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.