Popular Reggae: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]

Rivers of BabylonThe Melodians8rank/position

The Melodians – “Rivers Of Babylon” (Official Audio)

This is a song released in 1970 by The Melodians, the legendary Jamaican vocal trio.

Its lyrics, based on the Old Testament Psalms, vividly portray the sorrow of people driven from their homeland and their earnest prayers for liberation.

The soulful message blends perfectly with the gentle rhythm characteristic of rocksteady.

Layered on top is a sweet, wistful, yet powerful three-part harmony.

The vocals seem to seep deep into the listener’s heart like a ray of light.

Featured in films and widely beloved through global cover hits, it’s an enduring gospel-reggae classic!

Murder She WroteChaka Demus & Pliers9rank/position

Murder She Wrote – Chaka Demus and Pliers

Released in 1992 by the Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, “Murder She Wrote” is an iconic reggae track.

The song seamlessly blends lively dancehall rhythms with a distinctive pop sensibility, showcasing the breadth of their musical style.

The lyrics focus on a woman named Maxine, whose moral issues contrast with her outward attractiveness, depicting her behavior through metaphor.

It’s especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the feel of a classic reggae beat.

MedicineAlkaline10rank/position

Alkaline – Medicine (Official Music Video)

Alkaline, an artist who enjoyed immense popularity in the dancehall scene of the 2010s.

For a time he distanced himself from Jamaica, which gave him a somewhat negative image, but he’s now once again making the Jamaican reggae scene his main arena and is popular among young people.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Medicine.

It leans heavily into hip-hop, so it’s a good pick for those who aren’t into hard, full-on dancehall.

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Baby I Love Your WayBig Mountain11rank/position

Big Mountain – Baby I Love Your Way(1994)

An American reggae band.

Due to their pop, approachable musical style, they’re often called the American UB40.

This song is a cover of Peter Frampton’s track, and it became a worldwide hit after being featured on the soundtrack of the film Reality Bites starring Winona Ryder.

Eyes on Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)Blue Foundation12rank/position

Blue Foundation – Eyes On Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)

A track by Blue Foundation, an electronic music group formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000.

It was released as a single in 2009.

This version is a remix by Zeds Dead, a Canadian electronic music duo.

Wanna Be LovedBuju Banton13rank/position

Buju Banton – Wanna Be Loved (Official Music Video)

Buju Banton is an artist from Jamaica.

His song “Wanna Be Loved” is included on the 1995 album ’Til Shiloh.

This track is emblematic of Banton’s musical career and played a key role in his shift toward roots rock reggae.

The lyrics convey an urgent message about seeking true love that goes beyond superficial relationships, resonating strongly with listeners.

It’s especially recommended for those who long for deep love and value relationships built on genuine mutual support.

Sweet ShopDoctor P14rank/position

Doctor P – Sweet Shop

A track by Shaun Brockhurst, a UK dubstep producer and DJ known as Doctor P.

It was released in 2010.

Alongside his tracks Tetris, Big Boss, and Watch Out, it has amassed a large number of plays on YouTube.