What makes Upsetters 14 Dub Blackboard Jungle by The Upsetters notable?

The album played a crucial role in popularizing the dub genre, influencing numerous artists and producers both within Jamaica and internationally. It received positive critical acclaim for its experimental approach to sound manipulation, establishing The Upsetters as pioneers of the genre and contributing to the broader acceptance of reggae music in mainstream culture. Released in 1973, Upsetters 14 Dub Blackboard Jungle marked a significant moment in The Upsetters' career as they solidified their reputation in the burgeoning dub genre. This album followed their earlier work on the influential 'Blackboard Jungle' and showcased Lee 'Scratch' Perry's innovative production techniques, which were becoming increasingly recognized in reggae music during this time.

How many songs are on Upsetters 14 Dub Blackboard Jungle?

Upsetters 14 Dub Blackboard Jungle has 18 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Upsetters 14 Dub Blackboard Jungle

The Upsetters · 1973

59 min · 18 tracks · reggae

A pulsating exploration of rhythm and space, merging heavy basslines with echoing sound effects to create an immersive dub experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Panta — This track opens the album with a deep, resonant bassline that sets the tone for the entire collection, showcasing Perry's signature sound engineering.
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Dreamland Skank — The ethereal quality of this track exemplifies the experimental nature of the album, blending traditional reggae elements with innovative sound effects that transport listeners.
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Elephant Rock — With its infectious groove and rhythmic complexity, this track highlights the seamless fusion of musical styles that defines the dub genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive sound and innovative production techniques mark it as a significant work in the dub genre.

What we noticed

The album features heavy use of reverb and echo effects, creating a spacious sound that emphasizes rhythm over melody.
Tracks often blend into one another with minimal pauses, maintaining a continuous flow that immerses the listener in the dub experience.
Several tracks utilize unconventional structures, such as extended instrumental sections and abrupt shifts in dynamics.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Black Panta 4:40
2 V/S Panta Rock 3:34
3 Khasha Macka 3:52
4 Elephant Rock 3:17
5 African Skank 3:17
6 Dreamland Skank 2:35
7 Jungle Jim 2:56
8 Drum Rock 3:55
9 Dub Organizer 3:25
10 Lovers Skank 2:45
11 Mooving Skank 2:48
12 Apeman Skank 2:30
13 Jungle Skank 2:22
14 Kaya Skank 3:05
15 Upsetting Rhythm #1 3:34
16 Upsetting Rhythm #2 3:29
17 Upsetting Rhythm #3 3:37
18 Happy Roots 4:14

What to play next

Listen next

Rhythm Shower

1973

Go back to

Africa's Blood

1972

Full The Upsetters discography Artists like The Upsetters

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata