Reggae Wedding Songs: Groove to the Rhythm of Love

Updated on June 12, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

Reggae is one of the tried-and-true ways to get people out of their chairs and onto the dance floor.

This is one of the reasons we love it.

Reggae is the result of cultural fusion and post-war messaging. As a genre, it defines what we think of as “chill” in many ways.

Reggae music can be split into two sub-genres: reggae and dancehall.

Reggae is slower-paced than ska but faster than rocksteady and Dancehall is a faster dance/pop tempo style.

Some of the contemporary music styles have received an international appeal to be featured on many Global Top 40 playlists.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique reggae wedding songs for your wedding day.

Every couple’s reggae music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding songs from modern songs to classic hits.

Trending Reggae Wedding Songs

1. “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You” by UB40 (1993)
2. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley (1980)
3. “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash (1972)
4. “Bam Bam” by Sister Nancy (1982)
5. “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston (2007)
6. “Here Comes The Hotstepper” by Ini Kamoze (1994)
7. “Girls Dem Sugar” by Beenie Man & Mya (2000)
8. “Baby, I Love Your Way” by Big Mountain (1994)
9. “Angel” by Shaggy, Rayvon (2000)
10. “All Of Me” by Jah Cure (2015)

New Reggae Songs

1. “High Life” by Buju Banton & Snoop Dogg (2023)
2. “Motivation” by Alkaline (2023)
3. “She Believed In Me” by Anthony Cruz (2023)
4. “If You Were Here Tonight” by Anthony Cruz (2023)
5. “Baddest” by Mr. Vegas (2023)
6. “Full Time Lover” by Maoli (2023)
7. “We Open” by Maoli feat. Fiji (2023)
8. “Amanecer Bebiendo” by Crazy Design (2023
9. “Woie” by Aidonia (2023)
10. “Build a Vibes” by Bayka (2023)

Did we miss your favorite reggae song? Let us know in the comments.

2020s Modern Tracks

Way of Life – Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid

Released in 2022 on the album Way of Life

A mid-tempo love song about a commitment to taking care of your lover.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I will carry you to the other side
To another place, to another life
I’ll be there for you every day and night
Gonna bring you right back to the way of life

Love Me Easy – ANORA, Stick Figure, Walshy Fire

Released in 2022 on the album Love Me Easy

A love story for any newlywed couple.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You got the right kind of motion
I will give you devotion
Love me, love me, love me, easy

Marry You – Perfect Giddimani

Released in 2021

A song you could play while proposing for marriage and on one knee or as guests arrive.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Gal I wanna marry you you
Beatuful I wanna marry you you

You’re The One I Love – Shenseea & Rvssian

Released in 2021

A fantastic message for a wedding day and a song to dance and sing to.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ma stay right by your side
Not a thing could change my mind
You are the one I love

Calling On Me – Sean Paul & Tove Lo

Released in 2020

A dance hit to play for dancing at your reception.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Alright then
True love never fail, love never fall
Real love conquers all (Yeah)

Smile – WizKid feat. H.E.R.

Released in 2020

A groove to play as guests arrive at the reception to set the mood for romance and fun.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I love your life, yeah
Love it when you smile
Say, I will do anything for my love, yeah yeah
I will do anything for my love

If you like this list, be sure to read our list of Afrobeats love hits to add to your Big Day.

2010s Best Hits

Toast – Koffee

Released in 2019

With more than 40 million streams on Spotify, everyone will recognize this hit.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Cyaan’ bawl ina life man
Mi haffi thank God for di journey, di earnings a jus fi di plus (yeah)
Gratitude is a must (yeah)

Rumor – Maoli

Released in 2019

A cover of the song by Lee Brice to play as a background song.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

There’s a rumor goin’ ’round about me and you
Stirring up our little town, the last week or two
So tell me why you even tryna deny this feeling

All for You – Stick Figure

Released in 2019

For any Reggae themed wedding, you MUST play Stick Figure and this is a great choice for celebrating love.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I didn’t know I was lost
But now our paths have crossed
These eyes have fallen
I do it all, I do it all for you

Walking Trophy – Hoodcelebrityy

Released in 2018

A song about how beautiful you think your bride is.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You a walking trophy
My girl you a walking trophy
You an yuh friends dem a walking trophy

Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti & Spearhead feat. Cherine Tanya Anderson

Released in 2018

This is a fun song you can play for dancing but a guaranteed sing-along song.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The more I see, the less I know
But I know one thing that I love you (baby girl)
I love you, I love you, I love you

