Reggae Fever Radio Show presents our top album picks of 2025! Focusing mainly on roots, rockers, dub and rubadub releases, we put special emphasis on lesser-known, non-mainstream albums that deserve your attention.
Hit the play button above each review to dive straight into the music. Hover over the album cover while it’s playing to see the full playlist and a direct link to the artist’s Bandcamp — your backstage pass to the sounds of 2025!
Hollie Cook “Shy Girl”
Mr. Bongo
Lovers Rock/Roots
LP/CD/Digital
Abandoning the tropical pop style that defined her previous four albums comes as something of a surprise, but reimagining the sound through an ’80s lovers rock lens on “Shy Girl” is nothing short of excellent. The influence of classic UK queens Janet Kay and Carol Thompson is unmistakable, while discreet traces of 1970s Jamaican roots reggae and 1980s rubadub also surface in several riddims. Strong horn sections and guitar lines now take center stage, replacing the keyboards, layered percussion, and orchestral textures that once evoked the sound of ocean waves. This is, above all, a record that radiates warmth — an album suitable for winter listening rather than tropical escapism. Hollie Cook’s voice has rarely sounded better: divine, assured, and emotionally resonant, effortlessly transforming intimacy into something that gently melts the listener away.
Earl Sixteen & The Co-Operators “Concrete Rockers”
Waggle Dance Records
Roots/Dub
LP/Digital
It feels only natural that a legendary Jamaican singer — one who recorded at Studio One and Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark, and worked with the likes of Junjo Lawes and Herman Chin-Loy — would eventually cross paths with a young Bristol crew that has spent years enthusiastically reconstructing the sound of 1970s Jamaican reggae. Sharing a distinctive sonic identity marked by a melancholic mood and steady groove, Co-Operators prove to be the perfect vehicle for Earl Sixteen to reconnect with his roots, while also expressing a deep longing for homeland on tracks such as “Kingston Road Map” and the flute-tinged “Country Living,” and even bringing class struggle to the foreground on “Smile On Your Face.” The dub versions on the B-side fit seamlessly into the roots reggae aesthetic and once again highlight the strength of Bristol’s Co-Operators modern analogue production approach.
The Tribulizations “Melody Babylon”
Lion Vibes Records
Rockers/Digi
LP/Digital
It’s a full package with The Tribulazations — a Brighton, UK–based vocal harmony duo — offering not only rockers music, but also a fashion aesthetic that brings to life the full spectrum of Jamaican styles celebrated in the legendary Rockers and Babylon films. The “Melody Babylon” is by no means the lightweight record one might expect from a harmony duo inspired by the Golden Era of Jamaican culture. Instead, it hits as hard as possible, driven largely by Sinky Beatz digital productions that frequently dissolve into continuous, short dub versions. With Frankie Dread and Tara Gold riding the riddims through infectious vocal arrangements, sharp social commentary, and harmonies built around catchy refrains, there is no room for filler tracks on this LP. A clear favorite for us comes from “Fade Away,” delivering the instantly memorable line: “United we stand, divided we fall, Reggae Fever will save us all!”
Sister Nancy “Armageddon”
Ariwa Sounds
Rubadub/Dub/Steppers
LP/Digital
After years of waiting, the legendary MC Sister Nancy delivers a full-length album built around the 2021 sound system hit “Armageddon.” The unmistakable Mad Professor/Ariwa deep-production style is omnipresent, paired with DJ reconstructions of cult Jamaican classics such as “Guess Who’s Coming To The Dinner” and “Left With A Broken Heart,” the latter version extending into a discomix dub. All of it is crowned by Sister Nancy’s unmistakable vocal presence and commanding style. Backed by an all-star cast of UK reggae musicians, the album provides the perfect platform for Nancy to bring fire pon the mic and generate fresh sound system-ready cuts. Solid as a rock, with rolling lyrics flowing like a river, “Armageddon” proves that Sister Nancy still has plenty to bring to the table.
Tippa Lee meets the Naram Rhythm Section “Musically Bad”
Red Robin Records
Rubadub/Digi
LP/Digital
Speaking of a digi rub-a-dub revival, Jamaican veteran Tippa Lee delivers his finest work yet, in collaboration with perhaps the most dedicated rub-a-dub revivalists today, New Zealand’s Red Robin Records. Having already captured the hearts of listeners with singles like “Down in the Ghetto” and “Reggae A Mi Girl”, LP “Musically Bad” is a complete package that fully showcases Tippa Lee’s signature style — badder than bad — featuring both slow and fast killers, uncompromising street-level lyrics, and catchy refrains destined to echo in dance halls for years to come. Never shying away from social and political commentary, and riding militant analogue riddims, this LP sees Tippa Lee bringing fire from start to finish, determined to tear down the Babylonian tower.
