The Best Reggae & Dub Albums of the 1980s
Our pick of the essential reggae & dub records released in the 1980s, ranked.
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1UprisingBob Marley and the Wailers
Uprising
A reflective, spiritual late peak, home to 'Redemption Song'. Powerful and poignant. A moving record.
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2SinsemillaBlack Uhuru
Sinsemilla
A heavy, Sly-and-Robbie-powered roots peak. Tough and acclaimed. A strong record.
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3RedBlack Uhuru
Red
Tight, heavy roots reggae powered by the Sly and Robbie rhythm section. Their most acclaimed record. A rockers cornerstone.
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4Night NurseGregory Isaacs
Night Nurse
Smooth, romantic lovers-rock reggae defined by Isaacs's cool delivery. Warm and seductive. His signature record.
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5Bass CultureLinton Kwesi Johnson
Bass Culture
A landmark of dub poetry and political reggae. Sharp and influential. A singular British record.
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6Signing OffUB40
Signing Off
A politically charged British reggae debut of real depth. Bold and acclaimed. A strong start.
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7Labour of LoveUB40
Labour of Love
A hugely popular covers record that brought reggae to the UK mainstream. Tuneful and big. A commercial peak.
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8ConfrontationBob Marley and the Wailers
Confrontation
A posthumous peak, home to 'Buffalo Soldier'. Powerful and beloved. A poignant close.
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9Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the VampiresScientist
Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires
A landmark dub album of playful mixing-desk invention. Inventive and beloved. A genre classic.
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10True DemocracySteel Pulse
True Democracy
A sharp, soulful British roots peak. Polished and acclaimed. A high point.
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11Wa-Do-DemEek-A-Mouse
Wa-Do-Dem
A playful, sing-jay dancehall peak of singular style. Fun and beloved. A genre highlight.
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12Mister YellowmanYellowman
Mister Yellowman
A landmark dancehall peak of charismatic toasting. Fun and influential. A genre cornerstone.