4 reggae albums that helped form the sound of 1975 are being acknowledged by Rolling Stone as a part of the journal’s curated listing of the 75 Greatest Albums of 1975. The listing consists of celebrated initiatives from Bob Marley & the Wailers, Toots and The Maytals, Burning Spear, and Lee “Scratch” Perry, affirming reggae’s rising world affect throughout that period.
At #6 is Funky Kingston by Toots and The Maytals. Described as a soulful mixture of roots reggae and American rhythm and blues, this album turned a gateway for a lot of listeners discovering reggae for the primary time. Produced by Chris Blackwell and recorded in Kingston and London, it options well-loved songs like Stress Drop and Time Robust. The album additionally ranked #344 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Best Albums of All Time listing in 2020.
Coming in at #18 is Stay! by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Recorded in July 1975 at London’s Lyceum Theatre, it captures Marley’s explosive stage presence. The album consists of hits like No Girl, No Cry, Get Up Stand Up, and I Shot the Sheriff. Launched by Island Data, Stay! has earned gold and platinum certifications in a number of nations, proving its lasting affect on music followers worldwide.
Burning Spear’s Marcus Garvey is listed at #21. Typically referred to as one of the vital politically charged reggae albums of its time, the 10-track undertaking speaks to Black id and Pan-Africanism. Produced by Lawrence Lindo and that includes legendary musicians like Tyrone Downie and Earl “Chinna” Smith, the album stands out with tracks like Slavery Days and Purple, Inexperienced and Gold.
Lee “Scratch” Perry and his studio band The Upsetters additionally seem on the listing at #50 with Revolution Dub. Recorded at Perry’s well-known Black Ark Studio in Kingston, the album is taken into account a standout in dub reggae, recognized for its experimental sound and deep rhythms. Tracks like Bush Weed and Personal Man present Perry’s distinctive manufacturing fashion, which might affect many years of music throughout genres.
These albums not solely outlined a pivotal yr in reggae historical past, however in addition they helped to form reggae’s worldwide journey. Funky Kingston even earned a spot on Jazz & Pop journal’s Greatest Albums of 1975, highlighting how Jamaican music was gaining floor within the U.S. and past.
Rolling Stone launched the list in April 2025, however the affect of those albums continues to echo at this time. As reggae continues to encourage new generations, these works function a reminder of the style’s roots, depth, and world attain.
