Description

Reggae music has a powerful way of letting the singer release their views about the government and society. Reggae music began as a response to the truths and rights being withheld from the African slaves that were brought to Jamaica in the 1800s. This is why much of reggae music is principally concerned with truths and rights and the legacies of colonialism. In many ways, reggae musicians have become Jamaica’s prophets, social commentators, and shamans. They speak for the people by including political, social and spiritual notions in their lyrics. In this way, reggae music acts as an audiotopia for both the musicians and the listeners.

This blog seeks to explore the musical identity of reggae music in America since its beginning in the 1960s. Like much of the popular music in America today, reggae music in America grew out of several other music styles, including both traditional and contemporary Jamaican music, such as "ska" and "mento," as well as American R&B.

I have broken down my playlist into different categories. These categories can be based on the different audiotopias present in reggae music. These audiotopias, or themes, signify the different ways that both reggae musicians and listeners find release through the music. In each song, I encourage you to listen for the emotions emanating from the musician whether in triumph, struggle, pain, heartache, or love. The songs of reggae try to stir something up inside of you and to see the good in everything. The categories are as follows:

Attitude

Slavery

Oppression and State Violence

Love

Religion

Outside Influences

Sources:
"Reggae Music 101." About.com World Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Aug.

             2013. <http://worldmusic.about.com/od/genres/p/Reggae.htm>.

"A History of Reggae Music." A History of Reggae Music. N.p., n.d. Web.

            10 Aug. 2013. <http://www.scaruffi.com/history/reggae.html>.

"ATH 175 Peoples of the World." ATH 175 Peoples of the World. N.p., n.d.

            Web. 10 Aug. 2013. <http://www.units.muohio.edu/ath175/student/

            petersle/culture.html>.

Attitude

One of the biggest contributions of reggae music is the theme of a good attitude even in times of struggle. The harsh conditions during the times of colonialism in Jamaica led to poverty, crime, oppression, economic shortages, racial discrimination and homelessness. Reggae music acted as an audiotopia for both the musicians and listeners - a way for them to release their pain. 

Source: "ATH 175 Peoples of the World." ATH 175 Peoples of the World. N.p., n.d.

Bob Marley & The Wailers. "Three Little Birds" Exodus. Tuff Gong, 1980.

Slavery

In the beginning stages of reggae music as it emerged in the 1960s, many musicians focused their music on the brutalities of slavery. One of the first reggae hits came from Toots and the Maytals with "54-46 Thats My Number," a song describing a man unjustly imprisoned, robbed of his humanity and reduced to just a number. The song emphasizes a man's ability to grow and flourish amidst the hardships of injustice. The song, and many other reggae songs, helped the people of Jamaica to stay strong through the misery of slavery. 

Toots and the Maytals "54-46 That's My Number" Single. Beverly's. 1968.

The Melodians "Rivers of Babylon" The Harder They Come Soundtrack. 1970.

This song represents the struggle that many Africans felt during the times of slavery. During the time of colonialism, many Africans were brought to Jamaica as slaves. Zion refers to their homeland in Africa whereas Babylon is Jamaica, the transition ground as they try to make their way to the American South.

Bob Marley & The Wailers "Slave Driver" Catch a Fire. Tuff Gong, 1973.

Oppresion and State Violence

Many reggae songs incorporate the themes of oppression and state violence. This is in response to authority, in particular, the police, who were brutally trying to suppress the Rasta during the early days of the Rastafari movement.

Bob Marley & the Wailers "Stir It Up" Catch A Fire. Wail'n Soul'm, 1973.

Bob Marley & the Wailers "I Shot the Sheriff" Burnin'. Island/Tuff Gong, 1973.

Bob Marley & The Wailers "Burnin' and Lootin'" Burnin'. Island/Tuff Gong, 1973.

Love

Reggae music has always had one of its main themes of love. Love for your woman, love for your man, love of the people, love of life. Instead of focusing on the violence and hate in the world, they try to bring in more positive energy and love. This is a reflection of the audiotopia they find in their music.

Bob Marley & the Wailers "No Woman No Cry" Natty Dread. Island/Tuff Gong, 1974.

Jimmy Cliff "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" Wonderful World, Beautiful People. Trojan Records, 1969.

Bob Marley & The Wailers "One Love" Exodus. Tuff Gong, 1977.

Religion

Ijahman Levi "Jah Heavy Load" Haile I Hymn. Island Records, 1978.

Outside Influences

Not uncommon for much of the music in America, Reggae music began incorporating other types of musical genres and sounds based on outside influences. Rebelution and Slightly Stoopid are considered to be some contemporary reggae genres. Matisyahu began to gain notice when he incorporated traditional Jewish themes with reggae. Hawaiian reggae has also started to become more popular with bands such as Maoli and Fiji incorporated a slower more melodic Hawaiian sound to the reggae genre.

Toots and the Maytals "Reggae Got Soul" Reggae Got Soul. Island Records, 1976.

Rebelution, "Safe and Sound" Courage to Grow. Prairie Sun Studios, 2007.

Slightly Stoopid, "Collie Man" Everything You Need. Surfdog, Inc., 2003

Matisyahu, "One Day" Light. JDub Records, 2009.

Maoli "Whisper" Rock Easy. Pacific Island Records, 2010.

Fiji "Morning Ride" Xperience. Lost Coast Sound, 2007.