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 Songs, and New Classics of the 21st Century for Reggae Beginners (21–30)

Rivers of BabylonThe Melodians

The Rivers Of Babylon

Rivers of BabylonThe Melodians

The Melodians were a vocal group that supported the golden era of Jamaican music.

The melodies woven by the three members are exquisite.

It may come as a bit of a surprise, but this song was covered by Boney M.

UB40 also covered Sweet Sensation, and the group remains beloved to this day.

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shineAswad

Aswad – Shine

shineAswad

They are a reggae band formed in the United Kingdom, known for a sound that strongly incorporates elements of R&B and soul music.

In Notting Hill, their hometown, Afro-Caribbean immigrants who moved to the UK in the aftermath of World War II settled, and the band’s core members were second-generation immigrants.

“Aswad” means “black” in Arabic.

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Classic, Popular, and New 21st-Century Essentials for Reggae Beginners (31–40)

Could You Be LovedBob Marley

Could You Be Loved (Africa Unite, 2005) – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Could You Be LovedBob Marley

A person who needs no introduction.

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a singer who represents Jamaica, and someone who helped spread reggae around the world.

This is the 12-inch long version, and when the reverb-drenched guitar splashes in and the Clavinet weaves its way through, you just can’t keep your body still.

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Baby I Love Your WayBig Mountain

Big Mountain – Baby I Love Your Way(1994)

Baby I Love Your WayBig Mountain

An American reggae band.

Due to their pop, approachable musical style, they’re often called the American UB40.

This song is a cover of Peter Frampton’s track, and it became a worldwide hit after being featured on the soundtrack of the film Reality Bites starring Winona Ryder.

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RAPTUREKoffee

Koffee – Rapture | A COLORS SHOW

RAPTUREKoffee

Hailing from Jamaica, Koffee is a talented artist born in 2000.

Her debut EP, RAPTURE, was released on March 14, 2019, propelling her to global recognition as a rising star in reggae.

The title track, Rapture, captivates listeners with its rhythmic, soothing sound while exploring themes of self-discovery and empowerment.

Since its release, it has been loved worldwide, amassing over 30 million streams on Spotify.

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Stepping RazorPeter Tosh

Peter Tosh – Stepping Razor (Audio)

Stepping RazorPeter Tosh

This is a classic by Peter Tosh with a wonderfully pleasing guitar sound.

The tight, rhythmic guitar chopping that drives the beat—it’s incredibly groovy! The intro’s sense of forward momentum creates a striking groove.

It’s a masterpiece that balances an open, relaxed atmosphere with an underlying softness, and the soulful, emotional guitar solo is truly compelling.

From the dusky organ tone to the gritty bass lines, each instrument’s character interlocks beautifully, making this an exquisite reggae number.

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Without UAlaine

Alaine – Without You

Without UAlaine

Alaine, a female reggae singer who is also popular in Japan.

She has an unusual background, having worked as a child actress and even once joining an investment bank in New York, but the wonderful singing voice she inherited from her parents captivates listeners.

It pairs perfectly with this bittersweet track.

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