By Emmy Poppinga
Reggae is a genre of music originating in Jamaica in the 1960s, inspired by ska, calypso and rhythm-and-blues, and is largely popular in Hawaii and several other places. Reggae I like to listen to has a smooth, fluid beat, and I highly recommend the band Stick Figure (whose lead singer lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains) to those who are just starting to get into the genre. Coming from a professional reggae-er, here are my top 5 Stick Figure recommendations (+1 from my father, Jeff Poppinga).
“Out the Door”
My most favorite song by Stick Figure by far, with its melancholy-but-still-optimistic rhythm singing of lost love and a feeling of relief after a breakup. It was released on November 6, 2015, on the album Set in Stone.
“Smokin’ Love”
This tune, as the song may suggest, is about getting high with a lover, an emotional high. The relaxing beat provides a feeling of whimsical reality. The rhythm urges you to slowly dance around– I can never sit still when I listen to it. “Smokin’ Love” was also released on Set in Stone.
“Sound of the Sea”
“Sound of The Sea” gives off a feeling of awe for natures’ beauty while keeping a rather island-like spirit, while also incorporating a sort of weary feeling of wanting to be home again. The song keeps a steady drumline throughout the entire 5:40 it plays. “Sound of The Sea” was also released on Set in Stone in 2015 (Starting to see a pattern here? Yeah. Listen to Set in Stone :P).
“Vibes Alive”
“Vibes Alive” sings about perseverance, inspiring mellow-but-determined emotions by singing “move forward always, even when you’re feeling bad”, saying that one must continue going, even if they feel like they can’t. The rhythmic drumline accompanied by the soft guitar provides a sense of calmness in the storm. “Vibes Alive” was released on November 3, 2009, on the album Smoke Stack.
“Once in a Lifetime”
“Once in a Lifetime” sings of ancient insight to the inner workings of the world– that everyone has a purpose and they have an opportunity to find out what it is. The slow beat has a warm sensation that makes you feel loved and welcomed. “Once in a Lifetime” was released on August 30, 2019, on the album World On Fire. This is arguably my English teacher’s number one played tune on Spotify.
“Edge of the Ocean”
This epic tune gives off a feeling of freedom and hope; a chance to start over. The mellow beat inspires acceptance and friendship– I’m assuming from loved ones and from the sea itself. “Edge of the Ocean” was released on September 9, 2022, on the album Wisdom.
All the members of Stick Figure– frontman and self-taught reggae extraordinaire Scott Woodruff; keyboardist Kevin Bong (KBong); drummer Kevin Offitzer; bassist Tommy Sullivan; guitarist, other keyboardist and backup vocal singer Johnny Cosmic; and percussionist Will Phillips– are very talented men, so a big shoutout goes to them for making such great albums full of beautiful songs for past, current, and future reggae-ers.