Reggae - Around the Globe

What is reggae?

Style of music that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. Strongly influenced by traditional mento music as well as Jazz and RnB.Heavily linked to Rastafari (an Afrocentric religion) with the songs often spreading Rastafarian gospel. An offbeat rhythm and counterpoint between the bass guitar and drum downbeat are characteristic of reggae music.

We and Dem - Bob Marley

Released in 1980 in the album ‘Uprising’, this song’s syncopated bass-line is typical of the reggae genre, as are the gospel lyrics. It also highlights Bob Marley’s fantastic vocal variations as well as harmonic accompaniment sung by the ‘Wailers’. A unique part is a guitar introduced in the bridge section, which mirrors the melody and enhances the textural aspects of the song.

Rivers of Babylon - Jimmy Cliff

Originally written by Boney M. in 1967, this cover version was released in 1970 and was acclaimed mainly because of the layered vocals. The catchy bass-line keeps you tapping your feet throughout, and this was one of the first reggae songs to incorporate an element of funk while highlighting the infusion of spirituality in the reggae genre.

Sweet and Dandy - Toots and the Maytals

One of the first reggae tracks with a prominent guitar part, this song was released in 1969 and is often considered to be this band’s best performance. The upbeat percussion accompaniment and energetic singing make this extremely lively. There are elements of ska music woven into the vocals as well, that transport the listener to beachside Jamaica.

Is This Love - Bob Marley

Yet another reggae song with a strong bass-line, this track was released in 1978, just as Marley was gaining recognition as a Rastafari icon. The endearing lyrics complement the Wailers’ vocal accompaniment and are especially pleasing to the listeners. The bridge section features an electric guitar and of course Marley’s melismatic singing, making this one of his consummate works.

007 Shanty Town - Desmond Dekker

Probably Dekker’s most popular song, this track is also considered to be the archetypal ‘rude boy’ song, powerfully representing Jamaican street culture through the lyrics. The spirit of the song is especially brought out with the use of wind and brass instruments to provide the rhythmic accompaniment as opposed to percussion and/or guitars, which are primarily used in the beginning. In spite of the heavily repeated motif, this song became a humungous hit and cemented Dekker’s respect with the contemporary ‘rudies’.

Jamming - Bob Marley

Released as part of the album ‘Exodus’, this track was recorded at the beginning of Marley’s prime in 1977. With the use of sequence in the chorus, octave harmonies, and characteristic vocal variations, the highlight of the track is the singing. The syncopated percussion and use of shakers contributes to the groovy feel of the song, always enticing the listener to sing along.

Pressure Drop - Toots and the Maytals

Part of the 1970 album Monkey Man, this track was originally recorded in 1969, and featured in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’, which was instrumental in exposing the world to reggae music. The song was actually written about revenge, using ‘pressure drop’ as a metaphor to reference to a barometer, that indicates bad weather by a drop in atmospheric pressure, which basically carries the message that a ‘storm is coming for you’. The rapid, nearly scat-like vocals provide great energy to the song, as well as percussive rhythmic guitar which carries a foot-tapping mood throughout.

Listen to all the featured songs using the playlist on our Apple Music page!