Reggae music is known to have originated in the country of Jamaica from two identical styles known as Rocksteady and ska. This genre can be identified with its simple chord progressions and backbeat rhythm. The lyrics are generally sung in Jamaican patois. There are professional musicians in this field and even though it is a mixing of the two styles mentioned earlier, it is also influenced by the Jamaican Mento, American jazz and American Rhythm and Blues music. In the later part of the 1960s, the reggae was documented as the distinct genre by the people of the United States and Jamaica.
The characteristic feature that makes the top reggae songs stand out of the top songs in other genres is the Riddim or the rhythm. In these songs, the emphasis generally falls off beat and they are played in 4/4 time. Apart from this, the third beat of each calculation is again and again given importance with the help of a bass drum or guitar, thereby giving it an African feel. The percussion part is taken care by a set of drums. Other instruments like keyboard, bass guitar and piano are also used. Most of the artists practicing in this genre make use of saxophone, trombone or a trumpet for playing counter melodies or short riffs in contrast to the voice of the artist.
Most of the lyrics in this genre are sung in Jamaican patois and so it becomes difficult for most of the British and American listeners to understand them.
Nowadays, most of the artists practicing in this category of music have their own websites, wherein they have posted the top reggae songs and albums created by them in such a way that interested people can listen to their creations. People can just visit the website of these artists and become their followers as well.
This genre of music is known to be associated with rude, rebellion and youth boys. This denotes that these songs are sung only by those youngsters, who are jobless. But, the fact is that it is a relaxing genre that can be soul stirring for many music enthusiasts. When you can visit the website of the best creators by searching for them online, you too will understand the sole stirring effect in this genre.
If you are an individual with the objective of learning music under this genre, it is better to listen to the creations of some of the top professionals in such a way that you can improve yourself.