Are You Into Reggae Music? Here Are 10 Great Reggae Songs That Will Have You Grooving
Sister Nancy’s infectious “Bam Bam” has been sampled by artists like Jay Z and Kanye West as an excellent representation of reggae’s catchy yet smooth rhythms that give this genre its signature sound.
1. “Tempt to Touch” by Beres Hammond
Beres Hammond’s “Tempt to Touch,” one of the first reggae hits to hit the charts, quickly rose up the charts and established itself as one of music‘s groundbreaking works. A timeless dancehall track which speaks about love’s transformative power over audiences worldwide.
Garnet Silk’s vocals are a treat, set against an infectious roots reggae beat and vibrant instrumentation. Her lyrics promote personal development while emphasizing the value of sharing love with those around us.
Reggae fans should listen to this track! It is a feel-good tune featuring Jamaican artists Protoje and Koffee trading lyrics with youthful energy, making this tune perfect for lovers of Jamaica’s riddims, especially Stalag 17 which has become one of the world’s anthems since it first came out.
2. “Blackheart Man” by Bunny Wailer
Neville O’Riley Livingston, popularly known by his stage name Bunny Wailer, was an esteemed vocalist, songwriter and musician of Jamaica. His debut album Blackheart Man stands as one of the greatest reggae albums ever produced lyrically and musically; its beautiful and empowering collection was written for and inspired by its audience; recorded with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, The Barrett’s and Sly & Robbie as helpers, it stands as testament to Bunny Wailer’s determination to thrive within his homeland.
One Love is one of the album’s best-loved tracks, featuring classic reggae love song lyrics about long distance relationships and reminding yourself that love still exists no matter where it might seem to exist. Additionally, young artists Protoje and Koffee provide an energetic danceable track which will have you moving your chair!
3. “Sweet and Dandy” by Toots and the Maytals
Toots and the Maytals’ classic reggae ballad ‘Slow Jam’ by Toots and the Maytals showcases their emotive vocals in a beautiful reggae ballad with romantic lyrics that has become a fan-favorite slow jam for many music enthusiasts. Its simple melody and romantic lyrics have made this track one of their best sellers.
Toots and the Maytals was one of the most influential reggae bands ever, led by legendary singer Toots Hibbert and distinguished by its distinct sound that helped define and influence generations of musicians to follow them. Many songs contained political or socially aware messages encouraging people to come together through dancing.
Toots and the Maytals offers something for every musical taste; whether you prefer upbeat dance music or emotive ballads. Their hit track from “Legalize It” epitomizes their signature style of mixing pop and reggae influences to produce an upbeat yet socially relevant track.
Wailer explores his childhood experiences around Rastafarian beliefs in this mellow song. While the subject matter can be controversial, Wailer handles his commentary with empathy and grace – making this track an enjoyable listen for anyone trying to understand Jamaica’s religious landscape.
4. “Innocent Blood” by Culture
Even though many music lovers associate this song with Blondie, its original composition was by Jamaican reggae group The Paragons and showcases an appealing melody with a captivating rhythm that created a hit that everyone enjoyed listening to.
Reggae music can have an immense political influence. This song from 1993 was one of the most beloved tunes at its time, discussing legalization of cannabis. It topped the charts both in Britain and America and remains timeless with powerful messages.
Bob Marley released this song towards the end of his life and it quickly became one of his best-loved pieces. It speaks about freedom while its lyrics evoke feelings of love and peace – making this an essential listen for any reggae fan! In addition, its message includes spiritual upliftment. A true masterpiece! This reggae song stands as one of its finest.
5. “Champion Lover” by Debroahe Glasgow
Reggae music can be both soothing and thought-provoking; whether you’re an established fan or just starting out, these 27 best reggae songs of all time are guaranteed to get your foot tapping and heart swaying!
Deborah Glasgow’s timeless song, ‘Never Have I Been Loved Before,’ serves as an empowering reminder of female empowerment and passion. Glasgow was an English Lovers Rock singer renowned for her short yet influential career during the 80s; here she collaborates with dancehall artist Shabba Ranks on an emotional ballad about romantic love.
Culture is an energetic vocal group with a proven ability to address serious topics while uplift and entertaining audiences. Their latest song tackles crime in Jamaica and how the world seems stacked against black women; making this powerful, moving tune one that may cause you to reconsider your late night partying decisions.
6. “Badfish” by Garnet Silk
Shabba was a Jamaican dancehall superstar during the 1990s. Known for his high-energy performances and infectious beats, his song “Badfish” detailed his struggles with addiction – showing that reggae can also serve as a genre to empower and uphold self-love.
This timeless reggae song tells the tale of a man unable to let go of the woman he loves. The addictive tune was an international success and helped other dancehall artists gain mainstream recognition.
“Legalize It,” Tosh’s signature political anthem from Jamaica that propelled him into international stardom, is an absolute must-listen for anyone looking for a powerful message about love and freedom.
7. “It’s Growing” by Garnet Silk
Jamaica is an incredible force in music, culture and sports. Home to some of the world’s most celebrated artists and boasting its signature sound; people worldwide love dancing to it! Reggae music in particular has taken hold with many being drawn in by its irresistibly rhythmic sound that even gave birth to dancehall.
Reggae music gained global recognition during the 90s. Artists such as Shabba Ranks, Supercat, Bounty Killa and Beanie Man had that certain something that captured audiences across borders.
Reggae music may have faded over the years in America. But artists like Buju Banton and Koffee still make waves by creating brand new sounds in this genre – this feel-good tune from them features youthful lyrics with dynamic energy that are sure to get people dancing!
8. “O Carolina” by Shaggy
Reggae music may have serious roots, yet its genre can provide a way for individuals to channel pain and despair into something positive and inspiring. Culture’s 1977 Two Sevens Clash album provided this example; their song, “Innocent Blood,” taught audiences lessons in African history, slavery, imperialism – delivered via sing-song melody that remains fun even today.
Jamaican artists have long utilized elements of dancehall into their music, but Shaggy took this concept one step further with 1995’s Boombastic album, becoming one of the biggest crossover stars. His hit title track proved that reggae could also possess its own party atmosphere just like dancehall.
Reggae songs often touch upon sexual themes, yet few are as overtly sensual as this 1989 single by Debroahe Glasgow. Its seductive female vocals were met with massive success both locally and later internationally when Shabba Ranks covered it as “Mr Lover Man” featuring Chevelle Franklin.