Top 7 Reggae Albums of All Time

Gregory Isaacs’ death last year got me thinking about how much reggae has contributed to the world. Besides giving teenagers the perfect soundtrack to their sensimilla adventures, reggae’s offbeat music has influenced the development of Punk, Dub and even Hip Hop.

In honour of Isaac’s long and prominent musical career, here’s a list of the top 7 reggae albums of all time. Download them to your laptops; upload them to a cheap Apple iPod touch and skank your way to a more laid back day.

1. Funky Kingston, Toots & The Maytals

Now, I know these top lists are somewhat subjective but this Toots & the Maytals will always be either number one or two. They are part of the reason reggae started getting so much attention and the first to call their music reggae. They’ve put out many great albums but Funky Kingston with the hit ‘Pomp and Pride’ as well as an odd rendition of Louie, Louie is one of their top albums. The Mango Reissue makes it one of the best albums by adding the classic ‘Pressure Drop’ and ‘Time Tough’ songs.

2. Catch a Fire, Bob Marly & The Wailers

Perhaps the most iconic man in the reggae world, Bob Marley is the face of reggae all around the world. The honesty of this band in the early stages of their career makes Catch a Fire the best album put out by them in my opinion.

3. Red Rose for Gregory, Gregory Isaacs

This list is inspired by Gregory Isaacs, so it wouldn’t be complete without one of his albums. Though many cite Night Nurse as the best Isaacs album, the song ‘Rumours’, which I remember hearing on radios, is what first got me into this artist. Gussie Clarke’s production on this album makes it a stellar addition to any top list.

4. The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff

The Harder They Come is the album that catapulted reggae music into American pop culture. The contributions by Toots Hibbert and Desmond Dekker along with Cliff’s powerful lyrics make this soundtrack an excellent production.

5. King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown, Augustus Pablo

Augustus Pablo is as niche as they come with his signature melodica and King Tubby is the master of dub; these two artists collaborate and make an explosive hit in King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown. The self titled lead song is a version of a Jacob Miller song is widely regarded as the best execution of dub ever.

6. Heart of the Congos, The Congos

Lee Perry’s work on this album is probably one of the highest points of his career. Each song stands out for attention–there’s no skipping over tracks–and the entire album’s cumulative effect of weaving vocals and haunting instrumentals create an almost religious experience.

7. Dread Dread, Jacob Miller

This album isn’t on the top of most people’s reggae lists, but Dread Dread is one of my personal favourites. ‘Tenement Yard’ and ‘Forward Jah Jah Children’ are always at the top of my playlist.