What makes Outside the Box by Skream notable?

Outside the Box received critical acclaim for its innovative sound, influencing the direction of electronic music and dubstep. It was praised in publications such as Pitchfork and Mixmag, with particular attention to its ability to blend genres and push the boundaries of what dubstep could encompass. Released in 2010, Outside the Box marked Skream's transition from the underground dubstep scene into a broader electronic music landscape. This album followed his earlier work, notably his acclaimed debut album Skream!, and showcased a more diverse musical approach, highlighting his evolution as an artist amid changing tastes in electronic music.

Who is Outside the Box for?

Outside the Box works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing and builds.

How many songs are on Outside the Box?

Outside the Box has 14 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Outside the Box

Skream · 2010

63 min · 14 tracks · dubstep

A vibrant blend of dubstep beats interwoven with heartfelt melodies and eclectic electronic textures that defy genre boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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8 Bit Baby — This track exemplifies Skream's playful experimentation with digital sounds and nostalgia, combining chiptune elements with a deep emotional resonance.
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Listenin' to the Records on My Wall — Here, Skream channels personal reflection through infectious rhythms and relatable themes about music's impact on life, showcasing his lyrical depth.
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Fields of Emotion — The expansive soundscape and emotive melodies make this track a standout, illustrating Skream’s ability to convey complex feelings through electronic music.
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Metamorphosis — This track presents a dynamic shift in mood and texture, encapsulating the album's theme of transformation both musically and personally.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate electronic textures with strong dubstep elements, showcasing Skream's evolution in sound.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered synths and bass-heavy beats, creating a rich soundscape throughout its duration.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Wibbler' which shifts from a steady rhythm to more complex patterns.
The final track, 'The Epic Last Song', extends over seven minutes, gradually building in intensity before concluding with a soft fade-out.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing and builds
introspective late-night moods

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2010, Outside the Box marked Skream's transition from the underground dubstep scene into a broader electronic music landscape. This album followed his earlier work, notably his acclaimed debut album Skream!, and showcased a more diverse musical approach, highlighting his evolution as an artist amid changing tastes in electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors: Benga· Burial· Digital Mystikz