Roots Architects “From Dub ‘Til Now”
Fruits Records
Dub/Instrumental
LP/CD/Digital
Without a doubt, the Roots Architects project stands as one of the most colossal and significant endeavors in honoring the original Jamaican reggae sound and the musicians who shaped it. The project brings together over 50 of Jamaica’s greatest session musicians and legendary artists who collectively gave birth to reggae in the late 1960s, transporting listeners straight back to the classic Kingston studios. Following the initial success of the instrumental LP “From Then ’Til Now”, Roberto Sanchez of A-Lone delivers a dignified dub version of the album, immersing listeners in deep, spacious dub sessions where every sound feels perfectly placed within the mix. This all-star collaboration also tells a story about the delicate balance required to produce creativity — a testament to both musical mastery and respect for reggae’s roots.
Ras Teo “Deh Pon Dem” <<< TOP PICK BY REGGAE FEVER
A-Lone Productions
Roots
LP/Digital
Apart from the classic “Marcus Garvey” album by Burning Spear, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, there have been few truly magnificent tribute albums to the late black-nationalist leader — until Ras Teo delivered “Deh Pon Dem”. While many singles, however, have honored Garvey over the years, the title track of this LP stands out as one of the greatest, offering a powerful dedication to his work and his role as a pioneer who paved the path for black liberation and the Pan-African struggle, inspiring leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, as well as the Rastafari movement itself. The rest of the album maintains this high level of creativity, with riddims and horn arrangements executed to perfection, largely dedicated to Jah and infused with spiritual motivation for the fight against Babylon. “Deh Pon Dem” is, without a doubt, the finest work yet from Ras Teo and A-Lone Ark.
“Frenchie King & The Blackstones”
Iron Sounds Records
Roots/Instrumental
CD/Digital
Mentored by the great Alton Ellis and later forming the cult band Black Stallion, Jamaican singer Frenchie King went on to work with artists such as Dennis Brown, Dennis Alcapone, Dave Barker, and many others, refining his own distinctive style. Fast forward to 2025, and he finally showcases that style in a perfect collaboration with the experienced Iron Sounds and producer Alien Dread. Already established through work with The Blackstones and Alvin Davis, the production team delivers a showcase album complete with horn-driven instrumental versions and matching riddims, providing the ideal roots platform for Frenchie King to shine. He excels both on original tracks like “Ride Posse Ride” and “Let My People Go” and on covers such as “Is It Because I’m Black.” With bright tones layered over heavy riddims, this is an album that proves Frenchie King’s voice deserves every spotlight it gets.
Roots Makers & John Lyndon X “Travelling By Dragonfly”
Back To Basics Records
Rockers/Soul/Lovers Rock
LP/Digital
Toronto-based singer John Lyndon X, originally from Grenada, has just released his fifth studio album, this time in collaboration with the Toulouse crew Roots Makers. Travelling By Dragonfly delivers impeccably crafted roots & rockers, with drummer Karigan driving the riddims in a Revolutionaries style reminiscent of Sly Dunbar, while DM Khan’s flowing basslines fill the soundscape with rich depth. The LP cover evokes the feel of vintage 1980s soul albums, while the music itself blends socially conscious, progressive tracks with smooth lovers rock. Each vocal performance, delivered with John Lyndon X’s soulful and gentle voice, also comes with a dub counterpart on the B-side, creating a fully immersive experience that leaves no room for compromise — this is an album to truly lose yourself in.
Clive Matthews “Going Home”
A-Lone Productions
Roots
LP/CD/Digital
Amazingly, Matthews’ voice fits perfectly into the horn-driven, mostly up-tempo rockers style reminiscent of Bunny Lee’s legendary Flying Cymbals productions common for A-Lone. Now, this Spanish production has done it again, delivering roots reggae at its finest with another Jamaican veteran blazing through classic reggae-themed lyrics that celebrate the Lion of Judah, breaking the chains of captivity and vanity, and honoring reggae itself. Pan-African pride takes center stage on the track “Going Home,” around which the LP’s themes are clearly built. Having previously delivered the acclaimed LP Jah Live, this collaboration was always destined to shine — and the strong bond between these two ensures another LP that will shake both your home and sound system sessions.
