Reggae’s relaxed tone and messages of love, peace, unity, and social justice have long resonated with audiences worldwide. From political commentary from roots reggae artists like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh to dancehall rhythms from Sly & Robbie, reggae has inspired numerous genres.
Reggae music‘s distinguishing feature is its distinctive rhythmic pattern known as a riddim, typically consisting of 4/4 time with offbeat syncopations and an emphasis on bass drum on every third beat of each bar.
Origin
Reggae music‘s roots lie in Caribbean mento and calypso music combined with American rhythm and blues and jazz. Reggae emerged from these earlier musical forms, slowing its rhythm while emphasizing beat three; closely associated with Rastafarian religion as well as spiritual and political themes; Bob Marley is perhaps its best-known artist who popularized this style of music.
Reggae music can be deeply seductive, full of sexual innuendo. One such example of this type is Glasgow’s Champion Lover who combine relaxing musicality with themes of feminine yearning. Reggae also boasts an important tradition in social criticism through lyrics; many songs contain songs which criticize materialism or call attention to injustices within society.
Reggae music has the capacity to criticise society while simultaneously creating joyful celebration. Toots and the Maytals’ Sweet and Dandy by Toots and the Maytals stands as an excellent example, filled with infectious energy and fun; listening to this track cannot fail to put a smile on your face!
Reggae music in its original form represents Rastafarian faith by reflecting one living God called Jah. Lyrically, reggae includes themes related to social justice and uplift for those less fortunate as well as praise for Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and calls for racial unity. Reggae was used as the backdrop to Michael Manley’s Democratic Socialism during its first decades, serving as moral support for many armed liberation movements throughout Africa.
Noteworthy aspects include its use of African nyah-bingi drumming style, with its distinct pulsating pattern imitating human heartbeats. This rhythm was later replicated through toasting vocal technique developed when DJs improvised over dub tracks; toasting is generally considered the precursor of rap, though differs significantly due to melodic content.
As reggae has developed over time, various genres have emerged such as early and classic reggae, lovers rock, dub music and rockers. Each genre varies in terms of beat, harmony and tempo; some may be slower and more contemplative while others can be faster and danceable; they all possess their own distinctive sound that distinguishes it from other Jamaican forms of music.
Styles
Reggae stands apart from many music genres in that its musical and lyrical styles can be specifically identified. This can be found due to the genre’s strong cultural roots; spirituality, social criticism, religion are common themes found within its songs – as are joyous celebrations, such as Toots and the Maytals’ Sweet and Dandy is sure to put a smile on your face!
Reggae music features the distinctive vocal technique known as Toasting. This vocal technique was initially popularised by DJs improvising spoken introductions (or toasts) before songs (or toasts) started being performed, and is considered an early form of rap. Toasting is similar to rap in that it uses simple chord structures while still having melodic content; notable artists who use this vocal style include Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Reggae basslines often feature thick and heavy lines equalized to emphasize lower frequencies. When using simple chord progressions, these patterns may consist of repeated two or four bar riffs using simple chord progressions or they may change along with chord changes into something more intricate such as adding additional bass notes into an original riff or shifting internal notes to match chord structure more closely.
Reggae music encompasses many subgenres; among the more widely-known are dancehall, ragga, jungle music, steppers’ music and dub music. Additionally, more recent variations such as reggaeton, seggae two tone reggae or even samba reggae may exist as contemporary variations on this style of music.
Rhythms
Reggae music hails from Jamaica and encompasses all genres, but more accurately refers to one specific style that evolved out of earlier genres like ska and rocksteady. Reggae rhythms tend to be heavy and thick, often featuring an EQ-ed bass line which eliminates upper frequencies for an immersive deep sound; other percussion instruments such as bongos or claves often play free-improvised patterns with cross rhythms found within African music traditions.
Reggae beats are typically set in 4/4 time with an unmistakable rhythmic pattern characterized by chops on the backbeat or “skank.” A basic drum beat has three distinct spots within each bar filled out by notes played on ride cymbal notes to produce an open and lively groove that contrasts dramatically from more repetitive western music genres.
Reggae music features not only bass lines and drums, but often features additional elements like lead guitar that provides melodic support to either follow the bass line closely or provide countermelody. In many instances the rhythm guitar may play the same rhythm as the bass line while being damped – often adding to a dense and open groove feel of reggae music. Sometimes rock or blues-influenced melodic parts may appear here too but typically they follow closely without adding additional frequencies into its soundscape.
Vocals are another integral element of reggae music. One style that defines reggae vocals is toasting, which was developed when DJs would improvise along to dub tracks. Toasting can be considered the precursor of rap music but differs in terms of melodic content.
Reggae music is notable for its organ shuffle rhythm; typically found on roots reggae and dancehall reggae genres. Organ players typically utilize a Hammond-style sound when creating chords with choppy feel; unlike most keyboards, beats one and three aren’t played, meaning one hand plays all ones and twos simultaneously for a unique groove compared to most forms of music – making this style difficult to master.
Lyrics
Reggae music has quickly won over audiences around the globe. Its infectious rhythms and infectious beats have served as an agent of change in society while its lyrics offer social criticism and spiritual reflection. Furthermore, reggae’s hypnotic sound provides the perfect environment for joyful celebration, with iconic reggae songs becoming beloved works that transcend borders.
Reggae music draws heavily upon elements from ska, jazz and blues but has its origins firmly planted in Rastafari’s religious and sociopolitical movement; more recently however it has also adopted African musical traditions into its soundscape. A classic reggae beat can typically be created using snare drums, bass and staccato chords on guitar or keyboard; its lyrics often employing verse/chorus/verse structures that hypnotize listeners into submission!
Lyrically, reggae music draws heavily upon Rastafari spiritual beliefs to express political awareness and social criticism; an excellent example being “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Additionally, several Jamaican reggae artists have become internationally successful such as Three Dog Night and Johnny Nash in America.
Writing great lyrics is key to creating an impactful reggae song. Your words should tell an engaging narrative that engages and motivates listeners; many reggae songs contain messages about love, peace and social justice while some criticize injustices or call for religious reformation.
Reggae lyrics often explore romantic love. Many artists utilize a style known as lovers rock to celebrate erotica; this genre has gained wide acclaim across Europe, the US, Uganda and Mali, where its influence can be found within local musicians’ music.
“Three Little Birds,” by Bob Marley and the Wailers, is one of the greatest reggae songs ever created – an irresistibly catchy love ballad which continues to resonate across cultures around the globe. With its catchy melody and encouraging words, this timeless classic never gets old!