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 (41–50)

I Feel GoodBeres Hammond

Beres Hammond – I Feel Good | Official Music Video

I Feel GoodBeres Hammond

I Feel Good by Jamaican reggae luminary Beres Hammond is a superb track characterized by a smooth reggae groove and his warm vocals.

Featured on his 2008 album A Moment in Time, it’s praised as a work that showcases his diverse musicality and delicate emotional expression.

In I Feel Good, he captures joyful moments with a loved one, singing of that pure happiness in simple yet powerful words.

It’s a perfect recommendation for when you want to spend a blissful, relaxing time, or to enrich special moments with someone important.

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Out the GhettoKonshens

Konshens – Out The Ghetto (Sept. 2009)

Out the GhettoKonshens

Konshens, who won accolades such as Best New Artist and Song of the Year in 2008, is also active as an entrepreneur.

This track, which powerfully voices the realities of the streets in its lyrics, is set to a riddim produced by the Japan-based duo Gachapan Records, who are active in Jamaica.

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Don’t You RemenberRomain Virgo

Romain Virgo – Don’t You Remember – Adele – Cover (Official Music Video)

Don't You RemenberRomain Virgo

He won Jamaica’s popular audition show “RISING STAR” and made his debut on the scene.

With his boyish looks and sweet vocal style, he enjoys idol-like popularity.

This song might be mistaken as an original by those who usually only listen to reggae, but it’s actually a cover of a track by the world-famous songstress Adele.

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Big NoiseThe Upsetters

The Upsetters – Big Noise

Big NoiseThe Upsetters

You can really tell that Lee Perry was a maverick even back then.

The sounds he created were truly unique, and in the footage of him mixing, it looks like he’s just fiddling with the knobs while dancing, but it all properly turns into his sound.

Eccentric, weirdo—he’s someone who brings those words to mind.

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Let’s Do It AgainJ Boog

J Boog – Let’s Do It Again (Official Video)

Let's Do It AgainJ Boog

J Boog is a reggae singer from the United States and is also one of the leading figures in Hawaii’s reggae scene.

His songs are mostly island reggae, so I think people who like surf music will find them easy to enjoy.

This track is one version over the “Major Riddim,” so I also recommend checking out songs by other artists on the same riddim.

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Beautiful DayEtana

Etana – Beautiful Day – [Jan 2012]

Beautiful DayEtana

She is a talented female reggae singer who, for the first time in 17 years for a Jamaican female reggae artist, topped Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart.

As a mother, her gentle personality shines through in her refreshing songs, and her light, husky voice is a pleasure to listen to.

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Carry OnStephen McGregor

Carry On

Carry OnStephen McGregor

Stephen, also known as the son of reggae singer Freddie McGregor, is making a big impact as a top producer.

He originally sang to create demos for the various tracks he produced and would hand those demos to different artists.

After hearing them, some artists were drawn to his voice and began featuring him.

The result is a track that leaves a strong impression with his beautiful vocals and emotive, tear-tinged piano.

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