Gyal You A Party Animal – Charly Black

Released in 2016

A song that signifies that it’s time to dance and have a good time.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Gyal you a party animal
You whine so good, you just so good
Gyal me love how you party

Pon de Replay – Rihanna

Released in 2016

A definite dance hit to fill the dance floor.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well, I’m ready for ya
Come let me show ya
You want to groove, I’mma show you how to move

No Lie – Sean Paul feat. Dua Lipa

Released in 2016

A fun duet song made for newlyweds ready to dance.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s so hypnotic, the way you move
That’s why I wanted to get to you
And I would not lie, complain to you
Move so hypnotic

All Of Me – Jah Cure

Released in 2015 on the album The Cure

A cover of the song by John Legend and a perfect selection for a first dance.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I’m winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you

That Girl – Jah Cure

Released in 2015

A song you can dedicate to your new wife on your wedding day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I swear that girl
She’ll be the one that conquers me
Her loving takes control of me

Soul Provider – Romain Virgo

Released in 2015

A song about wanting to take care of your lover for your whole life.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Baby, I wanna be your soul provider (Your soul provider)
Baby, I wanna stay that way
For the longest time

Beautiful – Seeed

Released in 2014

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You saved my life, when no one believed
You gave up diamonds for a rolling stone
Now I know what it means to be home

Forever More – Alaine & Tarrus Riley

Released in 2012

A love dedication lets your lover know that you want to love them forever.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Come, let me love
You for life
Oh baby let me love you forever more(yeah)
I wanna love you forever more(yeah yeah, yeah yeah)

I am Blessed – Mr. Vegas

Released in 2012

An upbeat that describes how you feel on your big day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When I wake up in the morning
And I lay my head to rest
Every day of my life I am blessed

La La Means I Love You – Alton Ellis

Released in 2011

A song lets everyone that you love each other.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Now I don’t wear a diamond ring
I don’t even have a song to sing
All I know is
La la la la la la la la la means I love you

I Love My Life – Demarco

Released in 2011

A song that puts an exclamation point on how happy you are on your big day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So mi a go live my life today, mi a go live my life today
So everybody help mi sing it out
Oh oh
Mi love my life

Happy Heart – Etana

Released in 2011

A love dedication that tells your lover that you have an undying love for them.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Baby, I love you, love you, love you unconditionally
Baby, I love you, love you, never, never wanna leave

Rum & Redbull – Beenie Man & Future Fambo

Released in 2010

A party anthem to play for dancing later in the event.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Tell di bartender di bill a restart
Coconut fi rum mi use wash off mi heart
If you hide an drink then you must get caught

Hold You (Hold Yuh) – Gyptian

Released in 2010

A song about a special kind of love that a couple has.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Put mi arms right around ya
Gyal, you give me tightest
Hold me eva get inna mi life

Love Doctor – Romain Virgo

Released in 2010

A song about a guy who is infatuated with his lady.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Call me, anytime you need me baby
I know you like it like this
When I kiss you on the lip
I’m your love doctor

Did you know that Reggae was one of the styles that led to Hip Hop? See our list of popular hip hop wedding songs for your wedding playlist. Don’t forget about Rap love tracks for your first dance.

2000s Popular Tunes

You and Me – SOJA feat. Chris Boomer

Released in 2009

A song about a couple that was meant to be together and will always love each other.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And when this dance is done
You and me are still the only one
Yes, since time begun
I’m still with you even when you’re gone

I Love You Too – Ziggy Marley

Released in 2009

Tell your lover that you love them with this song!

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When you tell me that you love me
This is what I’m gonna say
I love you too, I love you too
I tell you I love you

I Feel Good – Beres Hammond

Released in 2008

A song to play for the cocktail hour as the song has great feel-good vibes.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Wine some more, show me that love
Unconditionally
Make believe we’re alone
Just you and me

Come Over – Estelle ft Sean Paul

Released in 2008

A mid-tempo song for setting the mood or during dancing for a couple’s close dance.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

If press gas, don’t badda with the clutch
Baby girl, I’m gonna give you loving all night
Love so strong that you won’t forget my touch

Love You Right – Morgan Heritage

Released in 2008

Let your bride know she is beautiful and that you want to love her the right way.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I just want to love you right, do you right for life, yeah
Baby I just to love you right, do you right?

