AllMusic's Favorite Reggae Albums of 2011

Long a singles and radio-related genre, reggae's relationship with the album remained casual in 2011, but that doesn't mean the format didn't offer up some great full-lengths. Reissues and comps ruled, as they often do, although Chino surprised with his ambitious debut, while the always welcome Shaggy made his return with a feel-good EP. Good to see veterans Monty Alexander and Third World releasing vital music too, while both the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry and the Marley clan are represented, and both through reissues along with new material. Comps came from all over the place with overviews of the Bristol scene, shuffle blues, and the one-drop anthem, adding up to a list that flies in the face of your "all sounds the same" assumptions.


Monty Alexander - Harlem-Kingston Express
Chino - Chino
Easy Star All-Stars - First Light
I-Wayne - Life Teachings
Gregory Isaacs - The Ruler: 1972-1990
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Live Forever: The Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh PA, 23/09/80
Ziggy Marley - Wild and Free
Midnite - Treasure
Augustus Pablo - Message Music: Digital Productions 1986-1994
Frankie Paul - Most Wanted
Lee "Scratch" Perry - The Return of Sound System Scratch
Lee "Scratch" Perry/Bill Laswell - Rise Again
Shaggy - Summer in Kingston
Steely & Clevie - Memories
Third World - Patriots
Various Artists - The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2011
Various Artists - The Bristol Reggae Explosion (1978-1983)
Various Artists - Jumping the Shuffle Blues: Jamaican Sound System Classics 1946-1960