Rocksteady

Rocksteady is a music genre that originated in Jamaica around the mid-1960s, characterized by a slow tempo and a heavy bassline, acting as a bridge between the ska and reggae genres. The rhythm of rocksteady is smoother and more relaxed compared to the upbeat tempo of ska, with a focus on the off-beat or backbeat rhythm, usually played by the guitar or piano. The bass and drums take a more prominent role, carrying the melody and providing a solid groove. Rocksteady also incorporated more complex vocal harmonies, with lyrics often addressing love, social issues, and the Rastafarian movement. This genre laid the groundwork for the evolution of reggae, with artists and groups like The Heptones and The Skatalites at the forefront, infusing their music with the essence of the cultural and political landscape of Jamaica at the time.

Latest Rocksteady Release
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Bob Marley & The Wailers
Rasta
YG Marley
Johnny Nash
Barrington Levy
The Specials
Top Playlists
The Sound of Jamaican Ska 120 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Euroska 62 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of German Ska 27 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Japanese Ska 24 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Ska Català 12 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Dub Punk 7 Rocksteady artists

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