No Games – Serani

Released in 2008

A song to let your partner know that you will love them for eternity.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Girl I want you (all time)
I’ll forever love you (you’re mine)
I’m not mad even though I’m sad (cause you)
Should give me one more chance

No Ordinary Love – Alaine

Released in 2007

An uptempo song announcing that you are in love and the love you have with your lover is special.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I don’t ever want to say good-bye
I can never breath never survive
Baby your my reason why I believe there’s meaning in my life
I have faith in love, faith in us and faith that this is right
I surrender, forever, tonight

Rise in Love – Alaine

Released in 2007

A song about how your lover makes you happy and you will survive anything together.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You and I, keep rising
We rise, we rise in love
Higher, we’re flying
Our love will rise

Love and Affection – Pressure

Released in 2007

A song about two people that were destined to be together and should spend their lives together.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

With love the Most High creates
Let’s start a family and make things great
Cause when and how we met Girl
It’s not a mistake

All My Life – Marcia Griffiths & DA’Ville

Released in 2006

A cover of the romantic love song by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville that could be played during the wedding ceremony.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And I never really knew how to love
I just hoped somehow I’d see
Asked for a little help from above
Send that angel down to me

Below The Waist – Queen Ifrica

Released in 2006

A song about a man in love with his woman and wants to start a family.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You know mi nah go nock you down babe
No me just wahn hold you down babe
Him seh gwan go put on your thong babe
And before you know it it’s another baby

She’s Royal – Tarrus Riley

Released in 2006

A song about finding your one true love.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I know everyone can relate to when they find a special someone
And she’s royal, yeah so royal
And, I want her in my life

Beach In Hawaii – Ziggy Marley

Released in 2006

A song that has the vibes of island music and reggae and wanting to be with your lover.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m on a rocky cliff
Oh I wish you were here with me
(I wish you were here with me)
On the beach in Hawaii

Welcome to Jamrock – Damian Marley

Released in 2005

The song is an anthem for the Jamaicans to stand together.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Welcome to Jamrock
(Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey, yah)
Hey, welcome to Jamrock

Temperature – Sean Paul

Released in 2005

One of the greatest dance hits of the 2000s that will get everyone dancing.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well woman the way the time cold I wanna be keepin’ you warm
I got the right temperature fi shelter you from the storm
Oh Lord, gyal I got the right tactics to turn you on, and girl I
Wanna be the Papa, you can be the Mom, oh oh!

There For You – Beres Hammond

Released in 2004

A slow dance for all the couples and a good song for an anniversary dance.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ll be there for you (I’ll be there for you)
When you want me to (when you want me to)
I’ll come running baby (I’ll come running)
Baby, I’ll be right by your side, and as long as the sun shines

Pon De River Pon De Bank – Elephant Man

Released in 2003

An up-tempo party dance song for a party vibe.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Pon Di River, Pon Di Bank
Kick out your shoes because your foot dem nuh cramp (Wha’ you say?)
Inna Di River, Pon Di Bank
John have a new dance weh lock Jamaica and Bronx

No Letting Go – Wayne Wonder

Released in 2003

A dance tune to come out of a slow dance to bring the beat up.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

No letting go No holding back
No holding Back no
When I’m with you it’s all a that
All a that

I’m Still in Love With You – Sean Paul feat. Sasha

Released in 2002

A song to celebrate relationships that have withstood the test of time.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well, I’m a hustler and a player
And you know I’m not a stayer
That’s the dutty dutty love

Get Busy – Sean Paul

Released in 2002

Another party song to keep the dance floor buzzing with dancers.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Woman get busy
Jus shake dat booty non-stop
When da beat drops
Jus keep swingin’ it
Get jiggy, get crunked up

Like Glue – Sean Paul

Released in 2002

A song about caring for and supporting your partner.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well I don’t really care what people say
I don’t really watch what dem waan to do
Still I got to stick to my girls like glue

Rockaway – Beres Hammond

Released in 2001

A mid-tempo song to sway with your lover on the dance floor.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Those were the days
When love used to reign, hey
We danced all night to the songs they played
Weekend come again do it just the same

Angel – Shaggy

Released in 2001

One of my favorite songs on the list that is perfect for weddings because of its message of being thankful for your lover.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Girl, you’re my angel
You’re my darling angel
Closer than my peeps you are to me, baby

Girls Dem Sugar – Beenie Man feat. Mya

Released in 2000

One of the most popular Reggae songs to this day and one you can play for a bouquet toss.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Me ah di man dem weh di girl admire
(Sim Simma) Love di girl and mek dem bawl out fi Jah Jah
(Yo, sim simma) And ah me got di girls dem power
(Sim simma) Yeah, we cool and Mya sing by di hour now

Another genre list to listen to before deciding on your final wedding playlist is our list of soul songs for weddings.

