Reggae is a cult classic of Jamaica's culture and history. Reggae developed stylistically out of Ska and rocksteady in the 1960's. Reggae holds elements from both rocksteady and ska, but is faster and more complex than both genres.The style was similar to that of DuWop with upbeat tempos.
Amongst artists like Johnny Nash and Desmond Dekker, a prime example of this era of music was Bob Marley. In particular, in his early career he was the front man for the group Bob Marley and the Wailers which was a Ska group. Some of his most popular songs include "Simmer Down" and "Do You Still Love Me."
TheCelebrityCafe.com is doing the countdown of the top ten reggae songs from Bob Marley to Hopeton Lewis to prove that Reggae not only has great rhythm, but tells a wise story. Did your favorite song not make our list? Tell us about it down in the comments!
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10.Hopeton Lewis’ “Take it Easy”
This feel good song talks about living carefree with no worries. Just living your life with purpose and drive is the best remedy for a prosperous one.
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9. Beres Hammond’s “No Good”
This cool and collected song deals with the ups and downs of love and not willing to give up on the love that is slipping through his fingers.
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8.John Holt’s “Stick By Me”
"Stick by Me" has a relaxed and casual vibe that talks about dedication, and that a cherished bond could never be broken no matter what people say.
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7.Alton Ellis’ “What Does It Take”
This a cutesy song that talks about someone asking and trying their hardest to win over someone’s love no matter what it takes.
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6.Desmond Dekker’s “Get Up Edina”
This is a classic Ska rhythm that’s fast paced with bass and trumpet. It tells the tale about watching a girl’s coming of age.
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5.Jimmy Cliff’s “Jim Crow”
The song was developed for the Marked For Death soundtrack for the 1990 film. "Jim Crow" speaks about injustice.
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4. Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now”
This song is all about positivity and seeing the marvels of life.
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3. Eric Donaldson’s “Land Of My Birth”
Donaldson sings about having pride in his home country Jamaica and not wanting to leave his home behind.
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2.Barrington Levy’s “Too Experienced”
Levy talks about being too mature to fall for anything that seems childish and too good to be true.
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1. Bob Marley’s “One Love”
The number one greatest hit of all time “One Love” is about uniting to enjoy the beauty of life and good vibes as well as being the quintessential song for all of the Caribbean resort commercials.