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 Classics for Reggae Beginners (91–100)

Gimme The Lightsean paul

Sean Paul – Gimme The Light (Official Video)

Gimme The Lightsean paul

A track from Sean Paul that shines like the summer sun.

A quintessential dancehall reggae tune, it captivates listeners in an instant.

With rap-like vocals and a catchy hook, it delivers a euphoric feeling, as if you’re dancing on a Jamaican beach.

Released in the U.

S.

in October 2002, it reached No.

7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This song is packed with Sean Paul’s appeal and is recommended not only for reggae fans but also for lovers of pop music.

It’s perfect for parties or a drive—be sure to give it a listen.

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CollideSinging Melody

Singing Melody – Collide (The Official Music Video)

CollideSinging Melody

Known for his pure, supple, and crystal-clear vocals, Singing Melody is also a member of “L.

U.

S.

T,” a group featuring four of Jamaica’s leading singers.

Although he initially aimed to be a DJ, he struggled to break through; on a friend’s recommendation, he switched to singing, where his talent blossomed.

He performs many cover songs, but his voice captivates listeners and won’t let go.

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Masterpieces, Popular Tracks, and New 21st-Century Standards for Reggae Beginners (101–110)

Everyday PeopleSlightly Stoopid (ft. G. Love & Special Sauce)

Everyday People – Slightly Stoopid ft. G. Love & Special Sauce (Official Audio)

Everyday PeopleSlightly Stoopid (ft. G. Love & Special Sauce)

Slightly Stoopid is a California-based reggae band.

The band was formed by Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald and is a seven-piece group consisting of drummer Ryan “Rymo” Moran, percussionist Oguer “OG” Ocon, saxophonist Daniel Delacruz, keyboardist Paul Wolstencroft, and trumpeter Andy Geib.

Formed over 20 years ago, they are on their ninth album in their career, and it’s an excellent work.

Their most notable feature is a mellow, laid-back musical style.

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Handsworth RevolutionSteel Pulse

Handsworth Revolution

Handsworth RevolutionSteel Pulse

Steel Pulse, the British reggae band that brought the sound from Kingston back to London.

Here’s a recommended track from the classic album that sparked their breakthrough.

During the album’s production, Carl Peterson—who was collaborating with Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh at the time—produced the track, and it became a huge hit in their home country soon after its release.

Later, British musicians began to focus on reggae and pursue their own distinctive sounds.

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44/876 ft. Morgan Heritage, AidoniaSting, Shaggy

Sting, Shaggy – 44/876 (Audio) ft. Morgan Heritage, Aidonia

44/876 ft. Morgan Heritage, AidoniaSting, Shaggy

Reggaeton sung in Spanish, edited to be more dance floor–oriented.

Reggae inspired by EDM that connects with that kind of sound.

Released in 2018, the track features trendy horn sections, luxurious orchestral hits, and tropical melodies.

It was also a massive hit across the United States, a catchy number supported by a wide range of generations.

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Ways Of The WorldThe Movement

Ways Of The World

Ways Of The WorldThe Movement

If you’re a fan of The Movement, you’ve probably been waiting for the release day.

Starting with Siren in 2017, they kept pushing out tracks through 2018 with Cool Me Down and Loud Enough, and wrapped up the singles with Diamond.

The track featuring Jacob Hemphill in early 2018 also received excellent acclaim.

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54-46 Was My NumberToots & The Maytals

54-46 Was My Number

54-46 Was My NumberToots & The Maytals

A track that’s highly regarded by a wide range of listeners.

It has a rock vibe while still preserving the essence of reggae, letting you enjoy a hybrid, crossover feel.

Amazingly, Jeff Beck is part of the backing band.

It feels cool yet carries a fun mood—that’s exactly the unique charm of reggae.

Rock and reggae are a perfect match.

The mid-section guitar solo is cool, too.

It’s a gorgeous number that combines the best of rock and reggae—be sure to give it a listen.

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