Now That’s What I Call Music: The Best Reggae Songs
Now That’s What I Call Music: The Best Reggae Songs is a compilation of some of the greatest reggae hits of all time. This playlist is sure to get you moving and grooving all night long!
What is Reggae?
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae was first used to describe a style of music developed by Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician Bob Marley. It is important to note that reggae is not just a type of music, but a way of life.
Origins of Reggae
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae is derived from the word “rege-rege,” which means “rags” or “strewn with rags.” Although there are many different types of reggae, it is generally characterized by a laid-back, relaxed feeling, and a heavy focus on rhythm and beats.
Reggae began as a musical offshoot of ska and rocksteady, both of which were popular in Jamaica in the 1960s. Ska is a music genre that combines elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and R&B. Rocksteady is a slower, more relaxed form of ska that became popular in the late 1960s.
One of the most iconic figures in reggae history is Bob Marley, who helped bring the genre to international prominence in the 1970s. Marley was a member of the band The Wailers, which also included Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. The Wailers were one of the first Jamaican groups to find success outside of their home country, thanks in part to Marley’s unique songwriting style and magnetic stage presence.
Other important reggae artists include Lee “Scratch” Perry, Burning Spear, Toots & The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, and Desmond Dekker. Reggae has also had a significant impact on other music genres, including hip hop, punk rock, and electronic dance music (EDM).
Characteristics of Reggae
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae,” effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of popular Jamaican dance music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that was strongly influenced by traditional mento as well as American jazz and rhythm and blues, especially the New Orleans R&B practiced by Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint.Reggae relates news, social gossip, and political comment to an international audience of all races in code.
The Best Reggae Songs
Reggae is a style of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae is derived from the word “raggedy”, which was used to describe the way the musicians played their instruments. Reggae is a slowed down version of ska, which is another style of music that originated in Jamaica. Reggae is typically characterized by a 4/4 time signature, offbeat rhythms, and a focus on the “riddim”, which is the Jamaican word for rhythm.
“No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley
One of the best-known reggae songs of all time, “No Woman, No Cry” is a ballad about hardship and resilience, with a memorable chorus that has been covered by everyone from Tracy Chapman to UB40. The song was first recorded in 1974, but it was the live version from the album “Live!” that made it a global hit.
“One Love” by Bob Marley
“One Love” by Bob Marley is one of the most well-known and beloved reggae songs of all time. The song was released in 1977 as a single from his album “Exodus” and quickly became a global hit. The lyrics espouse the importance of unity and love, and the song has been covered by many artists over the years.
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
“Three Little Birds” is a song by Bob Marley and The Wailers. It is the fourth track on side two of their 1977 album Exodus and was released as a single in 1980. The song reached the Top 20 in the UK, peaking at number 17. It is one of the best-known songs by Bob Marley and is included on many of his greatest hits compilations.
“Buffalo Soldier” by Bob Marley
“Buffalo Soldier” is a reggae song written by Bob Marley and Noel “King Sporty” Williams. The song is about the Black troops who were sent to the western frontier in the late 19th century to help control the Native American population.
The term “Buffalo Soldier” was actually coined by the Native Americans, who used it as a respectful nickname for the black troops. The soldiers themselves were not always thrilled with the nickname, as it was seen as a reminder of their second-class status in the Army.
Despite its humble origins, “Buffalo Soldier” has gone on to become one of Bob Marley’s most popular and enduring songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including reggae legend Burning Spear and rockers like Natalie Merchant and Neil Young.
“Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley
“Get Up, Stand Up” is a song written by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. It was first recorded by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1973 and released on the album Burnin’. The song is considered one of Marley’s signature songs, and has been covered by many artists.
The lyrics of “Get Up, Stand Up” are a call to action, encouraging the listener to stand up for their rights and fight against oppression. The song is also an homage to Jamaican independence, with Marley proclaiming that “Jamaica must be free!”
Since its release, “Get Up, Stand Up” has become an anthem for social justice and human rights movements around the world. It has been performed at political rallies and protests, including the March on Washington in 1963 and Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert in 1988.
“I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley
In 1973, Bob Marley and The Wailers released the album “I Shot the Sheriff”, which featured the iconic song of the same name. The song is a reggae classic, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
“Stir It Up” by Bob Marley
“Stir It Up” is a song composed by Bob Marley and released in 1967 by The Wailers. The song was written by Marley while he was in Delaware, United States. It first appeared on The Wailers’ album Soul Rebels, which was released in Jamaica in March 1970.
The song became one of The Wailers’ most popular songs and has been covered by many artists, including Patti LaBelle, Johnny Nash, Burning Spear, and Eric Clapton. In 2017, the Marley estate sued over the use of a sample from the song in another composition.
“Jamming” by Bob Marley
“Jamming” is a song by Bob Marley from the album Exodus. The song was released as a single in 1977. The song is about unity and togetherness. The lyrics are as follows:
One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
So hit me with music, hit me with music, hit me with music now.
One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right.
I’m pleadin’, I’m pleadin’, I’m pleadin’ now.
Let’s get together and feel all right.
As it was in the beginning (one love), so shall it be in the end (one heart), Amen.
Repeat
“Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley
“Waiting in Vain” is a song by Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley from his 1977 album Exodus. The song was written about Marley’s girlfriend, Cindy Breakspeare, who was crowned Miss World 1976. “Waiting in Vain” has been covered by several artists, including Annie Lennox, Eric Clapton, and Sigur Rós.
The song is built around a central motif of unrequited love, with the singer waiting patiently for his love interest to return his affections. The lyrics are initially optimistic, with Marley begging his lover to “open up your heart/let me come inside,” but become increasingly despairing as the song goes on. In the final verse, Marley resigns himself to waiting forever, declaring “I’ll wait in vain/I’ll wait for you/till I die.”
Musically, “Waiting in Vain” is built around a simple guitar riff that recurs throughout the song. The verses are relatively sparse, featuring only Marley’s vocals and guitar, while the choruses feature interjections from the Wailers horns section. The song ends with a repeat of the opening verse melody, played this time on piano.
“Waiting in Vain” has been widely praised by critics and is considered one of Marley’s best songs. In 1999, it was voted #38 in Sounds magazine’s 100 Greatest Reggae Songs list. It was also ranked at number 75 on NME’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list in 2014.
“Redemption Song” by Bob Marley
One of the most iconic and well-known reggae songs, “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley is a must-have on any reggae playlist. The song is a powerful and emotional ballad, with Marley’s soulful vocals accompanied by only an acoustic guitar. The lyrics are empowering and inspirational, with Marley singing about the struggles of oppressed people and the hope for a better future. “Redemption Song” is a classic reggae song that will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated.
