Reggae music has a profound legacy, and The Wailers are a cornerstone of this genre. If you love their soulful rhythms and meaningful lyrics, you’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 “Marcus Garvey” and “Slavery Days,” 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 “Pressure Drop” and “54-46 That’s My Number” 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 “Legalize It” and “Equal Rights” 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 “Your House” and “Steppin’ Out,” with the album True Democracy being a standout.
5. Black Uhuru
Black Uhuru is a Grammy-winning reggae group. Their songs “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “Sinsemilla” 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 “Cocody Rock” and “Jerusalem,” with the album Jerusalem being particularly popular.
7. Gregory Isaacs
Gregory Isaacs, known as the “Cool Ruler,” is famous for his smooth voice. Hits like “Night Nurse” and “Rumours” 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 “Two Sevens Clash” and “Jah Jah See Dem A Come” 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 “Now That We Found Love” and “96 Degrees in the Shade” are classics, and the album 96° in the Shade is highly recommended.
10. Jimmy Cliff
Jimmy Cliff is a reggae legend known for his uplifting songs. Tracks like “The Harder They Come” and “Many Rivers to Cross” 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 “Satta Massagana” and “Declaration of Rights,” with the album Satta Massagana being a cornerstone of roots reggae.
12. Dennis Brown
Dennis Brown, often called the “Crown Prince of Reggae,” has a vast catalog of hits. Songs like “Money in My Pocket” and “Revolution” 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 “The Same Song” and “Rudeboy Shufflin'” 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 “Marcus Garvey” and “Slavery Days,” 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 “Prisoner” and “Different Colours/One People” 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 “Hello Carol” and “Stick a Bush” are fan favorites, with the album Trenchtown Mix Up being a standout.