1990s Favorites

Who Am I? (Sim Simma) – Beenie Man

Released in 1997

A throwback hit that will bring back many memories.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

In a rush, pass mi the keys to my truck
Who am I, the girls dem luck
And I and I will make love to precious

Real Love – Lloyd Brown

Released in 1997

A smooth song to set the mood for love as a background song as guests arrive at the reception.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Girl you are the one I need

Romie – Beenie Man

Released in 1996

Another 90s Reggae song that you can play that guests will sing the lyrics.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Di boy deh name Romie and him big, fat sister, Naomi
Di two a them claim say them know me
And them argument

That Girl – Maxi Priest, Shaggy

Released in 1996

A fun dance song to sing to the bride to make her feel special.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She can make you hot when it’s cold outside
Take you on a high, even make you fly, that girl, ooh
That kind of girl
That’s the kind of lover, that girl

Boombastic – Shaggy

Released in 1995

A bit naughty but a party song to save for near the end of the event.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m Boombastic, tell me fantastic
Touch me inna me back, she say I’m Mr. Ro-mantic
Call me fantastic
She touch me inna my back, she says I’m Mr. Boom-boom-boom-boom

Shy Guy – Diana King

Released in 1995

A dance hit to get all ages out of their seats and dancing.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But I don’t want somebody
Who’s loving everybody
I need a shy guy, he’s the kinda guy
Who’ll only be mine

Anything For You – Snow & Friends

Released in 1995

A song letting your partner know that you will be there for them through anything.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I will do any, anything just for you
Make you feel happy and I never make you blue
I will do any, anything just for you

Here Comes The Hotstepper – Ini Kamoze

Released in 1994

This song was a huge dance track and it still packs the dance floor today.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Here comes the hotstepper, murderer
I’m the lyrical gangster, murderer
Dial emergency number, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer

Action – Terror Fabulous feat. Nadine Sutherland

Released in 1994

A bit risque but still a fun party song.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Can you cause a chain reaction
I need some action
Tender satisfaction

Boom Shack-A-Lak – Apache Indian

Released in 1993

The song was featured in the Dumb and Dumber movies and just makes people want to dance!

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Everybody join in when she give you the sign
The English gal a do the boomshackalak
The American gal a do the boomshackalak

Murder She Wrote – Chaka Demus And Pliers

Released in 1993

A very popular song with the right crowd could be a sing-along tune.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Now yuh heard about this girl, her name is Maxine
Her beauty is like a bunch of rose
And if I ever tell you ’bout Maxine
Yuh would a say I don’t know what I know but
Murder she wrote

Baby, I Love Your Way – Big Mountain

Released in 1993

This song is still requested today as it is a lovey-dovey hit for couples to dance to.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ooh baby, I love your way, everyday
I wanna tell you I love your way, everyday (Hey yeah)
I wanna be with you night and day

Bad Boys – Inner Circle

Released in 1993

The theme song from the TV show COPS that is played for a garter toss song.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Bad boys, whatcha want
Watcha want, whatcha gonna do?
When sheriff John Brown come for you
Tell me whatcha wanna do, whatcha gonna do?

I Can See Clearly Now – Jimmy Cliff

Released in 1993

I popular song by Cliff and also released by Johnny Nash to play to get everyone singing along and in a happy mood.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for

I Like To Move It – Reel 2 Real

Released in 1993

A party anthem with lots of energy will have dancers moving their bodies.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

All girls all over the world
Original mad stuntman ‘pon ya case man!
I love how all the girls are move them body

Informer – Snow

Released in 1993

A classic 90s dance song for all age groups full of fun rhythms.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Informer, ya’ no say daddy me Snow me I go blame
A licky boom boom down
‘Tective man a say, say daddy me Snow me stab someone down the lane
A licky boom boom down

I Can’t Help, Falling In Love With You – UB40

Released in 1993

A very popular cover of Elvis’s love song that will bring all of the couples to the dance floor. You can even have it as an upbeat ceremony exit song too.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

As the river flows
Gently to the sea
Darling so we go
Some things were meant to be

Living Dangerously – Bounty Killer feat. Barrington Levy

Released in 1991

This song will put everyone in a joyful mood.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re living dangerously
Woman yuh living too dangerous for me
You’re living dangerously

