Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble · 1991
51 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
An eclectic fusion of dub, world music, and alternative rock that immerses listeners in a deeply textured sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Visions of You Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its hypnotic bassline and ethereal vocals, showcasing Wobble's signature style of blending spiritual themes with contemporary sounds.
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Bomba — Incorporating Caribbean rhythms, Bomba exemplifies Wobble's ability to fuse global influences into his unique sound, making it a standout track on the album.
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Rising Above Bedlam — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of transcendence and resilience, featuring a driving beat that invites listeners to reflect on personal struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a blend of genres and innovative structures, though it lacks strong cohesion throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered instrumentation, blending dub rhythms with world music elements.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word sections, creating a narrative flow that contrasts with the musical backdrop.
- The tempo varies significantly across the record, with some songs maintaining a steady groove while others shift to more experimental soundscapes.
- The final track features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- introspective communal celebration vibes
- patient rhythms inviting reflection
- uplifting melodies for group listening
- immersive soundscapes for exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer short standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish Wobble's reputation as an innovative artist in world music.
- Career context
- Rising Above Bedlam marked Jah Wobble's fourth studio album, coming after his notable work with Public Image Ltd. and his solo debut. By this time, he had already established himself as a key figure in the post-punk scene and was exploring more diverse musical influences, particularly world music elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Can· Public Image Ltd.· The Pop Group
Tracklist
- 1 Visions of You Start here 5:34
- 2 Relight the Flame 4:13
- 3 Bomba 5:54
- 4 Ungodly Kingdom 4:31
- 5 Rising Above Bedlam 3:47
- 6 Erzulie 7:02
- 7 Everyman's an Island 6:29
- 8 Soledad 5:46
- 9 Sweet Divinity 4:17
- 10 Wonderful World 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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