Recommended reggae

Masterpieces, fan favorites, and new 21st-century staples for reggae beginners

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Reggae, the laid-back music born in Jamaica.

Its comfortable rhythms and liberating melodies are loved around the world and are now actively incorporated into pop and other genres.

In this article, we’ve carefully selected classic and popular reggae tracks, including new 21st-century standards!

We’ve chosen a wide range of songs, from dancehall reggae and dub to raggamuffin, rocksteady, and even lovers rock.

We’ve also included many tracks by artists considered classics and legends, so if you’re new to reggae, start by listening to the songs introduced here!

Masterpieces, popular tracks, and new 21st-century standards for reggae beginners (61–70)

Above The BonesMishka

Mishka “Above The Bones” Official Music Video

Above The BonesMishka

Mishika, known as the modern-day Bob Marley, spent most of his youth living on a sailboat and is often called a “homeless singer.” His songs resemble surf music, offering a gentle reggae sound rather than Jamaica’s dancehall-style reggae.

It’s a track that even those who aren’t into dancehall can enjoy.

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Since You Came Into My LifeSugar Minott & J.C. Lodge

JC Lodge & Sugar Minott – Since You Came Into My Life

Since You Came Into My LifeSugar Minott & J.C. Lodge

Sugar Minott is a reggae singer, music producer, and sound system operator from Jamaica.

He is also known as one of the founders of dancehall reggae, a subgenre of reggae.

JC Lodge, also known as June Carol Lodge, is a Jamaican female singer with numerous hits and strong support among lovers rock fans.

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We a rockerJACOB MILLER

JACOB MILLER : We a rockers

We a rockerJACOB MILLER

He is an artist hailed as a reggae legend alongside Bob Marley.

With his energetic, vibrant stage presence that made full use of his large frame and his distinctive, slightly stuttering vocal style, he captivated many fans.

As the lead singer of Inner Circle, he also produced numerous hit songs.

Sadly, just as even greater success was anticipated, he died in a traffic accident at the young age of 27.

This song has a gentle, easy-to-listen-to feel, with a pleasantly laid-back rhythm.

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Pound For PoundAggro Reggae

Pound For Pound

Pound For PoundAggro Reggae

The long-awaited new release from the Los Angeles–based Aggrolites.

After handling a packed schedule of recording and touring, they took a brief break to prepare for their next phase, all to deliver another outstanding work to the world.

Pound For Pound is proof of that, turning out to be a fantastic piece.

Those three minutes are more than enough to remind us that the Aggrolites are artists brimming with style—but did you make sure to listen all the way to the end?

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Still A Get ByDemarco

Demarco – “Still A Get By”

Still A Get ByDemarco

Demarco showcases his multifaceted talents as a singer, track maker, and producer, excelling at a top-tier level in each.

After moving to New York, lacking funds to assemble his gear, he took on jobs and was willing to make sacrifices—cutting back on meals and sleep—demonstrating his hardworking nature.

His distinctive voice and phrasing make for delightfully engaging tracks.

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Members OnlyDuane Stephenson

Duane Stephenson – Members Only

Members OnlyDuane Stephenson

Duane Stephenson, who was the lead singer of the six-member group To Isis.

He has released many classic songs, and this time he’s doing a reggae cover of a signature tune by blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland.

The original is outstanding, of course, but his take on Members Only is also crafted into a wonderful track.

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Bobby BobylonFreddie McGregor

Freddie McGregor – Bobby Bobylon (a.k.a. Bobby Babylon)

Bobby BobylonFreddie McGregor

He was a reggae singer born in Jamaica who is said to have led the reggae scene in the 1980s and 1990s after Bob Marley’s passing.

This song is one of his big hits; its rhythm naturally gets your body swaying, and the uniquely memorable chorus rides on a melancholy, undulating melody.

“Babylon” refers to the symbol of evil in Rastafari thought.

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