What makes Sub Focus by Sub Focus notable?

The album received critical acclaim and helped elevate Sub Focus as a prominent name in electronic music, reaching number 11 on the UK Albums Chart. Its blend of genre-crossing elements influenced a wave of producers within the drum and bass community and beyond, drawing attention to the potential for mainstream crossover. Upon its release in 2009, Sub Focus marked the producer's debut album, following a series of successful singles that had established him within the UK drum and bass scene. This album served as a definitive statement of his sound, combining energetic beats with pop sensibilities.

Who is Sub Focus for?

Sub Focus works well if you're into steady mid-tempo dance energy, vibrant hooks for movement and engaging rhythms for social settings.

How many songs are on Sub Focus?

Sub Focus has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Sub Focus

Sub Focus · 2009

55 min · 13 tracks · drum and bass

Dynamic drum and bass rhythms pulse with melodic layers, creating an electrifying sonic landscape that invites movement and exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let the Story Begin — Opening with an anthemic build-up, this track encapsulates the album's energetic spirit and serves as a powerful introduction to Sub Focus' style.
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Rock It — With its driving bassline and infectious hook, this track became a standout anthem in clubs, showcasing Sub Focus' ability to blend catchy melodies with dancefloor appeal.
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Vapourise — This track features ethereal vocals layered over intricate production, illustrating a more melodic side of Sub Focus while maintaining the rhythmic intensity characteristic of drum and bass.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and engaging rhythms, though it follows familiar patterns within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, and the following tracks maintain this pace with dynamic beats and melodic hooks.
Several tracks feature vocal samples layered over intricate drum patterns, creating a rich texture that invites repeated listening.
The last three tracks gradually reduce in tempo and intensity, allowing for a smoother conclusion to the album's energetic start.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 mid-tempo dance energy
vibrant hooks for movement
engaging rhythms for social settings
uplifting atmosphere for workouts

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, contemplative music
seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context: Upon its release in 2009, Sub Focus marked the producer's debut album, following a series of successful singles that had established him within the UK drum and bass scene. This album served as a definitive statement of his sound, combining energetic beats with pop sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors: Pendulum· Noisia· High Contrast