Popular Reggae: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

Murder She WroteChaka Demus & Pliers8rank/position

Chaka Demus, Pliers – Murder She Wrote

Released in 1992 by the Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, “Murder She Wrote” is an iconic reggae track.

The song seamlessly blends lively dancehall rhythms with a distinctive pop sensibility, showcasing the breadth of their musical style.

The lyrics focus on a woman named Maxine, whose moral issues contrast with her outward attractiveness, depicting her behavior through metaphor.

It’s especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the feel of a classic reggae beat.

MedicineAlkaline9rank/position

Alkaline – Medicine (Official Music Video)

Alkaline, an artist who enjoyed immense popularity in the dancehall scene of the 2010s.

For a time he distanced himself from Jamaica, which gave him a somewhat negative image, but he’s now once again making the Jamaican reggae scene his main arena and is popular among young people.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Medicine.

It leans heavily into hip-hop, so it’s a good pick for those who aren’t into hard, full-on dancehall.

Baby I Love Your WayBig Mountain10rank/position

Big Mountain – Baby I Love Your Way(1994)

An American reggae band.

Due to their pop, approachable musical style, they’re often called the American UB40.

This song is a cover of Peter Frampton’s track, and it became a worldwide hit after being featured on the soundtrack of the film Reality Bites starring Winona Ryder.

Eyes on Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)Blue Foundation11rank/position

Blue Foundation – Eyes On Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)

A track by Blue Foundation, an electronic music group formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000.

It was released as a single in 2009.

This version is a remix by Zeds Dead, a Canadian electronic music duo.

Wanna Be LovedBuju Banton12rank/position

Buju Banton – Wanna Be Loved (Official Music Video)

Buju Banton is an artist from Jamaica.

His song “Wanna Be Loved” is included on the 1995 album ’Til Shiloh.

This track is emblematic of Banton’s musical career and played a key role in his shift toward roots rock reggae.

The lyrics convey an urgent message about seeking true love that goes beyond superficial relationships, resonating strongly with listeners.

It’s especially recommended for those who long for deep love and value relationships built on genuine mutual support.

Sweet ShopDoctor P13rank/position

Doctor P – Sweet Shop

A track by Shaun Brockhurst, a UK dubstep producer and DJ known as Doctor P.

It was released in 2010.

Alongside his tracks Tetris, Big Boss, and Watch Out, it has amassed a large number of plays on YouTube.

MafiaDub Syndicate14rank/position

Dub Syndicate – Mafia

I want to immerse myself in a sound world that sinks deep and frees me from everyday life.

This UK dub classic is perfect for that mood.

Dub Syndicate, active in the UK, pursued an experimental sound that broke the boundaries of reggae, centered around producer Adrian Sherwood and drummer Style Scott.

This track is packed with sonic effects that lure the listener’s consciousness into another dimension—ground-crawling basslines and powerful effects that warp space.

Surrender yourself to its seven-plus-minute runtime and you’ll feel as if you’re wandering a labyrinth of sound.

Why not spend a quiet night alone listening to this piece from the 1989 masterpiece Strike the Balance?