Step It Pon the Rastaman Scene 4:02
  • 13 Any Dub You Like 3:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata