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.
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The world of rocksteady born in Jamaica: a roundup of must-hear classics (31–40)
My ConversationSlim Smith
Slim Smith, who was the lead vocalist for The Techniques and The Uniques, produced many hit songs both during his time in vocal groups and after going solo.
This classic features his sweet, gentle, and soulful voice that is a delight to hear.
He lived a brief yet intense life of 25 years, marked by mental illness.
Queen MajestyThe Techniques
The Techniques are also a three-member vocal group.
Soulful lead vocals with beautiful harmonies.
This song is where those strengths are showcased to the fullest.
Released in 1968.
The original was by Curtis Mayfield.
Slim Smith, who later went solo, was a member.
Just Like a RiverStranger Cole & Gladee
Stranger Cole, who left behind numerous duet songs during the ska to rocksteady era.
They say he got the nickname “Stranger” because he didn’t resemble anyone in his family.
This song is a great classic he sang with Gladstone.
The moment the intro starts with “la la la la~,” it instantly steals your heart.
La-La Means I Love YouAlton Ellis
One of the artists who established rocksteady.
He is called the Mr.
Soul of Jamaica.
When you think of rocksteady, you think of Alton Ellis, and when you think of Alton Ellis, you think of rocksteady—he’s that famous.
Among his many hits, this is the song I loved instantly from the first listen.
The organ sound is incredibly cute.
Carry, go, bring, come.Justin Hinds & The Dominoes
Justin Hinds made his debut with Carry Go Bring Come and shot straight to No.
1 on the hit charts.
With his distinctive voice, he went on to steadily release over 70 singles and produced many hits.
The original version of this song is ska, but this one is a rocksteady version.
The world of Rocksteady born in Jamaica: a roundup of must-hear classics (41–50)
Nice timeBob Marley
Released in 1968.
Among rocksteady songs, it’s an upbeat and cheerful track.
Although Bob Marley is strongly associated with reggae, he moved from ska to rocksteady before transitioning to reggae.
Phyllis Dillon also covered this song, Nice Time.
Walk with LovePrince Buster
Prince Buster originally worked as a bodyguard for the record label Studio One.
He later switched to singing and became one of the key figures of the ska to rocksteady era.
He passed away in 2016 at the age of 78, but had visited Japan many times.
As the subtitle of “Walk With Love” is “Sweet 16,” it’s a bittersweet, heart-fluttering song.