Greetings Superstars!
I don’t know about you, but when I hear a rock or pop song that blends a little reggae into the sauce, it makes me sit up and snap my fingers. I’ll bet that you don’t even notice all of the great songs influenced by reggae music. Here are six of my favorites:
“Watching The Detectives” - Elvis Costello
This song from 1977 bobs along so effortlessly that it takes a moment before the lyrics sink in—it’s dark stuff. But I love a little dark comedy and especially appreciate the lyric: ‘She’s filing her nails while they’re dragging the lake.’ I mean, what imagery!
“The Tide Is High” - Blondie
I’ve loved this song since I was a little kid. That’s why I’m surprised to learn that it’s a cover. Blondie heard a recording of it in 1980, originally by a 1960s group called The Paragons. I’m including it anyway, because Blondie’s version is hypnotic and iconic.
“Electric Avenue” - Eddy Grant
I belong to a Facebook group for fans of the movie, Valley Girl, so when I hear this song’s opening, “Oy!” I think of the party that Nicholas Cage crashes to get the girl. Eddy Grant is a legend but in 1982, “Electric Avenue” became popular in the States thanks to heavy MTV rotation as a pop song.
“I'm Free” - The Soup Dragons
I remember riding around with friends in somebody’s Subaru Sidekick in high school, blasting this song and shouting out the refrain. What teen doesn’t yearn for freedom, and “I’m Free” was the perfect anthem in 1990. Well, I just learned that THIS TOO is a cover—of a Rolling Stones song. Again, I’m including it because everyone knows it’s The Soup Dragons’s song.
“Underneath It All” - No Doubt
This song, first released in 2001, won a Grammy and ended up on the 50 First Dates soundtrack. It was actually produced in Jamaica, so there’s no question that it’s infused with reggae. In fact, legendary producers Sly and Robbie and guest vocalist Lady Saw were contributors. Quite a nepo baby of a song, and so groovy.
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” - The Beatles
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” is the O.G. of all mainstream popular songs crafted in a reggae style. Sir Paul McCartney wrote it and The Beatles released it in 1968. It’s bouncy like ska, and references superstar Desmond Dekker.
I still have a slew of songs on my list, but I’ll follow up with another episode. If you have any to add, please leave a comment!
I hope that your week is full of music—of any genre—that makes you feel as relaxed and powerful as reggae.
TTY!
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