The world of rocksteady born in Jamaica — a roundup of must-hear classic tracks to get you started

Hold ThemRoy Shirley

Roy Shirley – Hold Them

This is a song released in 1966 by the legendary Jamaican solo singer Roy Shirley.

By deliberately slowing down the tempo from the ska style that came before, this single became the catalyst that defined the birth of a new genre: rocksteady.

Over a gently swaying, comfortable rhythm, sprightly horns and piano tones intertwine.

His soulful vocals—honed in the church—match this new groove perfectly, don’t they? Why not let yourself be wrapped in that special exhilaration, as if you’re witnessing the very moment a new chapter in music history opens?

Baby WhyThe Cables

BABY WHY – THE CABLES

If you want to sink into a comfy, slow groove, this is the track! It’s a rocksteady classic released in 1968 by Jamaican vocal trio The Cables.

Though it tells of a man’s regret and sorrow after his lover leaves, the melody has a strangely warm quality that gently wraps around the listener.

The lead singer’s sweet, aching voice, layered with beautiful harmonies, is velvety smooth.

The repeated plea of “Baby, why?” resonates in your chest, evoking the song’s poignant lyrical world.

It’s perfect for a laid-back listen on a lazy afternoon.

Simmer DownThe Wailing Wailers

The Wailing Wailers – Simmer Down

This monumental track marked the beginning of the careers of Bob Marley and his peers—who would go on to become reggae legends—and was released as The Wailing Wailers’ debut single in 1964.

It carries a message urging the hot-blooded youths known as “rude boys,” who were causing a stir on the streets of Kingston at the time, to calm down.

The Skatalites provide superb backing, and the buoyant ska rhythm is so infectious it makes your body move before you know it.

This knack for pairing serious themes with a cheerful beat is, arguably, the very essence of Jamaican music.

Rock SteadyAlton and The Flames

Rock Steady

This is a 1967 song by Alton and the Flames, led by Jamaica’s Alton Ellis, known as the “Godfather of Rocksteady.” Bearing the very name of the genre in its title, it’s regarded as a quintessential track that symbolizes the era.

Compared to ska, the tempo is markedly slower, leaving an irresistibly smooth, body-swaying rhythm that lingers in your ears.

Alton Ellis’s sweet, soulful lead vocals blend with the warm performance of the renowned band Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, heralding the arrival of a new sound.

Fattie FattieThe Heptones

THE HEPTONES – Fattie Fattie [1967]

This is a rocksteady classic released around 1966 by Jamaica’s legendary trio, The Heptones.

The lyrics, written by the group’s central figure Leroy Sibbles, were a bit provocative, and there’s a famous story that the song was actually banned from radio play.

Ironically, that only fueled its popularity, and it became a huge hit on the streets of Jamaica.

Over a comfortably rolling bassline and a light, buoyant rhythm, sweet lead vocals melt into rich three-part harmonies.

Listen to the slightly mischievous humor in the lyrics and you can feel the free-spirited atmosphere of the time.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to relax and let your body sway as you feel the tropical breeze.

Tide is HighThe Paragons

The Paragons – “The Tide Is High” (Official Audio)

The Paragons were a rocksteady group fronted by lead vocalist John Holt, active through the ska, rocksteady, and reggae eras.

This song is a true classic, later covered by the rock band Blondie and becoming a worldwide hit.

It’s a tune almost everyone has heard at least once, but few may realize that The Paragons did the original.

Take this opportunity to listen to the original version!

The First Cut Is the DeepestNorma Frazer

Norma Fraser – First Cut

The original is a 1967 song by British singer Cat Stevens.

A masterpiece that has been covered by many singers across all genres.

In Norma Fraser’s version, the wistful love song becomes even more poignant as it overlaps with a rocksteady rhythm.