Junior Byles – "Fade Away" (Mixed by Scientist)

"Fade Away" is one of the most poignant and enduring reggae anthems voiced by legendary Jamaican singer Junior Byles. Originally released in the early 1970s and produced by the iconic Lee "Scratch" Perry, the track reflects themes of spiritual resilience, social consciousness, and the fleeting nature of material pursuits. Byles’ soulful delivery and thought-provoking lyrics helped the song become a cornerstone of roots reggae music.

In a later version or dub mix, the track was remixed by Hopeton Overton Brown, better known as Scientist, one of the most influential dub engineers in reggae history. Known for his groundbreaking work at King Tubby’s studio and his innovative, sci-fi-inspired mixing style, Scientist brought new life to "Fade Away" with his signature approach—deep bass lines, spatial echo, and layered reverbs that transform the track into a hypnotic sonic experience.

Scientist’s dub of "Fade Away" preserves the haunting message of the original while recontextualizing it within a more abstract, instrumental framework, a hallmark of dub music’s ability to reinterpret roots vocals through the mixing board. This collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of both Junior Byles as a vocalist and Scientist as a master of studio alchemy.