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
undefined album image
Masterplan
Single - Released March 14, 2025

RecentMusic users are tracking 383 Rocksteady artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 5,154 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Rocksteady artists you love!

Get Started Browse Releases
Al Campbell
Alexander Henry
Alton Ellis
Apollo 10
Babylove & The Van Dangos
Barrington Levy
Barry Biggs
Big Youth
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Bradamon Band
Bulby York
Bunny
Buster Shuffle
Carroll Thompson
Clancy Eccles
Clive Hunt
Cornell Campbell
Dave Barker
David Emanuel
David Marley
Dennis Alcapone
Denny Frust
Derrick Morgan
Desmond Dekker
Dezarie
Don Carlos
Dr. Ring Ding
Dr. Woggle & The Radio
El Bosso & Die Ping Pongs
Eric Donaldson
Ernest Ranglin
Fred Locks
Hub City Stompers
Hugo Lobo
Hussla D
I-Roy
Israel Vibration
JAMAIKARTA
Jah Thomas
Jesse Royal
John Holt
Johnny Clarke
Johnny Nash
Judah Eskender Tafari
Junior Delgado
King Mar
Laurel Aitken
Les Testarudes
Linval Thompson
Lloyd Robinson
Lone Ranger
Lukie Fwd
Lymie Murray
MARLEY
Melchizedek Freeman
Momonon
Monkey Boots
Mystic Marley
Mystic Revelation Of Rastafari
Niney The Observer
Noin Bullet
Norris Cole
Oi-SKALL MATES
Otis Gayle
Pincher
Prince Alla
RASTA DINE
Rootikal Foundation
Roots Radics
Sejedewe
Skaraoke
Slim Smith
Sly Dunbar
Spicy Roots
Stranger Cole
THE MARGINADOS 2 TONE FROM L. A.
The Aggrovators
The Bakesys
The Busters
The Congos
The Dynamites
The Fantells
The Heptones
The Inciters
The Magnetics
The Meditations
The Oldians
The Slapstickers
The Wanderers
Toeppel Butera
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
Tonny
Tosh
Travelers All Stars
Triston Palma
Victor Rice
Vieja Skina
Winston Wright
YG Marley
aDUBta
Bob Marley & The Wailers
YG Marley
Johnny Nash
Barrington Levy
Peter Tosh
Chaka Demus & Pliers
Dawn Penn
Israel Vibration
David Marley
Bob Marley
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
The Jets
Don Carlos
The Upsetters
Alton Ellis
Desmond Dekker & The Aces
John Holt
The Frightnrs
Dezarie
Momonon
Linval Thompson
Jesse Royal
The Congos
Monkey Boots
Sejedewe
Augustus Pablo
Eric Donaldson
The Ethiopians
Giuliano Palma
Prince Buster
Ernest Ranglin
Junior Byles
The Heptones
Desmond Dekker
The Taxi Gang
Tapper Zukie
Cornell Campbell
Derrick Harriott
Denny Frust
Niney The Observer
Big Youth
The Aggrovators
The Busters
Yabby You
Roots Radics
Prince Jammy
Ken Parker
Death Of Guitar Pop
Laurel Aitken
Johnny Clarke
Dr. Ring Ding
Oi-SKALL MATES
Vieja Skina
Tony Scott
Reggae Revolution
Derrick Morgan
The Techniques
The Oldians
Don Drummond
Al Campbell
The Gaylads
Clive Hunt
Prince Jazzbo
Barry Biggs
Dave & Ansell Collins
Lloyd Charmers
Justin Hinds
Hortense Ellis
Jennifer Lara
Junior Delgado
Michael Prophet
Prince Alla
Slim Smith
Jah Thomas
Los Granadians del Espacio Exterior
Travelers All Stars
Barry Brown
Lord Tanamo
The Offenders
The Maytones
Bongo Herman
Lukie Fwd
Two Tone Club
8°6 Crew
Roland Alphonso
Victor Rice
Lone Ranger
Nicky Thomas
Stranger Cole
Lee Perry & The Upsetters
Sly Dunbar
Bradamon Band
Sly & The Revolutionaries
Buster Shuffle
Hugo Lobo
The Dynamites
Orquestra Brasileira de Música Jamaicana
Leroy Smart
Mr. Review
The Tennors