Reggae music has a profound legacy, and The Wailers are a cornerstone of this genre. If you love their soulful rhythms and meaningful lyrics, youโll enjoy these 16 bands and artists that carry the torch of reggae music. Explore more about The Wailers here.
1. Burning Spear
Burning Spear, led by Winston Rodney, is known for its roots reggae style. Popular songs include โMarcus Garveyโ and โSlavery Days,โ and the album Marcus Garvey is widely celebrated.
2. Toots and the Maytals
Toots and the Maytals are pioneers of ska and rocksteady as well as reggae. Their hits like โPressure Dropโ and โ54-46 Thatโs My Numberโ are timeless, and the album Funky Kingston is a must-listen.
3. Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh, a former member of The Wailers, had a successful solo career. His songs โLegalize Itโ and โEqual Rightsโ are iconic, and the album Legalize It is a classic.
4. Steel Pulse
Steel Pulse is a British reggae band known for their political lyrics and energetic performances. Popular tracks include โYour Houseโ and โSteppinโ Out,โ with the album True Democracy being a standout.
5. Black Uhuru
Black Uhuru is a Grammy-winning reggae group. Their songs โGuess Whoโs Coming to Dinnerโ and โSinsemillaโ are fan favorites, and the album Red is critically acclaimed.
6. Alpha Blondy
Alpha Blondy is an Ivorian reggae singer who sings in multiple languages. Notable songs include โCocody Rockโ and โJerusalem,โ with the album Jerusalem being particularly popular.
7. Gregory Isaacs
Gregory Isaacs, known as the โCool Ruler,โ is famous for his smooth voice. Hits like โNight Nurseโ and โRumoursโ are beloved, and the album Night Nurse is essential listening.
8. Culture
Culture, led by Joseph Hill, is known for their conscious lyrics. Songs like โTwo Sevens Clashโ and โJah Jah See Dem A Comeโ are highlights, with the album Two Sevens Clash being a reggae staple.
9. Third World
Third World blends reggae with soul and funk. Their hits โNow That We Found Loveโ and โ96 Degrees in the Shadeโ are classics, and the album 96ยฐ in the Shade is highly recommended.
10. Jimmy Cliff
Jimmy Cliff is a reggae legend known for his uplifting songs. Tracks like โThe Harder They Comeโ and โMany Rivers to Crossโ are iconic, and the soundtrack album The Harder They Come is legendary.
11. The Abyssinians
The Abyssinians are known for their harmonious vocals and spiritual themes. Popular songs include โSatta Massaganaโ and โDeclaration of Rights,โ with the album Satta Massagana being a cornerstone of roots reggae.
12. Dennis Brown
Dennis Brown, often called the โCrown Prince of Reggae,โ has a vast catalog of hits. Songs like โMoney in My Pocketโ and โRevolutionโ are well-loved, and the album Visions is a classic.
13. Israel Vibration
Israel Vibration is a roots reggae group known for their positive messages. Tracks like โThe Same Songโ and โRudeboy Shufflin'โ are popular, with the album The Same Song being highly regarded.
14. Burning Spear
Burning Spear, led by Winston Rodney, is known for its roots reggae style. Popular songs include โMarcus Garveyโ and โSlavery Days,โ and the album Marcus Garvey is widely celebrated.
15. Lucky Dube
Lucky Dube was a South African reggae musician who sang about social issues. His songs โPrisonerโ and โDifferent Colours/One Peopleโ are memorable, with the album Prisoner being particularly influential.
16. The Gladiators
The Gladiators are a roots reggae band known for their tight harmonies and powerful lyrics. Songs like โHello Carolโ and โStick a Bushโ are fan favorites, with the album Trenchtown Mix Up being a standout.