The world of rocksteady born in Jamaica — a roundup of must-hear classic tracks to get you started
Are you familiar with rocksteady? This Western music genre, which blossomed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, serves as a bridge between the breeziness of ska and the depth of reggae.
Its slower tempos intertwine with soothing basslines, and it’s especially known for producing many love songs centered on romance.
From the sweet tones of male vocalists to the expansive expressiveness of female singers, these timeless tracks gently warm the listener’s heart.
I’ll introduce some representative songs that let you fully savor the charm of rocksteady, along with highlights to listen for.
The World of Rocksteady Born in Jamaica: A Must-Listen Collection of Classic Tracks (1–10)
007Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Desmond Dekker, who was active during the ska to rocksteady era from 1967 to 1975, was also a singer-songwriter.
His song “007” deals with the conflict between the rude boys and the government, was embraced by London’s Mods, and became a major hit in the UK.
IsraelitesDesmond Dekker & The Aces
This is a song released in 1968 by the pioneering Jamaican group Desmond Dekker & The Aces, who set dazzling records with the first Jamaican music to achieve a global million-seller and reach No.
1 on the UK charts.
Its pleasant offbeat rhythm and bouncy bassline make your body groove almost involuntarily as you listen! In contrast to its cheerful tone, the lyrics vividly portray the poverty many people faced at the time.
This gap between brightness and poignancy pierces the listener’s heart.
Savor the depth of this history-making classic!
Don’t Stay AwayPhyllis Dillon
Released by a prestigious label, this track became a huge hit in Jamaica and helped cement Jamaican singer Phyllis Dillon’s popularity as the “Queen of Rocksteady.” It was her debut single, released in 1967.
Over a laid-back rhythm, her sweet, clear voice echoes with a poignant plea: “Please don’t leave.” The straightforward lyrics—said to have been written by Dillon herself—truly move the listener.
The elegant performance by Tommy McCook & The Supersonics also matches perfectly with the lyrics that portray aching love.
It’s the kind of song that makes your heart tighten with that single-minded longing for someone special.
The Train Is ComingKen Boothe
When talking about rocksteady, you can’t leave out Jamaica’s legendary singer Ken Boothe.
This song, released in 1966, is one of the defining tracks of the rocksteady era.
It was produced with an impressively star-studded lineup, featuring a young Wailers as the backing band.
The recurring phrase “the train is coming,” delivered in his soulful, resonant voice, actually carries a powerful message foretelling the arrival of a bright future.
True to that prophecy, a later version featuring Shaggy was used in the film Money Train and became a worldwide hit.
That fateful story of rediscovery across generations perfectly complements the song’s enduring appeal.
Moonlight LoverJoya Landis
This is a classic rocksteady track released in 1968 by American singer Joya Landis.
It was recorded under the direction of Jamaican heavyweight producer Duke Reid, with a superb performance by the band led by Tommy McCook.
The relaxed rhythm and soothing bassline carve out a groove that just makes you want to sway.
The bright horn tones, evocative of a romantic moonlit scene, pair perfectly with Joya Landis’s clear, sweet, and effortlessly soaring vocals.
Why not soak in this luscious melody while feeling the summer night breeze?
I’m Still In Love With YouAlton Ellis
This is a quintessential rocksteady classic released around 1967 by Jamaican musician Alton Ellis, known as the “Godfather of Rocksteady.” With a sweet, soulful voice infused with R&B influences, he sings of a bittersweet love, declaring that he still loves you even now.
The song’s appeal has remained undimmed across generations, continuing to inspire many artists.
Some of you may have heard Marcia Aitken’s answer song or Sean Paul’s cover version.
Perhaps the original’s universal storytelling has been the wellspring for new narratives.
Rivers of BabylonThe Melodians
This is a song released in 1970 by The Melodians, the legendary Jamaican vocal trio.
Its lyrics, based on the Old Testament Psalms, vividly portray the sorrow of people driven from their homeland and their earnest prayers for liberation.
The soulful message blends perfectly with the gentle rhythm characteristic of rocksteady.
Layered on top is a sweet, wistful, yet powerful three-part harmony.
The vocals seem to seep deep into the listener’s heart like a ray of light.
Featured in films and widely beloved through global cover hits, it’s an enduring gospel-reggae classic!