Living Dub Vol. 6 cover

Living Dub Vol. 6

Burning Spear · 2004

46 min · 12 tracks · dub music

A mesmerizing exploration of rhythmic depth and atmospheric soundscapes, blending traditional reggae with innovative dub techniques.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Trust Dub Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Dub We Feel It — This track exemplifies the album's immersive sound, featuring layered rhythms and echoes that create a meditative atmosphere while showcasing Burning Spear's signature style.
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    Dub Not Guilty — Here, the interplay of bass and percussion creates a compelling groove that highlights social themes, making it resonate with both dancefloor energy and conscious messages.
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    Dub Rise Up — This track stands out for its uplifting rhythm and melodic elements, embodying the spirit of resilience often found in reggae music while pushing the boundaries of dub.
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    Old School Dub — Reflecting on classic dub influences, this track nods to the genre's roots while integrating contemporary production techniques, making it a bridge between eras.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and rhythmic depth, typical of the dub genre, while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • Each track features layered instrumentation with heavy reverb and echo effects, creating a spacious soundscape characteristic of dub.
  • The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove throughout, allowing for extended instrumental sections that emphasize rhythm over melody.
  • Several tracks incorporate vocal samples, but they are used sparingly and primarily serve as atmospheric elements rather than lead vocals.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • steady rhythmic exploration
  • hypnotic bassline immersion
  • background groove for relaxation
  • inviting dance floor vibes
  • engaging echoing soundscapes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant musical gratification
  • prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in the dub genre, appreciated by fans but not widely recognized as a standout.
Career context
By the time of its release in 2004, Burning Spear had already established himself as a key figure in the roots reggae scene, following a prolific career that began in the late 1960s. Living Dub Vol. 6 is part of his ongoing series that showcases his mastery of dub music, coming after his celebrated albums like 'Jah Nuh Dead' from 1997 and preceding further explorations into reggae's depths.
Stylistic neighbors
Peter Tosh· Black Uhuru· Culture

Tracklist

  • 1 Trust Dub Start here 3:39
  • 2 Dub We Feel It 4:23
  • 3 Dub Ha Ha 3:53
  • 4 Dub Not Guilty 3:47
  • 5 Dub Rock and Roll 4:21
  • 6 Dub Dready 3:24
  • 7 Dub Is Free 3:50
  • 8 Dub Is What I Am 3:48
  • 9 Dub Rise Up 4:07
  • 10 Old School Dub 3:51
  • 11 Dub Can 3:16
  • 12 Dub Don’t Change 3:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata