The holiday season is over, and the short, dark days of winter make it difficult to find the motivation to do nearly anything. Combined with finals and the stress of school, this time of the year can easily seem like too much to handle. So, in order to lift spirits out of the winter blues, music is a great option, especially reggae. While studying for exams, or stuck in snowy winter traffic, listen to some of these feel good reggae hits to be transported to a stress-free paradise.
Toots and the Maytals – 54 46 Was My Number
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjg6flu3zuc
If you are ever feeling down and need something to lighten your mood, I highly suggest listening to Toots and the Maytals. The light beats in their infamous hits such and “Pressure Drop” and “Take Me Home Country Roads” provide an instant pick me up, and “54-46 Was My Number” is no exception. The song (released 1969) describes the group’s lead singer Toots’ time in prison, and while the content of the tune may sound heavy, if you are looking for a song to pull you out of your blues this is definitely it!
Jimmy Cliff – Wonderful World, Beautiful People
“Wonderful World, Beautiful People” is another reggae hit to be released in 1969, as one of Cliff’s more popular tunes along with his other hit many may know: “Clearly Now“. Cliff’s song provides a joyful tune along with a beautiful message. Telling listeners to love one another instead of fighting. This sound gives the perfect message to stop fighting and appreciate all of the beauty the world has to offer.
Shaggy – Oh Carolina
Oh Carolina was written in 1958 by John Folkes of the trio the Folkes Brothers, and was popularised in 1993 by Shaggy. This was the first of many hits from the artist, having the song reach the charts internationally for a number of weeks. Some of Shaggy’s other hits include “It Wasn’t Me” and “Bombastic“. The song provides listeners with samples from 1958 original, along with Shaggy’s distinct voice, which can be found along with his other reggae fusion hits.
Musical Youth – Pass the Dutchie
“Pass the Dutchie” is the first hit from the group Musical Youth. The song (released in 1982) became a huge hit, topping the UK charts for three weeks in a row. The song is a combination of two other reggae hits: U Brown’s “Gimmie the Music” and “Pass the Kouchie” by the Mighty Diamonds. The Musical Youth were made up of two sets of brothers, who were put together by famous father, Frederick Waite Sr. from the reggae group The Techniques. Musical Youth’s song is a great, positive track to listen to while studying for exams.
Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkAUrka9bJY
In 1993 the Jamaican reggae fusion group Inner Circle (originally called Inner Circle Band), released their hit Sweat. The song reached the top of the charts in several countries including New Zealand, Germany and Belgium. Many have also gone on to cover and parody the song, such as Malaysian artist Poe, creating his version “Alalalala Tuk” (Please Officer Don’t Fine Me). This song is an undeniably great summer party song, as it instantly makes you want to get up and dance.
Bob Marley – One Love (People Get Ready)
Finally, Bob Marley and the Wailer’s hit One Love. Because no great reggae playlist can be completed without a song from the reggae legend . In 1981, a few years before the song’s release Bob Marley was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit. An award that can only be given to 15 living individuals, and is the fourth highest honor awarded in Jamaica. One Love reminds people that with the power of love, everything will be okay. Bob Marley’s message transcends through the light tune and lyrics of the song, instantly uplifting listeners.
Hopefully at least one of these songs will give you the positive boost to get you through your winter blues. “Let’s get together and feel alright” during this exam season!
Intersted in listening to the full playlist? Check out yaa feel good reggae on Spotify.
Featured Image: 1
Great article. Really uplifting