The Breadwinners “Hi Dynamic Instrumental & Dub”
The Breadwinners
Roots/Dub/Instrumental
LP/Digital
In his signature instrumental style, Manchester-based Al Breadwinner shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to creating vast instrumental dub reggae soundscapes. Following the highly acclaimed LPs African Shores by Vin Gordon, Upright Living, and Sounds Almighty by Nat Birchall, Hi Dynamic Instrumental feels like a natural continuation — setting yet another high standard for flowing, blazing, horn-led reggae and production that once again channels the spirit of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark foundations. Once again working with a familiar crew of musicians, including Vin Gordon himself, the album offers a sense of relief and salvation in these “Crazy Times,” built firmly on the legendary “Crazy Baldheads” riddim made famous by Bob Marley.
GAUDI “Jazz Gone Dub”
GAUDI
Reggae/Jazz/Instrumental
LP/CD/Digital
The deep connection between reggae and jazz is explored once again, this time with Italian producer and musician Gaudi going even further and delivering a truly top-tier fusion of the two sibling genres. Featuring foundational figures such as Ernest Ranglin, Sly & Robbie, alongside Jah Wobble and Horseman, this LP flows like milk and honey, driven by exceptionally creative arrangements and a strong jazz sensibility that expands into immersive dub sonic space as never before. Every instrument is carefully and evenly placed across the tracks, each tune carrying the feeling of expertly executed improvisation. It seems as though Ernest Ranglin’s legendary Below the Bassline has finally found its rightful successor.
Adrian Sherwood “The Collapse Of Everything”
On-U Sound
Dub/Rock/Experimental
LP/CD/Digital
A true synonym for dub experimentation and sonic innovation is Adrian Sherwood. Constantly pushing toward new combinations of sound and uncovering fresh possibilities within dub soundscapes, he does it once again on The Collapse of Everything. The album draws on a wide spectrum of instruments, effects, and moods — ranging from rock, blues and psychedelic textures to oriental influences. Sounds that would rarely be imagined together are miraculously fused into a coherent whole, each element finding its rightful place in the mix. Sharp dub cuts and dark, heavy basslines add the tension of an intense thriller soundtrack, reinforcing Sherwood’s reputation as a master architect of sound. With this release, he once again proves why he deserves the title of The Grand Designer.
Ken Boothe & Jah Wobble “Old Fashioned Way“
Goldenlane Records
Reggae/Dub/Ska
LP/CD/Digital
Only a musical pioneer like Jah Wobble could attract another pioneer, Jamaican singer Ken Boothe, to return with a new album after gaps of eight and thirteen years since his previous studio releases. For the first time, we hear classics such as “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Everything I Own” reimagined in a modern dub setting, constantly floating between vocal and dub versions while maintaining total respect for the original compositions and arrangements. Crafted in a revived yet distinctly old-school style (as the album title itself suggests), the production is rich, heavy on the bass, and finely detailed — the kind of deep, weighty sound that only a few maestros of Jah Wobble’s caliber can deliver.
Abja “Journey Of Gratitude”
Trinity Farm Music
Roots
Digital
Overwhelming basslines and sharp production provide the perfect foundation for Abja to present an even sharper vocal style, sounding like a blend of Daweh Congo and Benjamin Vaughn—the latter connection being no surprise, as Vaughn composed and produced the music. The messages hit directly, rooted in deep spiritual devotion to Jah, strengthening faith while calling for unity among oppressed Africans in the struggle against oppression. Reminding us that Jah Will Find a Way, the album also insists that being Brave for Life is essential in today’s troubled world.
Junior Roy & Dub Shepherds “Trodding On”
BAT Records
Roots/Rubadub
LP/Digital
Young singer and one of the most promising rising roots artists to emerge in recent years, Junior Roy delivers his second album with the full-length showcase release Trodding On. Riding warm, full-bodied basslines courtesy of Dub Shepherds — production who have honed their craft through collaborations with Echo Minott and Joseph Cotton — the album provides a solid and authentic foundation from start to finish. Nurturing a vocal style reminiscent of Michael Rose and other artists who laid the groundwork for the transition from roots to rub-a-dub, Junior Roy positions himself somewhere between those traditions. It’s no surprise, then, that “Fittest” feels like a subtle tribute to a Black Uhuru cult classic. Still, it’s the title track and opening tune that demands the most attention, setting the tone for an album that confidently announces a new voice on the roots scene.
Joseph Lalibela meets Vibronics and The Mafia & Fluxy Band “Ancient Breeze”
Vibronics
Roots/Steppers
LP/Digital
Need sound system digital roots to fire up a session with a righteous message and shaky basslines from Mafia & Fluxy, emphasized and amplified by Steve Vibronics? Search no more. Joseph Lalibela delivers pure satisfaction for sound heads, offering words of wisdom that remind us that “Jah Is the Wheel.” Never shying away from a direct call to chant down Babylon, the LP’s highlight “Chant Down Babylon” is guaranteed to crash the dance when dropped at the right moment in a session — especially when followed by its deep, steppers-style dub version on the B-side. This LP is a clear reminder of why we love roots & rockers in the first place.
