The Best Reggae Music of the 1970s

The 1970s was a great decade for reggae music. Here are some of the best reggae songs of the 1970s.

Reggae’s Rise to Popularity

Reggae music first became popular in the 1970s, and it has continued to be popular ever since. The 1970s was a decade of political turmoil and social change, and reggae music reflected the times. It was a decade of both optimism and violence, and reggae music reflected both the positive and negative aspects of the decade.

The influence of Jamaican culture

Reggae’s popularity began to grow in the early 1970s, with the rise of several Jamaican artists who would go on to have an international impact. These artists include Bob Marley, who is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Reggae, as well as other artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer.

The appeal of Reggae music lay in its unique sound, which was a fusion of various elements of Jamaican music, including Ska, Rocksteady, and African rhythms. This sound was unlike anything that had been heard before, and it quickly gained a following among Jamaican youths.

The lyrics of Reggae songs often dealt with social and political issues, which resonated with many people in Jamaica. The positive message of the music also helped to make it popular among people of all ages.

The 1970s was a decade of great change for Jamaica, both politically and socially. The country achieved independence from Britain in 1962, and this new-found freedom led to a period of rapid economic growth. However, by the early 1970s, the Jamaican economy was in decline, and this led to increased social unrest.

The situation was further complicated by the fact that Jamaica was now being ruled by a succession of corrupt governments. This corruption led to widespread poverty and violence, and many young people turned to crime in order to survive.

It was against this backdrop that Reggae music emerged as a powerful force for change. The positive message of the music helped to inspire a generation of Jamaicans to stand up for their rights and fight against injustice. The popularity of Reggae also helped to spread its message to the rest of the world, and the music continues to be an important source of inspiration for people all over the globe.

The spread of reggae music

In the late 1960s, reggae music started to achieve a wider audience thanks to the international success of artists like Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. The genre took off in particular in Britain, where it became very popular with both white and black audiences. By the early 1970s, reggae was being played on mainstream radio stations and was starting to chart in the US as well.

Reggae’s popularity continued to grow throughout the 1970s, with many more artists finding success both at home and abroad. The infectious sound of reggae music caught on with people all over the world, and it continues to be one of the most popular genres of music today.

The Best Reggae Albums of the 1970s

“Catch a Fire” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

“Catch a Fire” by Bob Marley and the Wailers was released in 1973 and is often considered one of the best reggae albums of the decade. The album was a commercial success, reaching number eight on the UK Albums chart. It was also well-received by critics, with many praising Marley’s songwriting and performance.

“Exodus” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

Exodus is the ninth studio album by Jamaican reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers, first released on June 3, 1977. Exodus was a critical and commercial success, spending twenty-two weeks on the British album charts, peaking at number nine, and seventeen weeks on the United States Billboard 200, peaking number five. It included four UK hit singles: “Exodus”, “Waiting in Vain”, “Jamming”, and “One Love”.

“Kaya” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

Kaya is the second studio album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, released in 1978. The album was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number seven on the UK Albums Chart and number 39 on the US Billboard 200. Kaya was recorded following Marley’s recovery from an assassination attempt in 1976, and includes his reflections on poverty, injustice, and repatriation. The album includes several of Marley’s best-known songs, including “Is This Love”, “Sun Is Shining”, and “Satisfy My Soul”.

The Legacy of 1970s Reggae Music

1970s Reggae music was a huge influence on both Jamaican and international culture. The music was a fusion of Jamaican folk music, ska, and rocksteady. Reggae music became popular all over the world, and the genre is still popular today. Let’s take a look at some of the best reggae music of the 1970s.

The influence of reggae on other genres

In the 1970s, reggae music became increasingly popular and began to exert a notable influence on other genres, particularly in Britain. The distinctive sound of Jamaican reggae was introduced to new audiences by artists such as Bob Marley, who became an international star, and his band the Wailers. Other significant reggae artists of the 1970s included Burning Spear, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Black Uhuru. The popularity of reggae music continued to grow in the 1980s and 1990s, with artists such as Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and Shabba Ranks achieving success both in Jamaica and internationally.

The enduring popularity of 1970s reggae

The 1970s was a golden era for reggae music, with many of the genre’s classic tracks being recorded during this decade. The popularity of reggae music has endured long after the 1970s, with many of the decade’s biggest hits still enjoying regular airplay on radio stations around the world.

Despite the passage of time, the appeal of 1970s reggae music remains strong. The genre’s distinctive sound and positive message continue to resonate with listeners, while the stories told in its lyrics often feel as relevant today as they did when they were first written.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of reggae music or you’re just discovering its treasures for the first time, there’s no better time than now to celebrate the best reggae music of the 1970s.