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 (1–10)
WarBob Marley
Bob Marley, the god of reggae.
He wasn’t just an artist; he appealed for peace by getting the leaders of Jamaica’s ruling and opposition parties—who were locked in violent conflict—to shake hands.
Unfortunately, the strife did not come to an end, but his achievements continue to influence many artists today.
His song “War” is one of his signature tracks.
Centered on themes of peace and anti-war, this love-and-peace anthem has surely soothed the hearts of many.
Wild WorldMaxi Priest
A poignant, heartwarming number set to a reggae groove.
Maxi Priest’s smooth vocals gently embrace the complex feelings toward a lover he’s parting from.
Included on his 1988 album “Maxi,” the song reached No.
25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No.
5 in the UK, earning international attention.
It’s a great pick for reggae beginners—let the gentle rhythm carry you as you reflect on the subtleties of life.
It’s also perfect for karaoke; sung tenderly, it’s sure to resonate with the heart.
Hello Mama AfricaGarnett Silk
It’s a moving reggae number that sings with deep love and longing for Africa.
Garnett Silk from Jamaica delivers warm, soulful vocals that gently paint the beauty of Africa’s land and nature.
Released in 1993, the song became so popular it reached No.
1 on the UK reggae chart.
The lyrics carry a powerful message that strongly resonates with people who have roots in Africa.
Even from afar, the enduring love for Africa wraps listeners in warmth.
It’s a touching track you’ll want to hear when thinking of your hometown or someone dear.
Masterpieces, Popular Tracks, and New 21st-Century Classics for Reggae Beginners (11–20)
I Shot the SheriffInner Circle
Inner Circle, the reggae band from Jamaica, offers a cover of “I Shot the Sheriff” that reimagines Bob Marley’s timeless classic in their own style.
Featured on their 1979 album “Blame It On The Sun,” this track remains beloved by many fans as a standout that rekindles the allure of reggae.
The song’s theme portrays a man’s conflict amid abuses of power by the police, carrying a profound social message.
Inner Circle’s version preserves the spirit of the original while infusing their own musicianship, delivering a fresh listening experience.
It’s recommended for listeners eager to delve deeper into reggae and for those who value messages of peace and love.
Shy GuyDiana King
Diana King, a reggae and R&B singer from Spanish Town, Jamaica.
This song became a global hit, reaching No.
13 on the US singles chart and No.
2 on the UK singles chart.
It was also the theme song for the film Bad Boys and reached No.
1 on the chart of the Japanese radio station J-WAVE.
The Harder They ComeJimmy Cliff
Even before reggae was established as a distinct musical genre, Jimmy Cliff was a pioneering artist who helped drive the development of the reggae scene.
He forged an original sound and a musical identity rooted in Jamaica.
This work, too, offers a reggae sound that seems to serve as a model for how to express such innovative elements through music.
The bright yet slightly gritty organ tone and the rhythmic, catchy guitar chops create an open, liberating mood.
It still doesn’t feel dated even today.
Hopelessly In LoveCarroll Thompson
Carol Thompson, known as the “Queen of Lovers Rock.” This is the title track from her debut album, where she sings of aching love with a sweet, soulful voice.
Seamlessly blending delicate melodies with reggae rhythms, the song has been cherished since its 1981 release as an emblem of Black culture in the UK.
The album Hopelessly In Love reached No.
22 on the UK indie chart, sold over 35,000 copies in the first few years after release, and was selected by The Guardian in 2007 for its “1000 Albums to Hear Before You Die.” The lyrics, depicting the pain of heartbreak and the emotions of a woman drowning in love, are sure to resonate with anyone troubled by romance.
Why not relax into the gentle groove and let Thompson’s vocals carry you away?