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
Emperor Pee
Single - Released June 4, 2026
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Horace Andy
Alpha Blondy
Johnny Nash
Jimmy Cliff
Peter Tosh
Top Playlists
The Sound of Euroska 62 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Mento 58 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of German Ska 27 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Japanese Ska 24 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Dub Product 23 Rocksteady artists
The Sound of Deep Ragga 14 Rocksteady artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 761 Rocksteady artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 12,158 releases

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

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. June 4, 2026
  2. May 31
  3. May 29
  4. May 25
  5. May 23
  6. May 22
  7. May 22
  8. May 22
  9. May 22
  10. May 22
  11. May 21
  12. May 21
  13. May 15
  14. May 15
  15. May 15
  16. May 15
  17. May 15
  18. May 14
  19. May 14
  20. May 12
  21. May 12
  22. May 12
  23. May 12
  24. May 11
  25. May 8
  26. May 8
  27. May 8
  28. May 8
  29. May 8
  30. May 7
  31. May 2
  32. May 1
  33. May 1
  34. May 1
  35. May 1
  36. May 1
  37. May 1
  38. April 30
  39. April 30
  40. April 29