Beginner’s Guide to Building a Reggae Vinyl Collection

If you’re new to collecting vinyl and want to dive into reggae, you’re in for a treat. Reggae is a genre rich in culture, rhythm, and soul, and experiencing it on vinyl is one of the most authentic ways to appreciate its essence.

Here’s a guide to help you start your reggae vinyl collection and ensure you make choices that you’ll cherish for years to come.

1. Start with the Essentials

Before diving deep into little-known tracks or rare pressings, build a foundation with reggae’s legendary albums and artists. These classics capture the essence of reggae and give you a strong base to expand your collection.

Here are some beginner-friendly suggestions:

• Bob Marley & The Wailers – Soul Rebel. This timeless classic produced by Lee Perry marks a pivotal moment in reggae history. It showcases Bob Marley’s early artistry and the powerful synergy between the Wailers, blending soulful melodies with revolutionary themes, laying the foundation for Bob Marley’s rise as a global icon and reggae’s ascent as a transformative genre.

Read the article “The Wailers vs. Bob Marley & the Wailers”.

• Culture – Two Sevens Clash. A landmark roots reggae album that captures the spirit of 1970s Rastafarian culture and prophecy, with strong political and social messages.

Read more about this iconic band in “How Culture shaped reggae’s soul: the legacy of Joseph Hill”.

• Lee Perry – Blackboard Jungle Dub. It’s one of the first-ever dub albums, marking the birth of a revolutionary reggae subgenre. Lee Perry, a production genius, uses innovative studio techniques—echo, reverb, and heavy bass—to create a deeply atmospheric and hypnotic sound.

Read more about ‘The Upsetter’ in “Meet Lee Perry, a legend of Reggae music”.

• Dennis Brown – Visions. This record highlights the soulful, conscious side of reggae. Known as the “Crown Prince of Reggae,” Dennis Brown delivers heartfelt vocals with themes of love, spirituality, and social justice.

Read his biography in “Dennis Brown: from a Jamaican child prodigy to the Crown Prince of Reggae”.

• U-Roy – The Originator. This vinyl showcases the roots of toasting, a precursor to modern rap and dancehall. U-Roy revolutionized reggae by adding his signature DJ style over existing tracks, blending rhythmic speech and melodies.

2. Explore Subgenres and Styles

Reggae is more than just one sound—it spans various subgenres such as ska, roots, dub, and dancehall. Starting with a mix will expose you to its diversity and help you discover your preferences.

• Ska Origins: Check out records by The Skatalites, Tommy McCook and Jackie Mittoo, pioneers of upbeat, brass-heavy rhythms.
• Dub Masterpieces: Dive into instrumental soundscapes by King Tubby, Augustus Pablo and Lee Perry.
• Roots Classics: Explore deep, soulful tracks from artists like Barry Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and Linval Thompson.
• Dancehall Evolution: Experience the vibrant energy of early dancehall with pioneers like Dennis Alcapone, Dillinger, and Early B, whose rhythmic toasting paved the way for modern reggae sounds.

Read more about the origins and evolution of reggae music.

3. Look for Reissues and Affordable Options

As a beginner, focus on reissues or compilations, which are often more affordable than rare originals. Reissues maintain high sound quality and are easily available in our shop. For example:

• Vivian Jackson – the label by Yabby You. Read more about him in Biography of Vivian Jackson, the “Jesus Dread”.
• Upsetter / Black Art – labels by Lee “Scratch” Perry.
• King Tubby’s – the label by Osbourne Ruddock. Ready his biography in “King Tubby, the legendary sound engineer & producer“.
• Channel One – the label that laid the foundation for what would become a reggae mecca. Read its story in “Channel One Studios and the Reggae Revolution in Jamaica“.

4. Invest in Quality Over Quantity

It can be tempting to buy everything you come across, but quality matters more than quantity. Invest in albums with historical or musical significance. Look for clean vinyl in good condition, especially if you’re buying pre-owned records. Our shop offers a carefully curated selection to ensure you get value for your money.

5. Build Your Collection Around Your Taste

Reggae is deeply personal, reflecting stories, struggles, and celebrations. As you grow your collection, focus on artists and albums that resonate with you. Listen to samples online, read artist bios, and discover the stories behind the music.

6. Where to Buy Your Records

Finding a reliable source for reggae vinyl is key. At Enkis Music Records, we specialize in reggae records, offering a wide selection for both beginners and seasoned collectors. Whether you’re looking for classics, modern hits, or rare finds, you’ll find something to fit your style and budget.

7. Final Tip: Enjoy the Journey

Building a vinyl collection is not a race—it’s a journey. Take your time, enjoy the process, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of reggae music. Start small, explore often, and let the music guide you.

Ready to start your reggae vinyl journey? Check out our reggae vinyl shop for handpicked records perfect for beginners!