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 (101–110)

Clarks AgainVybz Kartel

Clarks Again

Clarks AgainVybz Kartel

He’s arguably the superstar of the dancehall scene.

His lyrics, brimming with wit and intelligence, stand head and shoulders above the rest.

He’s respected by hip-hop artists as well, and collaborations with famous American performers have propelled him onto the international stage.

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Stay With YouTarrus Riley

Tarrus Riley – Stay With You – Official Music Video

Stay With YouTarrus Riley

With a father who has been an active singer since the rocksteady era, music has been a part of his everyday life since childhood, making it only natural—perhaps even inevitable—that he would follow a musical path.

His gentle, embracing voice fits perfectly with this love song that sings of pure affection.

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Uptown Top RankingAlthea & Donna

Uptown Top Ranking

Uptown Top RankingAlthea & Donna

At the time of the release, Althea & Donna were still teenage students.

To be honest, given their careers as musicians, it wouldn’t be strange to call them a one-hit wonder, yet this album is frequently mentioned somewhere as a reggae classic.

Would something like “gals” be an appropriate way to describe them in this context? It’s a masterpiece where their languid, melancholic vocals form a pleasing mismatch with the passionate backing performance.

This is exactly the kind of energy that only youth can produce.

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Games People PlayBob Andy

bob andy-the games people play

Games People PlayBob Andy

He is one of the most sophisticated singers and songwriters from Jamaica, and his work is said to have formed an indispensable part of reggae music.

In 2006, the Jamaican government honored his contributions to the development of music by awarding him the Order of National Honour.

This song is also a quintessential classic of reggae.

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LOVE FIREBunny Wailer

BUNNY WAILER – LOVE FIRE

LOVE FIREBunny Wailer

He was a member of the Wailers along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Bunny Wailer, who was part of one of the greatest groups in Jamaica’s history.

Although he may seem a bit understated compared to the other two’s strong personalities, there’s no doubt he was one of Jamaica’s leading songwriters.

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Masterpieces, Popular Tracks, and New 21st-Century Standards for Reggae Beginners (111–120)

Legalize ItPeter Tosh

Peter Tosh – Legalize It (Audio)

Legalize ItPeter Tosh

A revival reissue of a classic 1976 masterpiece! By Peter Tosh—an original member of The Wailers with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, known as the “walking razor”—this signature work features The Wailers’ chorus without Bob Marley, with all members serving as supporting players.

A must-own, must-hear classic for any reggae fan!

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Thank YouW.A.S.P.

WASP – THANK YOU

Thank YouW.A.S.P.

Wasp, who won a contest in high school and dreamed of a career in the music industry.

A talented singer-songwriter and a DJ who weaves in fresh, creative ideas.

The medium-tempo, flowing melodies are easy on the ears yet tinged with melancholy.

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