Recommended reggae

Masterpieces, fan favorites, and new 21st-century staples for reggae beginners

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Reggae, the laid-back music born in Jamaica.

Its comfortable rhythms and liberating melodies are loved around the world and are now actively incorporated into pop and other genres.

In this article, we’ve carefully selected classic and popular reggae tracks, including new 21st-century standards!

We’ve chosen a wide range of songs, from dancehall reggae and dub to raggamuffin, rocksteady, and even lovers rock.

We’ve also included many tracks by artists considered classics and legends, so if you’re new to reggae, start by listening to the songs introduced here!

Masterpieces, Popular Tracks, and New 21st-Century Standards for Reggae Beginners (111–120)

Thank YouW.A.S.P.

WASP – THANK YOU

Thank YouW.A.S.P.

Wasp, who won a contest in high school and dreamed of a career in the music industry.

A talented singer-songwriter and a DJ who weaves in fresh, creative ideas.

The medium-tempo, flowing melodies are easy on the ears yet tinged with melancholy.

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You Know (I Love You)Ho’okoa

Ho’okoa – You Know (I Love You)

You Know (I Love You)Ho'okoa

They’re an island reggae group from Tonga.

With sweet vocals, love songs, and melodies that make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the tropics, you’re sure to be captivated once you listen.

Their album delivers a romantic vibe all the way through—every track is a hit, not just this song.

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Local MotionPepper

Pepper – Brand New Day [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Local MotionPepper

Pepper’s eighth full-length studio album, released by LAW Records.

The song “Local Motion,” which became the album’s title track, carries many important meanings.

Originally, it was a song dedicated to their hometown.

As an homage to a Hawaiian vibe, they built the album’s concept from creative collaborations rooted in the spirit of ‘ohana and in brotherhood and sisterhood.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a comprehensive selection of timeless reggae classics that continue to be loved across generations, including new 21st-century staples.

Since we focused on songs regarded as standards and legends, if you want to discover iconic reggae tracks from abroad, we recommend starting with the numbers featured here.

If you find an artist you like or a song with a vibe that catches your interest, let that track be your springboard to explore and uncover even more favorites!