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)

Jamaican In New YorkShinehead

Jamaican In New York

Jamaican In New YorkShinehead

An American reggae artist originally from the UK, he was among those who most influenced the Jamaican scene throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

He established an original style that fused dancehall with R&B and hip-hop.

This song is a cover that reimagines Sting’s classic “Englishman in New York” as a Jamaican.

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Masterpiece, Popular, and New 21st-Century Standard Reggae Songs for Beginners (51–60)

LIKE A LOVE SONGCOCOA TEA

COCOA TEA – LIKE A LOVE SONG – REGGAE REGGAE.wmv

LIKE A LOVE SONGCOCOA TEA

He began his career in his early teens, but without producing any notable hit songs, he left the music industry for a while and reportedly made a living as a fisherman and a jockey.

He returned to music in the 1980s and has continued to thrive to this day with his sweet singing voice.

It is said that his vocal style was distinctive even before his debut.

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gladys workshopgladstone anderson

Glady’s Workshop

gladys workshopgladstone anderson

Gladstone Anderson, who left an enormous legacy as the father of rocksteady.

His richly expressive piano is so beautiful that it’s unmatched across any genre.

Without him, Jamaican music would have been something quite different.

If you’re new to reggae, I recommend starting with him.

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APOLLO STYLEAPOLLO

APOLLO – APOLLO STYLE

APOLLO STYLEAPOLLO

This track is by APOLLO from Osaka.

Its distinctive blend of reggae rhythms and rapid-fire rap really stands out.

The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of self-expression and valuing individuality, resonate strongly with listeners.

Released in July 2016, it became a major hit with over 5 million views on YouTube.

It’s a song packed with APOLLO’s one-of-a-kind style—perfect for anyone who wants to stay true to themselves.

Set to a laid-back reggae beat, it delivers a powerful message.

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Three Little Birds (Exodus 40 Mix)Bob Marley

Three Little Birds (Exodus 40 Mix)

Three Little Birds (Exodus 40 Mix)Bob Marley

A track with a captivating, smoky mood to its melodic line.

Released in 1997, it’s one of Bob Marley’s greatest songs, passed down without losing its luster to this day.

Long ago, it was even used in a commercial in Japan for the laundry detergent Persil, so some people might remember it from that.

It’s a reggae hit that has been covered by many great artists, including Robbie Williams and Jason Mraz.

It has a happy vibe that can be enjoyed not only by adults but by children as well.

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Beat Down BabylonJunior Byles

Beat Down Babylon

Beat Down BabylonJunior Byles

This is a signature song by Junior Byles, the melancholy singer known for “Fade Away.” It was a turning point in reggae’s musical history.

Produced by Lee Perry, the track is packed with early roots.

It features the beat from Tommy McCook’s “Tunnel One,” sprinkled with distinctive sound effects.

The floating, otherworldly groove typical of the Black Ark Studio is another highlight!

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CelebrateRebelution

Celebrate (Lyric Video) – Rebelution

CelebrateRebelution

Strongly influenced by reggae, they captivate music fans around the world through their acoustic-tinged R&B, jazz, and rock.

Their recent album “Falling into Place” was a major hit and was selected as one of the best reggae releases of 2016.

And with the single “Celebrate,” they score another hit.

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