Rocksteady

Jamaican music that evolved from ska in late 1966 and had its glory until 1968 when it laid the groundwork for reggae and was replaced by reggae. Although rocksteady is the successor to ska, the differences are marked. Rocksteady is slower, more refined and cooler. The walking bass line that ska inherited from R&B has changed and is not played on every beat with the same emphasis. Instead, it played a repetitive pattern that synchronized the beat. Both bass and drums play a significant role in rocksteady, and it is sometimes called the Jamaican drum and base. The style is also known as "rock steady" (instead of rocksteady), which also referred to the bass and drums as steady rock in rhythm. The vocals are often sweet, soulful and romantic.