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16 Bands Like The Wailers You Need to Hear

Reggae music has a profound legacy, and The Wailers are a cornerstone of this genre. If you love their soulful rhythms and meaningful lyrics, youโ€™ll 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 โ€œMarcus Garveyโ€ and โ€œSlavery 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 โ€œPressure Dropโ€ and โ€œ54-46 Thatโ€™s 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 โ€œLegalize Itโ€ and โ€œEqual 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 โ€œYour Houseโ€ and โ€œSteppinโ€™ Out,โ€ with the album True Democracy being a standout.

5. Black Uhuru

Black Uhuru is a Grammy-winning reggae group. Their songs โ€œGuess Whoโ€™s Coming to Dinnerโ€ and โ€œSinsemillaโ€ 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 โ€œCocody Rockโ€ and โ€œJerusalem,โ€ with the album Jerusalem being particularly popular.

7. Gregory Isaacs

Gregory Isaacs, known as the โ€œCool Ruler,โ€ is famous for his smooth voice. Hits like โ€œNight Nurseโ€ and โ€œRumoursโ€ 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 โ€œTwo Sevens Clashโ€ and โ€œJah 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 โ€œNow That We Found Loveโ€ and โ€œ96 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 โ€œThe Harder They Comeโ€ and โ€œMany 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 โ€œSatta Massaganaโ€ and โ€œDeclaration of Rights,โ€ with the album Satta Massagana being a cornerstone of roots reggae.

12. Dennis Brown

Dennis Brown, often called the โ€œCrown Prince of Reggae,โ€ has a vast catalog of hits. Songs like โ€œMoney in My Pocketโ€ and โ€œRevolutionโ€ 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 โ€œThe Same Songโ€ and โ€œRudeboy 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 โ€œMarcus Garveyโ€ and โ€œSlavery 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 โ€œPrisonerโ€ and โ€œDifferent 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 โ€œHello Carolโ€ and โ€œStick a Bushโ€ are fan favorites, with the album Trenchtown Mix Up being a standout.