That Island Feel

What makes a musical genre stand out? Is it the rhythm, the lyrics, or is it the way people react to it? It can be difficult to correctly identify what differentiates a style of music. Numerous factors need to be taken into consideration, and many times an artist or song can be categorized into multiple areas such as Taylor Swift balancing the line between country and contemporary pop. But there are certain varieties of music that produce a sound so unique it enables listeners to automatically recognize not only the genre, but where it originated as well. Raggae has always displayed this unique quality. As Bob Marley once said, “Many people know it, but can’t play it because it’s not a know, it’s a feel.” This feeling is created by Raggae’s use of traditional instruments and tactics that are altered in such a way, an authentic rhythm is produced that embodies the audience in associating the music with its origin.

   Arising in the 1960’s in Kingston, Jamaica, Reggae is known as a type of “ragged” dance music, established in the midst of poverty. It incorporates outside elements such as Ska, as well as African and Caribbean practices, and is often thought of as the forebear to American rap and hip-hop. It’s better recognized by the 4/4 timing, and unique assemblage of drums, bass, guitar, and vocals.

One of the most unique aspects of reggae is the use of the guitar and bass. From the moment a song begins, the prominent sound of the bass sets the rhythm. Typically musicians of other genres and musical communities rely on the guitar to produce a melody while the bass accompanies in the background. However, in reggae, the guitar is left to play simple chords while the bass takes over. In UB40’s song, “Red, Red Wine” the listener can hear the distinct difference between the two instruments. The bass dominates a deep melody while the guitar plays the same chords repeatedly throughout the entire song. It’s the melody created by reversing the roles of the guitar and bass that prevailingly give reggae that “island feel.”

However there are also additional distinguishing aesthetics. Another aspect of reggae is the use of drums in accentuating the third beat. There’s typically three common beats used to compose the rhythm, the one step, rockers, and steppers. In Bob Marley & The Wailers, “Roots, Rock, Reggae” the drums clearly enunciate the third beat, giving the song that reggae “feel” when combined with the bass and guitar.

Vocals also play a part in discerning reggae as well as associating it with Jamaica. It’s evident artists keep a sound natural. They don’t try to alter or strain their voice in any way. There’s a specific simple, rhythmic pattern to their tone when singing. The sound sometimes borders between talking and singing, but it’s strictly affiliated with the sound of reggae.

 When the reggae developed, artists such as Little Roy and Bob Marley would incorporate the traditions of the local religion into their lyrics to express their beliefs. Apart from religion, it’s evident that many reggae songs are notably associated with the ideas of love and peace. To this day, Bob Marley’s, “One Love” remains popular, with his powerful message of accepting each other and praying for those who do us wrong.

Yet, despite the message some artists try to send with the mellow, hypnotizing rhythms of reggae, not everyone will appreciate the originality and culture behind the genre. Some people are opposed to the fact that reggae isn’t the music they’ve grown up with, the sound is simply too different for their taste. However, part of the reason reggae is so incandescent is the fact that even if someone doesn’t necessarily like the style, it’s impossible not to identify the genre and associate it with Jamaica. It’s clearly signified with an image.

The greatest element of raggae is that reiterates that saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The genre has remained true to its basic roots with the dominant bass, rhythmic drum beats and meaningful lyrics for decades. Many contemporary pop artists such as Colbie Calliat and Estelle have created reggae renditions of songs. But unlike most adaptions, these musicians didn’t alter reggae to fit their style; they altered their style to comply with reggae. It’s the defining characteristics of the genre that make it so captivating and different. It’s the fact that if anyone were driving down the road and a song like, “Could you be Loved” came on the radio, as listeners we’re automatically transferred to the islands, and reminded of the soothing feel Bob Marley so famously describes.