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 (11–20)
Night NurseGREGORY ISAACS
The classic song Night Nurse by Jamaican reggae artist Gregory Isaacs was released in 1982.
Showcasing Isaacs’s smooth vocals and profound emotional expression, it remains one of the most beloved tracks in reggae music.
His voice gently fills the holes in the heart.
Whether you’re familiar with reggae or not, why not give this masterpiece a listen?
Marcus garveyBurning Spear
Burning Spear, hailing from Jamaica, is an artist who represents roots reggae.
This song, included on his 1975 album Marcus Garvey, is a masterpiece that entrusts political and social themes to music.
Marcus Garvey, named in the title, was a leader of Black nationalism and is revered as a hero in Jamaica.
Born from deep respect for his philosophy and the Rastafari movement, the song’s message remains undiminished even today.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of reggae and reflect on universal human issues through music.
Wanna Be LovedBuju Banton
Buju Banton is an artist from Jamaica.
His song “Wanna Be Loved” is included on the 1995 album ’Til Shiloh.
This track is emblematic of Banton’s musical career and played a key role in his shift toward roots rock reggae.
The lyrics convey an urgent message about seeking true love that goes beyond superficial relationships, resonating strongly with listeners.
It’s especially recommended for those who long for deep love and value relationships built on genuine mutual support.
Pressure DropToots & The Maytals
This is a gritty number by Toots and the Maytals, known as innovators of Jamaican music.
Its distinctive sound—melding soulful vocals with reggae rhythms—slowly seeps into your heart.
Recorded in 1969, the song was included on the soundtrack of the 1972 film The Harder They Come, which helped raise the band’s international profile.
If you’re going to sing this track, which deals with life’s absurdities and social pressures, the key is to pour your soul into it and perform with passion.
Your deepest feelings will surely resonate in the hearts of those who listen.
Only YouJah Cure
An artist you absolutely can’t overlook in the conscious reggae genre is Jah Cure.
He maintained his innocence but was charged and arrested.
Even so, he released songs from behind bars during his sentence, and those tracks kept becoming hits, cementing his reputation as a singer.
His heartfelt vocals over acoustic sounds are truly moving.
Don’t Turn AroundAswad
Released in 1988, this song is a classic that brought a fresh breeze to the UK reggae scene.
It expresses the pain of heartbreak and the strength to move forward, carried by a reggae rhythm.
With pop elements woven in, it appealed to a wide audience.
It earned Silver certification in the UK, selling over 250,000 copies, and later saw a hugely successful cover by Ace of Base.
As one of Aswad’s signature works, it showcases the band’s full appeal.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to heal from heartbreak or take a new step forward.
Listening to this track will surely give you the courage to face ahead.
Masterpieces, Popular Songs, and New Classics of the 21st Century for Reggae Beginners (21–30)
One BloodJunior Reid
Junior Reid is a reggae dancehall artist born in Jamaica in 1963.
His signature song “One Blood” was released in 1989.
The track emphasizes the shared humanity of people from different cultures and backgrounds, carrying a message that calls for unity and peace around the world.
In particular, the 2006 collaboration with The Game, “It’s Okay (One Blood),” brought the song to a new audience.
“One Blood” established Junior Reid’s important position in reggae music and continues to be loved by many fans.
His message of using the power of music to bring the world together resonates deeply with listeners.