Popular Reggae: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

Only YouJah Cure50rank/position

Jah Cure – Only You

An artist you absolutely can’t overlook in the conscious reggae genre is Jah Cure.

He maintained his innocence but was charged and arrested.

Even so, he released songs from behind bars during his sentence, and those tracks kept becoming hits, cementing his reputation as a singer.

His heartfelt vocals over acoustic sounds are truly moving.

Pro-GressJahvillani51rank/position

Jahvillani – Pro-Gress | Official Lyric Video

Javilani is a young artist gaining popularity in Jamaica’s dancehall scene.

He’s the artist who earned global recognition with “Clarks Pon Foot.” A track of his I highly recommend as a signature song is “Pro-Gress.” It’s dancehall mixed with hip-hop, but compared to other artists, the blend is exceptionally well-balanced.

If you’re not a fan of reggae that leans too heavily into recent trap music, definitely give it a listen.

The Wilhelm ScreamJames Blake52rank/position

James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream (Official Video)

This track is notable for its translucent vocals and heavy bassline.

Released by James Blake in March 2011, it reached number 136 on the UK Singles Chart.

It has garnered broad support, even being used over the end credits of the HBO series Entourage.

The lyrics delicately weave themes of fleeting love, a sense of loss, and self-reflection, while its unique sound—blending electronic and soul—adds to its appeal.

Listen closely and you’re sure to discover something new.

It’s a perfect song for late-night drives or relaxing on a rainy day.

Police And ThievesJunior Murvin53rank/position

Police & Thieves

“Police and Thieves,” a signature song by Jamaican reggae artist Junior Murvin, was released in 1977.

The track portrays the conflict between the police and street gangs, and is notable for Murvin’s plaintive falsetto vocals.

Its socially conscious lyrics and distinctive rhythm resonate deeply.

For that reason, it’s recommended for those who long for peace and hope for the renewal of society.

The song is also well known for its cover by the British punk band The Clash, making it a standout that drew attention beyond the boundaries of reggae.

Experience the appeal of reggae through the music of Junior Murvin.

One BloodJunior Reid54rank/position

Junior Reid – One Blood

Junior Reid is a reggae dancehall artist born in Jamaica in 1963.

His signature song “One Blood” was released in 1989.

The track emphasizes the shared humanity of people from different cultures and backgrounds, carrying a message that calls for unity and peace around the world.

In particular, the 2006 collaboration with The Game, “It’s Okay (One Blood),” brought the song to a new audience.

“One Blood” established Junior Reid’s important position in reggae music and continues to be loved by many fans.

His message of using the power of music to bring the world together resonates deeply with listeners.

Katy on a MissionKaty B55rank/position

Katy B – Katy on a Mission (Official HD Video)

A track by Katie Brien, a British singer-songwriter who performs under the name Katy B.

Released as a digital download in 2010, it’s a synth-pulsing dance tune.

The lyrics describe the feeling of getting lost in the club.

Everything I OwnKen Boothe56rank/position

Ken Boothe – Everything I Own (Official Audio)

Ken Boothe, who was known as Mr.

Rocksteady.

He debuted in the ska era and has many famous songs, but this one is especially well-known.

It was a huge hit in the 1970s, reaching No.

1 on the UK singles chart and catapulting him to stardom.

It’s a heartbreak song, and a deeply bittersweet one at that.