Recommended bands from Jamaica. Popular overseas bands.

Unmetered TaxiSly & Robbie

Sly & Robbie – Unmetered Taxi

Introducing Sly & Robbie, the rhythm section that epitomizes Jamaica’s music scene.

Active since the mid-1970s, they are rooted in reggae yet have excelled across a wide range of genres.

Having worked on over 200,000 tracks, they have helped drive the evolution of Jamaican music.

In 1976, they introduced the “Rockers” rhythm, and in the early 1980s, they popularized the “Rub-a-Dub” style, consistently creating innovative sounds.

In 1999, they won a Grammy for their album Friends, and they have collaborated with global icons such as Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.

A legendary duo recommended not only for those interested in Jamaican music, but for music lovers of all kinds.

LAST WALTZSoul Vendors

The Soul Vendors Last Waltz

A piece where the interplay between mood-music-like organ and saxophone evokes a distinctly adventurous feeling.

The repeating bass sound preserves the reggae vibe.

A masterpiece grounded in a jazz-informed interpretation.

Miracle WorkerSuperHeavy

SuperHeavy – Miracle Worker

A truly groundbreaking project that fuses global rock star Mick Jagger with Jamaican music.

With the inclusion of both male and female reggae singers, it maintains a solid reggae flavor while making full use of the rock star’s presence.

However, it seems that the man himself has made remarks suggesting he’s not entirely satisfied with it.

Book of RulesThe Heptones

The Heptones – Book of Rules (extended)

The Heptones had a major impact on Jamaica’s music scene.

They were a rocksteady and reggae vocal trio active from the 1960s through the 1970s.

Playing a key role in the transition from ska to rocksteady and then to reggae, they were known for their distinctive three-part harmonies.

They started in 1965 as “The Hep Ones,” later changing their name to The Heptones.

They debuted with “Fattie Fattie” and produced many hits.

In the early 1970s, “Book of Rules” became a big success.

Based on an American poem, the song showcases the diversity of Jamaican music.

Highly recommended not only for reggae fans, but for anyone who wants to revel in beautiful vocal harmonies.

RINGOThe Skatalites

The Skatalites / RINGO

A band that crosses borders in the world of Jamaican ska, thriving with a large fan base.

They do many covers, including famous movie songs, and this is a cover of diva Hibari Misora’s Ringo Oiwake.

It’s been turned into a wonderful ska number.

Do The ReggaeToots & The Maytals

Toots & The Maytals – Do The Reggae

Toots and the Maytals, formed in Jamaica in the early 1960s, are known as pioneers of ska and reggae, and their distinctive sound is loved around the world.

They are also famous for being the first to use the term “reggae” as a music genre in a song released in 1968.

They won a Grammy Award in 2005, and in 2012 their leader, Toots Hibbert, received the Order of Jamaica from the Jamaican government, among many other honors.

Their albums Funky Kingston and Reggae Got Soul are regarded as classics, and their music continues to be loved across generations.

Highly recommended if you want to feel upbeat and positive!

WorriesSagittarius Band

Sagittarius Band – Worries

A track that incorporates synth sounds and seems connected to the ideas that would later develop into dancehall reggae.

With a minimal structure, it’s crafted to be very easy to dance to.

Since it’s a genre built on the premise of dancing, this kind of evolution may have been inevitable.