Nazamba “A Message From Zion”
O.B.F. – Dubquake Records
Rubadub/Dub Poetry/Digi
LP/Digital
The late George “Nazamba” Scott is arguably one of the greatest losses contemporary reggae has suffered. Not only did he possess a thunderous, Prince Far I–like voice, but he was also among the most prolific artists of his generation. Several years after his passing, new recordings continue to surface — including full-length releases like this collaboration with O.B.F., one of his most important musical partners. The LP also features Roots Radics, Barrington Levy, and Linval Thompson, with Thompson Sound expertise involved in shaping the album. The result is pure raw, true born reggae, layered over O.B.F.’s signature production — an album perfectly designed to reverberate through the massive speakers of any sound system, anywhere in the world.
Carl Meeks “Classeks”
Rub A Dub Mrkt
Rubadub/Digi/Dancehall
Digital
In an homage to the 1980s rub-a-dub revolution and the riddims that ushered in the dancehall era, Rub A Dub Mrkt has teamed up with the legendary Carl Meeks, a true participant of that golden period. He proves the perfect guide, delivering a mix of militant and easygoing tunes over sharp, fast digital riddims that pay tribute to and revive classics like Movie Star, Father Jungle Rock, and Mister Bassie. Fueling the fire further, Papa Michigen and rising rub-a-dub MCs Derrick Parker and Screechy Dan help drive the sound system pulse, perfectly complementing Carl’s hard-rocking voice. Together, they bring these tunes to life in a way tailor-made to set any dancehall floor ablaze.
Christos DC & The Ligerians “Sensability”
SoulNurse Records
Roots
Digital
With each new release, The Ligerians sound like a band with a decade more experience in roots craftsmanship. It was only a matter of time before their path crossed with spiritual reggae singer Christos DC, who fits seamlessly and gracefully into The Ligerians’ riddims and production, renowned for their divine atmospheric feel. Since his collaboration single with legend Don Carlos, Christos DC has been developing a distinctive style — built on a foundation of high-pitched vocals and a Midnite-influenced approach, perhaps even more so than the traditional Jamaican foundation sound. Roots enthusiasts, especially fans of the St. Croix vibe, are in for a real treat with this release.
10 MORE ALBUMS THAT DESERVE YOUR ATTENTION
The Tighters “Lovely Love” (Roots)
A rootically based LP featuring the legendary Keith & Tex, who honor the Pan-African struggle and deliver a blazing anti-colonial message on their standout track “Africa Will Rise.”
Flying Vipers “Off World” (Soulful Reggae)
This LP is deeply soulful and spacious, weaving in touches of rockers and even occasional punky bursts, resulting in a bold fusion that evokes the spirit of classic UK post-punk.
Hornsman Coyote “Madman Slide” (Instrumental)
Packed with richly layered riddims, shifting from slow one-drops to driving rockers, with Hornsman Coyote’s signature trombone blazing throughout like fire.
Obidaya “New Chapter” (Roots)
French band Obidaya revives 1970s-style vocal harmonies on their second album, blending classic roots echoes with sweet riddims, production, and standout track ‘What May Be’.
Essah “Success” (Digital Rubadub)
Representing the new generation of Jamaican artists, young Essah takes the stage on modern Evidence riddims, showcasing his bold and resilient style to a wider international audience.
Soulcraft & Masso Narradi “Book Of Life”
A strong and steady performance, pulsing with a vibrant, jazzy feel, marks the first fully instrumental release by Belgrade-based Soulcraft, following several vocal collaborations.
“Balkan Dub System” (Instrumental)
In his new project, Egoless blends dub with oriental sounds, merging Balkan and Western Asian influences to showcase the unique melodies of these folk traditions.
Marina P & Co-Operators “Know Nothing About”
Easy-going riddims carry honest, emotional lyrics from Marina P, as her personal experiences and everyday observations take center stage, delivered through her distinctive, raspy voice.
Notice
All reviews are based on our personal listening experience and are entirely subjective; they are not ranked in any particular order. As a non-profit radio show, we welcome your feedback—if you find any review offensive or unsuitable for your music presentation, please let us know, and we will remove it. Otherwise, we thank you for the music and you are always welcome to send your promotion materials to reggaefever.radio@gmail.com.
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