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)
Money WorriesThe Maytones
It’s included on the soundtrack of the film Rockers, the bible for reggae fans, though it tends to be treated rather modestly.
But if you listen to this track, I think you’ll see it was super dope.
Doesn’t the fact that it’s still being reissued on CD even now back up the high regard for this work?
The Tide Is HighThe Paragons
In Japan, it was used in TV commercials, so I think many people have heard it.
Since so many people have covered it, you might wonder, “Who? The original?” but The Paragons are the original.
It’s a classic that still holds up today.
You Know (I Love You)Ho’okoa
They’re an island reggae group from Tonga.
With sweet vocals, love songs, and melodies that make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the tropics, you’re sure to be captivated once you listen.
Their album delivers a romantic vibe all the way through—every track is a hit, not just this song.
Masterpieces, Popular Tracks, and New 21st-Century Standards for Reggae Beginners (81–90)
Sweet LoveSerani
Serrani, who is also making great strides as a producer, captivates with melodies that set him apart from past artists who blended reggae and R&B.
Starting with a wistful piano, this track—enhanced by the guitar lines flowing in the background—comes together as a love song you can sink into while thinking of the one you love.
Breaking up is hard to doAlton Ellis
Alton Ellis, known as the “Mr.
Soul of Jamaica.” As a living witness to rocksteady, he kept going until 2008.
This loose, cool vibe has become a sound that modern musicians simply can’t replicate.
Cry ToughAlton Ellis And The Flames
A wonderful rocksteady tune by Alton Ellis—who sadly passed away in 2008 and was known not only as a singer but also as a songwriter, music producer, and label owner from Jamaica—and The Flames from Durban, South Africa.
It’s a revival through a reissue.
Alton Ellis’s vocals are richly lustrous and powerful, and thanks to his exceptional vocal skills, he was known as the “Mr.
Soul of Jamaica.”
Boom Shack-A-LakApache Indian
Born in the UK and growing up there as someone of Indian descent, they are said to have been exposed from a young age to bhangra, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop.
Their unique DJ style gained a strong reputation, leading to a single released on their own label.
The track reached number one on both the UK reggae chart and the bhangra reggae chart.