History of Jamaican Music Essay

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Natty Rebel (U-Roy). The genre of this track is reggae. The bits have splits. A lot of keyboard and trumpets are used. The soft female voices humming in the background add to the atmosphere of a typical Jamaican reggae and create an impressive contrast between the soothing sound and the rebellious protest of the lyrics.
I Shot The Sheriff (Bob Marley & The Wailers). The slow tempo makes it clear from the very start that the off-beat song belongs to the genre of reggae. In this song, Bob Marley and Waivers tell a story of how he shot and killed a Sherriff. Emphasizing that this was self-defense, the singer demands more freedom for people. The song is another mini-revolt in disguise.
I’ll Never Grow Old (The Maytals). This song also belongs to the reggae genre. The composition has an ascending beat and the consistent slow rhythm, which creates the atmosphere of suspense and anticipation. A story of a man who is searching for the love of his life, the song revolves around personal issues rather than social ones, which makes it stand out among the rest of reggae songs.
House Call (Shebba Ranks ft. Maxi Priest). Beating in a slow ascending rhythm, this reggae song also touches upon the delicate issue of love and the beauty of body language.
Zunguzung (Yellow man). Due to a relaxed, laid-back melody and the rhythmic beat, this song has taken its place in the treasure trove of the reggae hits. Revealing a not-a-care-in-the-world philosophy of a Rastafarian, this song is the essence of Jamaican music.
Girl I’ve got A Date (Alton Ellis& The Flames). This song is a rock steady genre composition. It has a mixture of reggae, pop and dance styles. Sending its audience back in the times when reggae was only beginning to gain weight, this song tells about the singer’s relationships with a girl. The phrase “I can’t stay late” seems a motto of a typical reggae singer, free as a bird and with just as little care about anything.

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