Reggae music has much to be admired; from Bob Marley’s thunderous vocals to Spice’s So Mi Like’s 90s-influenced sound, its presence has left an indelible imprint on our culture.
Peter Tosh’s Blackheart Man provides insight into his Rastafarian beliefs that would become so central to Jamaican culture; its message of social justice still rings true today.
1. One Love – Bob Marley & The Wailers
One Love may be the greatest reggae song ever written. A feel-good track that encourages people to unite and fight for their rights, it was inspired by the Black Lives Movement but has since become an international anthem against racism and social justice movements.
Bob Marley first recorded this song with his early band, the Wailers, as a ska tune in 1965; it became widely popular following its rewrite and recording for Exodus album in 1977 as it included Curtis Mayfield’s interpolated verse, “People Get Ready.”
Marley composed this song during an atmosphere of tension in Jamaica following elections held in December 1976, particularly Michael Manley’s campaign for Prime Ministership. Although Marley supported Michael Manley for Prime Ministership, he preferred not to take an overt political stance and received inspiration for this song from three little birds that frequented his Hope Road home.
One of the biggest hits of 2020 was Skip Marley and H.E.R’s reggae love song Slowdown, featuring American singer H.E.R. It was an instantaneous international sensation that celebrated tolerance and respect between cultures despite language or cultural barriers.
2. Police & Thieves – Debroahe Glasgow
Police & Thieves is one of the most powerful reggae songs that addresses Jamaica’s crime issue and calls for peace in an attempt to remind us there are other issues besides just problems in life. Originally recorded and released on Mad Professor’s label Ariwa by British singer Deborah Glasgow in 1986, this track became an instant classic on London reggae scene and used as an anthem during riots that year in London.
Many Rivers To Cross is an inspirational and emotive Jamaican classic, written about Jimmy Cliff’s struggle to break into the music industry in England. It resonated deeply with listeners, leading numerous artists to cover it over time.
Reggae music can be an uplifting, spiritual form. Toots and Maytal were inspired to compose this beautiful soulful tune by everyday life in Jamaica; their goal was to capture its beauty with their song that now touches lives around the globe – this track should definitely be on any reggae fan’s playlist!
4. Innocent Blood – Culture
If you enjoy reggae music, chances are you have heard this tune by Toots and Maytal – although many credit it to Blondie. While most reggae tracks center around struggle or injustices in Jamaica, this one offers a lighter perspective of life there.
Reggae music’s soothing melody will lull your spirit to sleep while the lyrics convey powerful messages about female empowerment, desire, and passion. Judy Mowatt of Bob Marley’s I-Threes and Gaylettes serenades listeners with her soulful vocals as she discusses women’s struggles in society which often fails them.
Dub version of Culture’s beautiful song features powerful, raw harmonies. Tempo is faster; rough-throated DJ voices have been replaced with Culture’s exquisite harmonies; making this track an invaluable must-listen. This classic Jamaican folk tune will surely touch listeners of all backgrounds; don’t miss it!
5. Judy Mowatt – The Gaylettes
Mowatt was one of the earliest female artists in reggae music, and her 1980 Black Woman LP is widely considered one of the greatest by a woman artist. She worked closely with Bob Marley both as part of I-Threes and solo as well as being recognized for championing female-focused ideas in an otherwise predominantly male genre.
She possesses a distinctive vocal style, often compared to that of rap. Reggae music can feature either simple chord structures such as that seen in The Wailers’ Exodus featuring only A-minor and A-major chords or more complex arrangements like Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” These arrangements contribute to its hypnotic effect.
Reggae tracks frequently touch upon spiritual and political themes. Reggae music also frequently expresses love. Ken Boothe’s 1974 single Love is the Compass is an example; this hit single reached number one on the UK chart for three weeks before it was covered by Blondie in 1980 and Atomic Kitten in 1987; today it remains popular as an uptempo dance track! The lyrics tell the tale of someone wanting their beloved back but fearing they might leave him.
6. Bam Bam – Althea & Donna
UB40’s 1983 cover of Marley’s song was one of their biggest hits, making an impressionful statement about their musical talent and talent as a band. While its original rendition by Marley is unmatched in quality and production values; with deep bass grooves and guitar upbeats that stand up against all forms of noise pollution. They even altered some lyrics slightly to remove references to pot. But no matter – this reggae song deserves widespread listening!
Althea Forrest and Donna Reid were just 17 and 18 when they released this hit single in 1977, making it easy for anyone to enjoy. It features an infectious beat with an accessible melody and sing-along chorus; its message of love and unity became part of the rising reggae movement.
Koffee’s “Ecology” fulfills these requirements, boasting both old-school reggae and modern hip-hop sounds that combine. Although she does not always stay within reggae genre, we look forward to what comes next from this young artist!
7. Slowdown – Skip Marley & H.E.R.
Skip Marley and H.E.R. deliver this reggae song featuring female empowerment and desire over an infectious groove, making it the ideal tune to dance to or just listen to. Furthermore, its lyrics reveal much about aging and globalisation in just over three minutes!
Reggae song that has become an emotional and inspiring classic hit among many artists worldwide. This piece depicts a young black girl and her struggles to survive in a white-dominated society, which many artists have covered as their signature piece.
Welcome to Jamrock is one of the most iconic reggae songs, depicting Jamaican culture and life with heavy rapping over reggae for an original sound that has become very popular worldwide.
Inner Circle’s hit song ‘Bad Boys’ conveys their message of fighting corruption and oppression in Jamaica while remaining catchy enough to dance to. Perfect for reggae fans.