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]
Masterpiece, Popular, and New 21st-Century Standard Reggae Songs for Beginners (51–60)
Murder She WroteChaka Demus & Pliers
Released in 1992 by the Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, “Murder She Wrote” is an iconic reggae track.
The song seamlessly blends lively dancehall rhythms with a distinctive pop sensibility, showcasing the breadth of their musical style.
The lyrics focus on a woman named Maxine, whose moral issues contrast with her outward attractiveness, depicting her behavior through metaphor.
It’s especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the feel of a classic reggae beat.
The Gospel MedleyRichie Stephens
Grammy Award–winning singer Richie Stephens captivates listeners with a beautiful, powerful voice reminiscent of a gospel singer.
His achievements have also been recognized by the Jamaican government, earning him the Governor-General’s Achievement Award.
This track is a fun, lively song you can enjoy.
VietnamJimmy Cliff
It sings of the tragedy of the Vietnam War.
It’s a work released in 1969 by reggae legend Jimmy Cliff from Jamaica, and a revival of an earlier release.
There’s a famous story that Bob Dylan praised it as the best protest song he had ever heard up to that point.
The song’s content is a heartbreaking episode: a young man who was a soldier is about to finish his tour in Vietnam and head home—after a letter arrives with that news, a telegram comes the very next day announcing that he has been killed in action.
It became a topic of conversation when Paul Simon sang this song on stage at a live show and invited Jimmy Cliff as a guest for a collaboration.
Set Me FreeKen Boothe
The amazing thing about reggae is that you can arrange just about any genre of music into reggae.
This song is famous for being sung by the Supremes from Motown, but once it’s in Ken Boothe’s hands, it turns out like this.
He’s brilliantly made it his own.
Masterpieces, popular tracks, and new 21st-century standards for reggae beginners (61–70)
Girl I SurrenderLukie D
Rookie D, also a member of L.
U.
S.
T, capitalized on his beautiful voice to release a rock cover album, and his vocals became popular not only in Jamaica but also in the United States.
This pure-spirited reggae singer has achieved explosive hits in Hawaii as well.
EverywhereMarcia Griffiths
She has been the most successful female singer in Jamaica and is also known as the First Lady of Jamaican music.
She also performed as one of the I-Threes, Bob Marley’s backing vocalists.
In 1994, the Jamaican government honored her outstanding music and awarded her the Order of National Hero.
Say Hey (I Love You)Michael Franti & Spearhead
This group is an artist collective that operates under the concept of seeking peace and equality.
In addition to reggae, they release music across various genres such as soul, rock, and hip-hop.
This song was used as the ending theme for the movie “Fool’s Gold,” and it’s a cheerful, fun track that’s sure to get you grooving just by listening.