Last week on my Reggae Radio One show, I featured my Top Three Reggae songs out of all the new releases that have come out recently. It was a hard decision since there is so much great Reggae music coming out right now, but I had to go with three smoking tunes from some of my favorite artists out of Jamaica, which you will see below.
For my Top Three list, I wanted to choose recent releases, as I'm most interested in sharing new reggae music on my radio show. As a music lover, I think the frontier of music is always the most exciting place to be!
I find that with some new songs, I adore them instantly, while with others, the love affair takes time to grow (can you relate?). Some musicians seem ahead of their time such that the full impact of their new sound isn't felt or appreciated until weeks, months, or even years later! My #3 and #2 were instant loves for me, while my affinity for my #1 took several weeks to grow.
Some songs are catchy, while others Intrigue you with their fresh perspective. Some songs have both mass appeal AND distinct artistry which to me, is the highest level of music creation. I think all of my top three demonstrate amazing artistry but it remains to be seen which will have the greatest mass appeal--I'm thinking it will be #1.
So here are my Top Three Reggae Songs of The Fall... let me know what you think, and check out my Reggae Radio One show LIVE on Twitch every Monday and Wednesday 6-8pm EST!
You can also watch the replay of this Top 3 show on YouTube :)
3. "Dinero" by Lila Iké
Lila is one of my current favorite Reggae artists with her captivating, dimensional voice and abundant talent & charisma. I love her sweet-sounding vocals over roots reggae riddims but on this track she hits harder with more strength, attitude and power in her delivery. The track produced by Grammy award winner Sean Alaric is reminiscent of classic dancehall riddims but is still a fresh sound for modern Reggae/Dancehall. Lila is such a versatile artist and this track showcases not only her flow as a a rapper but also her powerful musicality and uniqueness. Plus it's catchy and gives me energy! Suggested use: when you wanna crush a workout in the gym or as a pre-party pump up anthem.
2. "Ten Cane Row" by Protoje feat Jorja Smith
I really love when Protoje does duets with female artists like the ones he's done with Lila Iké, Sara Lugo and Koffee. In this track we are treated to another well-suited duet. I love how a bold female voice in Jorja Smith both offsets and complements Protoje's silky smooth vocals. The two create a cool, easy, atmospheric & transcendental vibe in collaboration. I could listen to this song over and over again! Protoje is a rare talent as a multi-faceted artist and producer; like a lot of his work, this song is a fusion of styles, most notably Reggae and R&B. Suggested use: smoke session with someone you're attracted to.
1. "Red Gold & Green" by Kabaka Pyramid feat. Damian Marley
I chose this track as my Number One because it is catchy and well produced with powerful delivery and a positive vibration--pretty much everything I could want in a reggae track! As much as I love hearing influence from other genres within the Reggae genre, I deeply appreciate that this song has a timeless Roots Reggae feel. Not to mention, we have two powerhouse Reggae artists showcased on the track who complement each other so well as frequent collaborators. I already knew Kabaka Pyramid was talented, but every time I hear him on a track with the legendary Damian Marley I am impressed all over again because he definitely holds his own!
Lyrically, this song has a Rastafarian message from two influential artists grounded in their Rastafarian faith, lifestyle and expression. I've always had great respect for Reggae artists who powerfully speak their views in their music. To me, it's an invitation to ALL of us to stand firm in our truths and join together to uplift the world in positive vibration.
Suggested use: cruising in your car on a sunny afternoon or mellow house party vibes with good friends.
BONUS: I loved this quote from Kabaka Pyramid's website, which definitely applies to "Red Gold & Green" and his entire new album The Kalling produced by Damian Jr. Gong Marley!
"Kabaka Pyramid is a conscious revolutionary lyricist with a unique musical style; blending the power, energy and melody of Reggae with the lyricism of Hip hop. Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica this Bebble Rock Music artist uses his liquid and hypnotizing delivery to spread positive messages of spiritual evolution that forces you to listen."