The albums that define
drum and bass.
Our picks for where to start with drum and bass — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top drum and bass artists
Start with one of these.
The drum and bass essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
ATB
Two Worlds
A vibrant fusion of euphoric trance melodies and uplifting vocals that capture the essence of early 2000s dance culture.
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ATB
Dedicated
A euphoric blend of melodic trance and uplifting vocals that invites listeners to both dance and dream.
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Pendulum
Hold Your Colour
'Hold Your Colour' features powerful tracks that define Pendulum's unique approach to music. With its cohesive flow and engaging energy, it's an accessible entry point for new listeners.
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Pendulum
In Silico
A frenetic blend of drum and bass with rock sensibilities, pushing electronic boundaries while maintaining a dancefloor energy.
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Tinie Tempah
Disc-Overy
Disc-Overy is where Tinie Tempah solidifies his presence in the UK music scene. Its blend of catchy hooks and rhythmic urgency perfectly encapsulates his signature style.
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Tinie Tempah
Youth
A vibrant blend of UK rap and electro influences layered with infectious hooks and introspective lyrics.
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Lee "Scratch" Perry
Time Boom X De Devil Dead
A vibrant fusion of reggae rhythms and experimental dub soundscapes layered with Lee Perry's signature eccentric vocal delivery.
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Lee "Scratch" Perry
Roast Fish Collie Weed & Corn Bread
A vibrant blend of reggae grooves and playful dub effects, drenched in the essence of Jamaican culture.
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Mike Paradinas
Chewed Corners
A kaleidoscopic blend of glitchy textures and intricate rhythms creates a dreamlike sonic landscape throughout the album.
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Mike Paradinas
Spatula Freak
A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate rhythms and ethereal melodies that invites listeners into a cerebral dance space.
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Wiley
Snakes & Ladders
A vivid blend of grime and UK garage showcasing sharp flows over minimalist, bass-heavy production.
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Wiley
Grime Wave
A raw and energetic exploration of urban life, infused with gritty beats and sharp lyrical commentary.
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Labrinth
Imagination & the Misfit Kid
This album demonstrates Labrinth's ability to weave intricate narratives with catchy melodies, making it an engaging introduction. Each track reflects a different facet of his musical identity, establishing a strong connection with new listeners.
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Labrinth
Express Yourself
A vibrant blend of electronic textures and soulful vocals that energizes the listener with its infectious rhythm.
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Rudimental
We the Generation
'We the Generation' is where Rudimental truly shines, presenting their signature sound in a way that's accessible yet dynamic. The album interweaves rich textures with infectious rhythms, making it an ideal first listen.
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Rudimental
Home
Energetic drum and bass beats fuse with soulful vocals, creating an uplifting and infectious soundscape throughout the album.
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Towa Tei
Sunny
A vibrant blend of electronic textures and joyful melodies that encapsulate the essence of summer fun and carefree vibes.
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Towa Tei
Sound Museum
This album encapsulates the essence of Towa Tei's musical identity, featuring a diverse array of sounds that highlight his creativity. It serves as an accessible entry point to understand his influence in the electronic and pop landscapes.
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Becky Hill
Only Honest on the Weekend
'Only Honest on the Weekend' captures the essence of Becky Hill's style, showcasing her signature sound across multiple tracks. The album combines rhythmic energy and personal narratives, inviting listeners to engage both physically and emotionally.
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Becky Hill
Get to Know
Energetic dance-pop anthems blend with deep house grooves, showcasing infectious hooks and emotive vocals across the album's vibrant soundscape.
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Delta Heavy
Only in Dreams
'Only in Dreams' encapsulates Delta Heavy's distinct sound, providing an immersive listening experience that flows seamlessly from track to track. This album serves as a gateway into their broader discography.
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Delta Heavy
Paradise Lost
A pulsating blend of euphoric melodies and driving bass lines that encapsulate the essence of modern drum and bass.
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Sub Focus
Portals
A vibrant fusion of uplifting melodies and driving basslines, creating an expansive soundscape that invites listeners to lose themselves in the rhythm.
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Sub Focus
Torus
A vibrant fusion of dynamic beats and soaring melodies that encapsulates the energy of contemporary drum and bass.
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By decade
Where drum and bass landed in each era.