Into the Dragon cover

Into the Dragon

Bomb the Bass · 1988

42 min · 10 tracks · electronica

A bold fusion of hip-hop beats and eclectic electronic samples that captures the spirit of late '80s dance culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Beat Dis (U.S. 7" Mix) — This track not only became a chart-topping hit but also exemplifies Bomb the Bass's innovative use of samples, setting a precedent in electronic music.
  • →
    Megablast Rap (Version) — The incorporation of rap alongside vibrant electronic production showcases the genre-blending approach that defines the album's sound.
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    Dynamite Beats — This short interlude encapsulates the energetic spirit of the record, serving as a bridge between tracks while maintaining a high tempo.
  • →
    Hey You! — With its catchy hooks and infectious rhythm, this track highlights the danceable quality of the album, making it a standout club anthem.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative sampling and genre fusion, marking it as a notable entry in late '80s electronica.

What we noticed

  • The album features a heavy reliance on sampling, with tracks built around loops and snippets from various sources.
  • Several tracks incorporate hip-hop beats layered with electronic textures, creating a dynamic interplay between genres.
  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy level, while the latter half introduces more varied tempos and styles.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • steady dancefloor energy
  • inviting sing-along moments
  • playful party atmosphere
  • short bursts of excitement

Maybe skip if you

  • slow, introspective listening preference
  • dislike for rhythmic repetition

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1988, Into the Dragon was Bomb the Bass's debut album, following the success of their single 'Beat Dis'. The album positioned them as pioneers in the emerging electronica scene, blending hip-hop with innovative sampling techniques.
Stylistic neighbors
The Chemical Brothers· Fatboy Slim· Leftfield

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Beat Dis (U.S. 7" Mix) 3:42
  • 2 Megablast Rap (Version) 6:50
  • 3 On The Cut 3:52
  • 4 Don't Make Me Wait 4:17
  • 5 Dynamite Beats 1:45
  • 6 Megablast (Hip Hop On Precinct 13) 3:54
  • 7 Hey You! 3:22
  • 8 Shake It 5:10
  • 9 Say A Little Prayer 5:26
  • 10 Beat Dat (Freestyle Scratch Mix) 3:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata