I know most of my writing has to do with music but get over it. Music is amazing and it speaks to the soul. So anyways, this week's musical premise has to do with Reggae. I am a huge supporter of Reggae as a music form as well as the laid-back lifestyle associated with the music itself. So, this week I am counting down my top 10 favorite Reggae artists along with some songs for you to go look up.
10. Shaggy
Everyone clearly knows that any Karaoke session must include "It wasn't me". Such a great groove and a fun song to get people going with a more upbeat reggae style. He also has other great songs like "Angel" and "Boombastic" that both get crowds going and are perfect for anyone looking for a slightly more upbeat reggae artist. (If you can understand him
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9. The Expendables
This is a great group of guys that I have had the pleasure of seeing live. Their most popular song is probably "Bowl for two", but most recently "Stay now" has come out and I believe that it topped the iTunes Reggae charts at one point. His smooth vocals, backed by a great band make for an awesome live performance and even just to chill at home with.
8. Ziggy Marley
A very recognizable last name for sure and most likely trying to live up to the old man's name. Ziggy is Bob Marley's son and he has a great voice to match. Some of my favorite songs are "True to myself" as well as "Love is my Religion". These great tunes combined with a recognizably great voice are perfect for an afternoon at the beach.
7. Collie Buddz
Another group that I have had the pleasure of seeing live on New Years Day of last year. Collie Buddz are a great group that have been around for quite some time now. Their most recognizable song is probably "Come Around", but other great songs are "Gimmie Love", "Blue Dreamz" as well as "Light it Up." All of these I saw live and they all are amazing with the band and the vocals.
6. Matisyahu
I know it's a mouthful, but this guy is amazing. He originally was rocking an Orthodox Jewish haircut along with a huge beard, but now he's hardly recognizable. Unlike his songs like "One Day", "Summer", "Live Like a Warrior", "King Without a Crown", and finally "Time of Your Song". All songs are amazing as far as vocals and most of his songs have really great premises that I encourage you to look up!
5. Dirty Heads
This band has been getting some real attention lately by being featured on the Today show for their new album and hit single "That's all I need", but I have been following them for a long time. Too many good songs and tons of different styles of Reggae and even hip-hop packed into their performances. For me, though, their best stuff is "Stand Tall", "Lay Me Down", "Cabin by the Sea", and "Warming Sun". However, all of their stuff is amazing and too much to put on here and their new album is gaining some new popularity so check them out!
4. Rebelution
Another great band I've seen live performances from and fell in love with their sound. Some of their best works are definitely "Ordinary girl", "Feeling Alright", "Count me in", "Safe and Sound", "Sky is the Limit", and finally "Fade Away". However, like I have said for most of these artists, they have too many great songs to count so I would definitely go and check them out fully.
3. SOJA
Now this group of dread-headed white guys may not look like the greatest group, but believe me, they are. They have huge followings in Brazil as well as a pretty big group of fans in the US. I personally love their entire albums "Amid the Noise and the Haste" as well as "Strength to Survive". However, my favorite songs have to be "I Believe", "She Still Loves Me", "Let You Go", and finally "When We Were Younger". Again, though, GO CHECK THEM OUT!!
2. Trevor Hall
I cannot say enough about this guy. His voice is amazing, he is one of the coolest people on this planet, and his songs really speak to you (no matter who you are). Some of my favorites are, "Well I Say..", "Om Shakti Om", "The Lime Tree", and also "Green Mountain State". His albums "This is Blue" and "Chapter of The Forest" are both great, though, so go look up some great laid-back tunes.
1. Bob Marley
I feel as this is almost a given in these situations. Someone I feel as if we can all agree on as being an influence to Reggae and the style that you see today. I probably would have given anything to see this man live. His message and music will forever be timeless, along with his many great songs. Some of my favorites include "No Woman, No Cry", "Could You be Loved", "Is This Love", "Redemption Song", as well as countless others I don't have the time to go through. So if you don't know who he is... please get out from underneath your rock and listen to greatness.
Here are some other songs and artists that I like, but didn't make the top ten:
J Boog: "Let's Do it Again"
Sean Paul: "Temperature", "Hold On"
Beniton: "Pon We Level", "Stayin in Yuh Lane"
Vybz Cartel: "Summertime"
Slightly Stoopid: "Closer to the Sun", "Wiseman", "Officer"
UB40: "Red Red Wine"
Inner Circle: "Sweat" (A La La La La Long)
Gyptian: "Hold You"
The Movement: "Set Sail"
Los Lonely Boys: "Heaven"
