Roots Reggae

Jamaican music came into its prime in the '70s, the music sounding deeper than ever, its familiar pulsing rhythm developing new layers of intensity. And the lyrics focused more and more on issues of consciousness, politics, and spirituality…the needs of everyday people. This period marked the start of true roots reggae, and these songs are the era's masterpieces.

From the small island of Jamaica, reggae music has spread across the globe. These songs represent the true soul of the music from its source. From the passion of Bob Marley to the anger of dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson to the plaintive plea of Hugh Mundell, the roots of reggae continue here.

For these deep cuts, we've selected the artists you should know, but may not, plunging deep into the roots reggae catalog to expose these essential performers and their best songs.

At the dawn of the '70s, Jamaican music took a turn to the conscious. The familiar syncopated beat slowed down and developed a new intensity, filled with plunking bass lines and deep nyahbingi drumming. Meanwhile, songs increasingly focused on the suffering of ghetto dwellers. This was roots reggae: the rhythm of a heartbeat, a cry for freedom, a reflection of the hope and pain and heart of Jamaica. And these are roots reggae's most important songs.