Masterpieces, fan favorites, and new 21st-century staples for reggae beginners
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!
- Classic dancehall reggae songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Western Reggae Popularity Rankings [2025]
- The world of rocksteady born in Jamaica — a roundup of must-hear classic tracks to get you started
- [For Beginners] Introducing Recommended Overseas Reggae Bands and Groups!
- Popular Reggae: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]
- The deep world of dub music: classic albums where you can experience the sonic magic born from reggae.
- Bob Marley's Most Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
- [2025] A roundup of artists and musicians from Jamaica — featuring many up-and-coming talents!
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- What is DUB? A Beginner’s Guide to Dub Music!
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Popular and Classic Brostep Tracks
- The Profound Appeal of Dub: Recommended Masterpieces and a Popular Classic
- Bob Marley & The Wailers Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
Masterpieces, Popular Tracks, and New 21st-Century Classics for Reggae Beginners (71–80)
Sea Of LoveHeptones
Rocksteady was born in the brief moment of transition from ska to reggae.
From this genre emerged numerous great vocal harmony groups.
The Heptones were one such group.
This track is from their second album released on Studio One, a label that produced many classic records.
BatmanLyn Taitt and The Jets
Lynn Taitt, a guitarist who rivals Ernest Ranglin in popularity.
It’s said that the rhythms he crafted together with keyboardist Gladstone Anderson gave birth to rocksteady.
This track is a cover of “Batman.” Great taste!
Love SomebodyMaxi Priest
He is a lovers rock reggae singer from the UK with Jamaican family roots.
This song is also known as the theme for the Japanese TV drama “Bayside Shakedown,” starring Yuji Oda.
Maxi Priest is also known for providing a song to Yuji Oda, and he apparently makes a cameo appearance in the drama as well.
Thinking Out LoudMr. Vegas
He reigns as a key hitmaker in the current dancehall scene.
A versatile artist who can handle a wide range of themes—switching between singer and singjay styles—he has remained at the top of the scene since the 1990s.
This track is originally Ed Sheeran’s ultra-sweet love song, but here it’s turned into a lively, uptempo cover.
Born To LoveSlim Smith
Slim Smith, the brilliant singer who tragically took his own life at a young age.
If you listen with your eyes closed, his voice makes you think, “That’s Curtis Mayfield!”—that’s how great his potential was as a vocalist.
I think you’ll understand if you listen to this track.
It’s practically Curtis from his Impressions days…
She’s RoyalTarrus Riley
Tarrus Riley is a reggae artist from Jamaica, also known for being the son of Jimmy Riley.
In 2006, he released the song “She’s Royal,” which became a major hit.
The song praises the beauty and strength of the woman he admires, capturing the hearts of many listeners.
Its melody and positive message continue to resonate in modern society, and it boasts over 100 million streams.
With its laid-back tempo and offbeat rhythm, it’s a track packed with classic reggae vibes.
Satta MassaganaThe Abyssinians
A vocal trio formed by former members of Carlton & The Shoes.
Few groups fit the category of roots reggae as well as they do.
The Abyssinians leave a strong impression as a band of militant, fighting reggae.
A classic that opens the film “Rockers.”