Tempted To Touch – Beres Hammond

Released in 1990

Hammond is an icon in this genre and this song tells your lover that you want them.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Hey, little girl, each time you pass my way
I’m tempted to touch, ooh
The dress you wear, your perfume
Keep me wanting you so much

Close To You – Maxi Priest

Released in 1990

A popular song to play as a background song as the reception doors open.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You make my dreams come true
I just wanna be close to you
And do all the things you want me to

Twice My Age – Shabba Ranks feat. Krystal

Released in 1990

Not fitting for every wedding due to the lyrics but a popular reggae song nonetheless.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m in love with a man, nearly twice my age,
Don’t know what it is, but its a hit from me youthful days,
As I go my way, I don’t care what people say,
I’m in love with a man, nearly twice my age!

Tip: See a list of the Reggaeton party hits right now.

1980s Reception Fun

Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Released in 1988

A fun song to sing and snap your fingers while signature drinks are being served as guests enter the reception hall.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause when you’re worried your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don’t worry be happy

Good Thing Going – Sugar Minott

Released in 1988

A song about a relationship that you won’t want to throw away.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Do you know what you’re kicking away
We’ve got a good thing goin’, baby
We’ve got a groovy thing

I Want To Wake Up With You – Boris Gardiner

Released in 1986

A song dedication telling your lover that you want to spend the night together can be played near the end of the night.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I want you to be
The first thing that i see
I wanna wake up with you
And throughout the night
I wanna hold you tight

Here I Come – Barrington Levy

Released in 1984

The song was a crossover hit and even reached number 41 on the UK Singles Chart in 1985.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Because you are old, and I am young
Yes while I’m young, yes I wanna have some fun
Run me down! Whoah, seen!

One Love/People Get Ready – Bob Marley

Released in 1984

A love theme made for weddings that will have everyone singing the words.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

As it was in the beginning (one love)
So shall it be in the end (one heart)
All right! Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Let’s get together and feel all right

Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths

Released in 1983

The most popular song to play for the electric slide line dance.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ve got to move
I’m going on a party ride
I’ve got to groove, groove, groove
And from this music
I just can’t hide

Red Red Wine – UB40

Released in 1983

A song you should play during cocktail hour particularly if you are serving wine!

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Red, red wine, stay close to me
Don’t let me be alone
It’s tearing apart my blue heart

Love Has Found Its Way – Dennis Brown

Released in 1982

A song celebrating love and will fill the air with good feels.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause love has found its way
In our hearts today
Love has found its way
In our hearts today

Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant

Released in 1982

A popular reggae dance tune from the 80s that will have dancers raising their fists to the beat.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh no, we gonna rock down to electric avenue
And then we’ll take it higher

Night Nurse – Gregory Isaacs

Released in 1982

Even though the song is a break-up song it can be played if one of the wedding couple is a nurse for a tribute.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Night nurse
Only you alone, can quench this here thirst
My night nurse
Oh, the pain is getting worse
I’m hurt by love

Bam Bam – Sister Nancy

Released in 1982

An iconic Reggae party song that must be on every Reggae playlist.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m a lady, I’m not a man
MC is my ambition
I come from nice up Jamaica
So bam bam, what a bam bam

I’m Getting Married – Yellowman

Released in 1982

A song that salutes the fact of getting married the next day. Play it on the eve of your wedding day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m getting married in the morning
Ding dong! You hear the church bell ring
She have mi yellow baby and I’m gonna mind it
So take me to the church on time

Sitting & Watching – Dennis Brown

Released in 1981

A song to play to represent two families taking care of each other and joining forces.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Giving your heart and soul to vanity, yeah
Makes one’s life filled with pain and misery
While life goes on everyone’s got to stand strong
You can’t surrender

I’ll Do Anything for You – Denroy Morgan

Released in 1981

A dance song to pay at the beginning of dancing for the older folks.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Anything you want me to
I’ll give the world to you
If you want me to

Down Under – Men At Work

Released in 1981

A widely recognizable song to play for the right crowd as a dance song with lyrics to belt out.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh! Do you come from a land down under (oh yeah yeah)
Where women glow and men plunder
Can’t you hear, can’t you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover

Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley

Released in 1980

An upbeat love-themed Marley song to play at any moment of your wedding day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’ve got a life to live
They say: only, only
Only the fittest of the fittest shall survive
Stay alive! Eh!
Could you be loved and be loved?

