Reggae Music Introduction

Reggae music has been around since the 60′s when it developed out of Rocksteady and recorded by artists such as John Holt and Toots and The Maytals. Back in those days it really was only poular in Jamaica. Nowdays the music has a massive following the world over mainly thanks to Bob Marley who brought the music into the mainstream and made reggae more acceptable to the average listener. More recently we have artists such as Shaggy, Ini Kamoze and Maxi Priest who have all had chart hits.

Reggae music has really struck a chord and has evolved into diverse grooves, rhythms and fusions. Numerous countries have already got their own particular variations of the genre, highlighting the nation’s tradition and way of life. Africa has additionally emerged to be one of the top countries that feature this music genre, together with Spain, Italy and other countries in Europe. These songs have undoubtedly made reggae music among the top genres in the music business.

Reggae features a distinct rhythm and groove that’s highly regarded as being offbeat and different. It goes without saying, Jamaica almost certainly has got the most number of performers given it really gave rise to popular reggae. This music has
introduced the way of life and songs of Jamaica to various areas of the globe, which has led to the increase of artists.

Reggae music has many detailed sub genres that each appear recognizable but symbolize variations and places in Jamaica.  The principal style of reggae that you will
find played on the popular radio stations is Dancehall which was brought to Jamaica in the seventies and eighties, in fact it is closely linked to hip hop tunes.

Roots Reggae Music

You cannot find any text book meaning of roots reggae however the phrase is now to describe “conscious” or Rastafarian reggae taped between the mid-70s and the early eighties.  As well as a particular lyrical subject material it is additionally a specific sound, There have been existing records of Rastafari in Jamaican music ever since the mento times. However it was only during the early seventies with acts such as the Wailers, Burning Spear and Big Youth that roots was a power to be reckoned with, and by 1975 virtually every Jamaican artist of note was singing the praises of Jah as well as the disapproval of Babylon.

Winston Holness also known as Niney was among the forerunners of roots reggae, in his 1970 with his release of Blood and Fire. Vivian Jackson whose stage name is ‘Yabby you’ had also been a pioneer, his release of Conquering Lion in 1972 ended up setting the theme of countless songs to follow. The 1972 film The Harder They Come starring Jimmy Cliff created significant curiosity and recognition for reggae in the USA, and Eric Clapton ‘s 1974 cover of the Bob Marley song ” I Shot the Sheriff”served to bring reggae into the mainstream.

Whilst the term now includes anything from the high energy grooves of ska as well as the odd sounds of dub to the intense beats of dancehall, at its center reggae music is focused on the one-drop rhythm. Reggae is definitely the sound track that unites the story and challenge of the Rasta people, as well as all Jamaicans, to music.

Dancehall Music

Dancehall reggae, as suggested by its name, is really a musical style that motivates dancing.  The high energy beats and pulsating rhythms should get those feet going
and your hips moving. Dancehall has generated a completely new way of life that can be experienced in the inner towns of Jamaica, its homeland.

In Japan, dancehall reggae is a significant sub-culture. The nation boasts in excess of 300 soundsystems greater than the amount in Jamaica itself and the scene’s participants are dedicated to executing dancehall exactly how it’s carried out in Jamaica, right down to the smallest detail.

Although it is not yet preferred in North America, Lovers Rock is quite well accepted in Europe; particularly Great Britain. Reggae performers have recorded love songs since the beginning of the genre. Having said that, the phrase “Lovers Rock” basically represents a British recording trend, whereby US  R&B song writing methods were utilized in relationship with the roots reggae “one-drop” rhythm throughout the mid-seventies to create radio-friendly reggae hits. It was seen in part as a substitute for political reggae. A fourteen-year-old girl named Louisa Marks is acknowledged as having the first “Lovers Rock” record to be listed on a UK singles chart in 1975 with a track called “Caught You In A Lie.” Right after the success of this song, many Jamaican singers started to incorporate Lovers Rock songs on their albums. The artists include Dennis Brown, Frankie Paul, Freddie McGregor, Audrey Hall amongst numerous others.

I started this site to spread the word about reggae music and culture to bring you the best of reggae music and songs that are popular or new along with some classics. This site covers all sub-genres of reggae from Dancehall to Lovers Rock and Roots. I will try to provide where possible an artists biography when the information is available.

You will also find here the latest listing of reggae festivals, shows, latest releases, and music video, along with any new upcoming reggae artist. I will as much as I can only to post songs that you can listen to because you are the best judge of what you consider to be the best reggae music, there is no point in listing something you can’t hear.

Reggae Music for Publicity

Of special interest to me are new reggae artists and bands so if you are new to the scene and would like a mention to gain some publicity, please contact me using the contact form on this site. All in all I aim to make this website a complete resource for everyone who loves reggae music like I do.

So check back often and please feel free to contact me if there is anything you would like to see here, perhaps you know of a new song or artist, or maybe you would like to submit a post as a guest author. Your suggestions are welcome here at the Reggae Music Blog

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