Hey guys! Ready to dive into the vibrant world of 80s reggae? This era was a golden age for the genre, producing timeless tracks that still get us grooving today. We've compiled the ultimate playlist of the top 100 reggae songs from the 1980s. Get ready to discover (or rediscover) some absolute gems!

What Made 80s Reggae So Special?

The 80s reggae scene was an explosion of creativity and innovation. Following in the footsteps of legends like Bob Marley, a new generation of artists emerged, bringing fresh sounds and perspectives to the genre. This decade saw the rise of dancehall, a faster, more rhythmically driven subgenre, alongside the continuation of roots reggae, which focused on social and political themes. The fusion of these styles created a unique and dynamic musical landscape. It's this blend of conscious lyrics, infectious rhythms, and groundbreaking production techniques that makes the 80s such a beloved era for reggae fans.

The Rise of Dancehall

One of the defining characteristics of 80s reggae was the emergence of dancehall. This subgenre injected a new energy into reggae with its faster tempos, digital production, and DJs (also known as deejays) toasting (rapping) over the riddims. Artists like Yellowman, Eek-A-Mouse, and Sister Nancy became synonymous with dancehall, pushing the boundaries of what reggae could be. Their music was raw, energetic, and undeniably infectious, paving the way for future generations of dancehall artists. The influence of dancehall can still be heard in contemporary music today, a testament to its lasting impact.

Roots Reggae's Enduring Message

While dancehall was taking the world by storm, roots reggae remained a powerful force. Artists like Burning Spear, Culture, and Israel Vibration continued to create music with a strong social and political message. Their songs addressed issues of inequality, oppression, and the struggle for liberation, resonating with audiences around the world. Roots reggae in the 80s served as a reminder of the genre's origins and its commitment to speaking truth to power. These artists ensured that reggae remained a voice for the voiceless.

Top 100 80s Reggae Playlist

Alright, let's get to the music! This playlist is a journey through the best of 80s reggae, featuring a mix of iconic hits and hidden treasures. Whether you're a longtime reggae fan or just discovering the genre, there's something here for everyone. Get ready to skank!

(Note: Due to the dynamic nature of music streaming platforms and copyright, providing an exact embeddable playlist isn't feasible. However, I can list out artists and song examples from the 80s that are a must listen. You can easily search for these tracks on your preferred music service!)

Iconic Artists and Must-Hear Tracks

• Bob Marley & The Wailers (Post-Bob Era): Even after Bob Marley's passing in 1981, The Wailers continued to release music, keeping his spirit alive. While not strictly Bob Marley solo material, these releases carried the torch of his legacy. Songs such as “Iron Lion Zion” (although recorded earlier, it gained significant popularity in the 80s) should be on your playlist.
• Black Uhuru: This group defined the sound of 80s roots reggae with their heavy basslines, complex harmonies, and politically charged lyrics. Essential tracks include "Solidarity," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and "Sinsemilla." Black Uhuru's music is a potent combination of conscious messaging and infectious rhythms.
• Burning Spear: Winston Rodney, aka Burning Spear, remained a vital voice in roots reggae throughout the 80s. His powerful vocals and unwavering commitment to Rastafarian principles made him a true icon. Check out albums like Hail HIM and Resistance for classic tracks like "Marcus Garvey," "Fittest of the Fittest," and "Badness."
• Culture: Led by the legendary Joseph Hill, Culture produced some of the most enduring roots reggae anthems of the decade. Their harmonies were impeccable, and their lyrics tackled important social issues. Key tracks include "Two Sevens Clash," "International Herb," and "See Them a Come."
• Yellowman: The king of dancehall, Yellowman, brought humor and charisma to the genre. His rapid-fire delivery and playful lyrics made him a sensation. His hits include "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng," "Mr. Chin," and "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt." Yellowman's music is guaranteed to get you moving.
• Eek-A-Mouse: Known for his unique vocal style and quirky lyrics, Eek-A-Mouse was a major force in the dancehall scene. His signature "biddy beng beng" sound became instantly recognizable. Don't miss tracks like "Wa-Do-Dem," "Ganja Smuggling," and "Anarexol."
• Sister Nancy: A true pioneer for women in reggae, Sister Nancy's "Bam Bam" is an absolute classic. Her powerful voice and confident delivery paved the way for future generations of female artists. "Bam Bam" remains one of the most sampled and remixed reggae tracks of all time.
• Toots and the Maytals: While they had already made a name for themselves in the previous decades, Toots and the Maytals continued to release great music in the 80s. Their energetic performances and soulful vocals made them a fan favorite. Tracks like "Pressure Drop" and "Funky Kingston" are essential listening.
• Third World: Known for their fusion of reggae with other genres like funk and soul, Third World created a unique and sophisticated sound. Their hits include "Now That We Found Love," "Try Jah Love," and "96 Degrees in the Shade." Third World's music appealed to a broad audience, helping to popularize reggae worldwide.
• Jimmy Cliff: A reggae icon since the 60s, Jimmy Cliff continued to release compelling music in the 80s. His powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics remained as relevant as ever. Check out tracks like "Reggae Night," "Treat the Youths Right," and "Give Thankx."

Deeper Cuts and Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-known hits, the 80s reggae scene was full of lesser-known artists and tracks that are just as worthy of your attention. Exploring these deeper cuts can reveal some real gems. Here are a few suggestions:

• Israel Vibration: This group, formed by three men who had all contracted polio in their youth, created powerful and uplifting music. Their harmonies were haunting, and their lyrics spoke of resilience and hope. Check out tracks like "Same Song," "Cool and Calm," and "Why Worry."
• The Gladiators: One of the most underrated reggae bands of all time, The Gladiators produced consistently high-quality music throughout the 80s. Their harmonies were tight, and their songwriting was top-notch. Don't miss tracks like "Roots Radics," "Mr. Baldwin," and "Serious Thing."
• Wailing Souls: Known for their distinctive vocal style and conscious lyrics, the Wailing Souls were a mainstay of the reggae scene for decades. Their 80s output includes classic tracks like "Fire Coal Man," "Things and Time," and "Jah Give Us Life."
• Michigan & Smiley: This dynamic duo brought a unique blend of singing and toasting to the dancehall scene. Their hits include "Rub a Dub Style," "Nice Up the Dance," and "Diseases."
• Linton Kwesi Johnson: A pioneer of dub poetry, Linton Kwesi Johnson's work combined reggae rhythms with spoken word to create powerful social commentary. His albums Bass Culture and Forces of Victory are essential listening.

Why This Music Still Matters

The reggae music of the 80s continues to resonate today for many reasons. Its infectious rhythms and positive vibes are timeless, but more than that, the social and political messages within many of these songs remain relevant. The themes of equality, justice, and resistance to oppression are universal and continue to inspire people around the world. Moreover, the innovation and creativity of 80s reggae artists helped to shape the sound of modern music, influencing countless genres and artists.

Creating Your Perfect Playlist

So, how do you create your perfect 80s reggae playlist? Start with the iconic artists and must-hear tracks listed above. Then, explore the deeper cuts and hidden gems to discover new favorites. Don't be afraid to dive into different subgenres, from roots reggae to dancehall, to find what resonates with you. Most importantly, listen with an open mind and let the music take you on a journey.

Remember to check out music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music to find these tracks and create your own personalized playlist. Enjoy the vibes, and spread the love of 80s reggae!

Conclusion

The 80s reggae was a truly special era, filled with incredible music and groundbreaking artists. This playlist is just a starting point for exploring the vast and diverse world of 80s reggae. So, put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready to experience the magic of this timeless music. One love!