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 roundup of must-hear classic tracks to get you started
- Classic dancehall reggae songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- The deep world of dub music: classic albums where you can experience the sonic magic born from reggae.
- Masterpieces, fan favorites, and new 21st-century staples for reggae beginners
- [2025] A roundup of artists and musicians from Jamaica — featuring many up-and-coming talents!
- Recommended bands from Jamaica. Popular overseas bands.
- The Profound Appeal of Dub: Recommended Masterpieces and a Popular Classic
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Popular and Classic Brostep Tracks
- What is DUB? A Beginner’s Guide to Dub Music!
- Timeless Western pop ballads that colored the 1960s—masterpieces whose brilliance never fades.
- Overseas ska: A roundup of must-know representative bands
- [Western Music] The ultimate collection of love songs: a roundup of timeless, heart-touching classics
- Moist Western music | A slew of sweet classics make an appearance…
The world of rocksteady born in Jamaica: a roundup of must-hear classics (21–30)
I Will Get Along Without YouThe Melodians
The Rocksteady era was also a time when three-piece vocal groups thrived.
As the music shifted from ska to a slower tempo, beautiful melody lines became very important, and harmonies were a perfect fit to express them.
The Melodians were one of the vocal groups that were active during this time.
Stop That TrainKeith & Tex
A classic 1967 masterpiece by the duo Keith & Tex, representative of rocksteady.
A genre-crossing song that remains famous and continues to be covered by many bands to this day.
The two later relocated to the United States and Canada respectively, but they reunited in 1997 and are still active.
Everything I OwnKen Boothe
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.
Love So DivinePatsy’ Todd
Patsy, known for her cute high voice.
During the ska era, she recorded many duet songs with Stranger Cole.
In the rocksteady era, she began singing as a solo artist.
This song is a love ballad with a wistful melody, also known as “True Love.”
Ram JamJackie Mittoo
He is a keyboardist and also a producer.
He was one of the people who created ska and was a member of The Skatalites.
In the rocksteady era, the organ became more prominently featured, and he became even more active.
Ram Jam is one of the hit songs from that period.
You're gonna need me.Errol Dunkley
Though male, he has a cute, feminine high voice—and for good reason.
This song was recorded when he was just 13.
His still-childlike, adorable voice pairs perfectly with the love song, making it a heart-fluttering track.
Although that cute voice has since changed, he continues to sing love songs.
Love SongEGO-WRAPPIN’
Lastly, a Japanese band.
EGO-WRAPPIN’ usually does a lot of jazz and rock, but this track is a collaboration with the authentic ska band The Determinations.
It’s super rocksteady—sweet and bittersweet.
Yoshie Nakano’s excellent singing and voice double the heartache!