Someone Loves You Honey – J.C. Lodge

Released in 1980

A song about loving your partner and can accent a wedding moment such as cutting the wedding cake.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I wanna share your life
Every minute, every day and night
And I want you to know
That whatever you do and wherever you go, remember

Now that you are at the bottom of the list of Reggae songs, next you should see the styles of music for a wedding ceremony and reception.

1970s Vibin’ Beats

Is This Love – Bob Marley

Released in 1978

A song about a desire to love and take care of your love forever and a day. Check out the Allen Stone cover too.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I want to love you
And treat you right
I want to love you
Every day and every night

All I Have Is Love – Gregory Isaacs

Released in 1978

A classic song to set the mood for romance as a background song.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Some other men will buy you diamonds and pearls
And those are the things that mean a lot to some girls
But all I have is love, darling, all I have is love

Melody Life – Marcia Griffiths

Released in 1978

A love story about getting married and settling down.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When your in love it’s a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down

Truly – Marcia Griffiths

Released in 1978

A song about being deeply in love.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I said
Truly,
I love you truly
Truly,
I love you truly

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Released in 1977

A popular song to play at weddings and has been used as a parent-child dance song for a fun dance without being lovey-dovey.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Singin’: “Don’t worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!
Every little thing gonna be all right. Don’t worry!”

Everything I Own – Ken Boothe

Released in 1974

A song about giving a commitment to your lover and a cover of the song made famous by the band Bread.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
And I would give anything I own
Just to have you back again

High Tide or Low Tide – Bob Marley

Released in 1973

A song about standing by the one you love through the highs and lows.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

In high seas or in low seas
I’m gonna be your friend
He said, “I’m gonna be your friend”

Stir It Up – Bob Marley and the Wailers

Released in 1972

A song you can play to get everyone swaying to the music!

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ll push the wood (stir it, stir it, stir it together)
Then I’ll blaze your fire
Then I satisfy your heart’s desire

I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash

Released in 1972

A song that is still very popular today that everyone will sing at the top of their lungs.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for

Cherry Oh Baby – Eric Donaldson

Released in 1971

A great sing-along song but be careful not to turn it up too loud as the high-pitched voice may scare young ones.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I will never let you down
I will never make you wear no frown
If you say that you love me madly
Oh, baby, I will receive you gladly

1960s Unforgettable Tracks

My Boy Lollipop – Millie

Released in 1964

A fun song to play while cutting the cake as the cake and lollipop are both sweet treats.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

My boy Lollipop
You make my heart go giddy-up
You set the world on fire
You are my one desire

1950s Classic Songs

Banana Boat (Day-O) – Harry Belafonte

Released in 1956

Fun fact, the album that features this song is the first album to reach 1 million copies sold. It is commonly played at sporting events but can be played as a limbo song.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Day, is a day-o
(Daylight come and we want go home)
Day, is a day, is a day, is a day, is a day, is a day-o
(Daylight come and we want go home)

Music Sources:

• DJ Curtis – Jamaican DJ
• DJs’ Playlists
• Couples’ Playlists
• Amazon Best Sellers
• Spotify

Dancehall Wedding Songs

There are other dancehall artists who receive quite a bit of airplay, but their lyrics are unsuitable for wedding playlists unless it’s a predominantly Caribbean audience. Dancehall artists such as Assassin, Busy Signal, Konshens, Mavado, Popcaan, and Vybz Kartel are popular on the dancehall scene and have sold millions of records/albums.

Reggae is all music that has a rhythm accented with an offbeat usually on the second and fourth beats of each bar. In addition, the rhythm guitar emphasizes the third beat or holds the chord on the second beat until the fourth is played. The third beat’s speed and the use of complex bass are a signature of reggae music.

Reggae formed from ska, mento, and R&B styles of music. The biggest propitiator of reggae music is Bob Marley. Bob Marley started with the musical group the Wailers promoting the image of the urban guerilla. Bob’s stardom peaked when he converted to a more soulful-pop melody sound in the early 1970s.

Calypso is a Distinct Musical Genre

A clear distinction we want to make is that many times Calypso/Soca music is usually categorized as Reggae music; which it is not. Those genres originate from Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Tobago.

Sadly, many music services like iTunes and Spotify categorize that music style as Reggae. We are referring to songs like Bunji Garlin – Differentology, Kevin Lyttle – Turn Me On, Machel Montano – Fast Wine, Rupee – Tempted to Touch, etc. They are not technically part of the Reggae genre.

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