The festive season wouldn’t be complete without the customary year-end lists, and the compilation featuring the standout reggae and dancehall albums of the past 12 months is indispensable. It’s important to clarify that this ranking is far from being an exact science and not based on sales; rather, its a deeply personal reflection of individual taste. This particular list isn’t intended to wield influence or set trends; instead, it includes all the albums that resonated most in the vibrant world of reggae and dancehall released in 2023.
There are albums that slipped through the cracks, whether due to my inability to give them a listen despite our best intentions or simply an oversight in their inclusion. However, try not to view any omissions as a tragedy.
In no particular order, here are my picks for the best reggae and dancehall albums released in 2023.
- No Love- Byron Messia
- Born for Greatness – Buju Banton
- Love Songs – Peter Fox
- 5th Dimension– Stonebwoy
- Simma – Beenie Man
- No Destroyer – Burning Spear
- Great Is He – Popcaan
- Reset in Dub – Panda Bear, Sonic Boom, Adrian Sherwood
- Merca Zip – Merca Bae
- Black Man Time – Richie Spice
- Hostile Environment – Creation Rebel
- Destiny – Lee “Scratch” Perry
- On A Mission – Blvk H3ro
- Bad Juvi Mixtape – Pablo YG
- Clarks a Clarks – Jah Thomas
- Strength – Samory I
- Take It Easy – Collie Buddz
- Current Situation Riddim – Various Artists
- Reggae Cover Up – Conkarah
- Golden – Marcia Griffiths
- Countree Hype Cosa Nostra – EP – Countree Hype
- Generation of Kings – Masicka
- Powerful Dread – Kenny Smyth
- I Give You Love – Mykal Rose
- Time Bomb EP – Cham & Bounty Killer
- Rebirth Of The Cool Ruler – Gregory Isaacs
- Black Attack – Mutabaruka
- Energy Never Lie – Zagga
- Yaksta – 22
- Rub-A-Dub Soul – Clive Hunt
- In Search Of Zion – Protoje
- Music Is Mine – Ginjah
- Ah Mi Yard- Perfect Giddimani
- Cool Reminder- Elephant Man
- Undeniable– Jah Cure
- Real Step – Bassajam
- The I-Grade – Sizzla
- No Excuses- Charly Blak
- Colors Of Royal- Julian Marley, Alexx Antaeus
- Time and Color- Bulby York
- Two Riddim Clash Volume One – Various Artists
- Outta Sync – Don Letts
- Prince Fatty Meets The Gorgon In Dub – Bunny Lee
- Occupied Mind – Aidonia
- Proof Of Concept – Bobby Hustle
- Mad Ting 3 – Blaiz Fayah
- Dancehall Gift – I-Octane
- Come Back Home EP – Vybz Kartel
- 4:14- Valiant
- Alborosie- Destiny
Listen to all the albums on Spotify :
