Mento was popular in the early 1900s and is sometimes confused with Jamaican calypso, which in actuality is an import from Trinidad and Tobago. Mento music stands out because of its three-three-two rhythm. Mento bands usually feature a banjo, an acoustic guitar, hand drums and a rhumba box. The most popular mento song was Harry Belafonte's Banana Boat Song recorded in the 1950s. While mento is not as popular as reggae, ska and dancehall, it still has large audiences in Jamaican tourist areas.
Ska is an energetic, upbeat rhythm that became popular in the 1950s. It combines mento with American rhythm and blues and jazz. It is mainly characterized by the drum keeping four-four time while the guitar simultaneously keeps two-three time. A typical ska band features a piano, a guitar, drums and a horn section. Ska became popular as Jamaicans became aware of American jazz and rhythm and blues. In short, ska adds a Caribbean flavor to the music born in the United States.
Rocksteady only enjoyed popularity for about two years but was credited with laying the groundwork for reggae. Rocksteady's slow beat and heavy bass differ it from ska, although the ska back beat is still present. Rocksteady songs were usually divided into two categories, the rude boy element and romance. Some of the most popular rocksteady songs were "No Good Rudie" by Justin Hinds & the Dominoes; "Don't Be a Rude Boy" by The Rulers, and "Girl I've Got a Date" by Alton Ellis.
Reggae music is played with a slow tempo in four-four time with emphasis on the third beat of each bar music. Reggae songs are extremely uncomplicated, with some reggae songs using only two chords. Instruments used by reggae bands include, drums, guitars, bass guitars, and a horn section. Reggae music is heavily influenced by the Rastafarian movement, and attracted many rude boys who were previously interested in rocksteady music. Reggae lyrics are about love as well as socio-political issues, and is often revolutionary, heavily laced with the Rastafarian influence.
Lovers rock, a variation of reggae, stands out because of its romantic sound and content. Lovers Rock began in South London during the mid 1970s. Lovers rock was more palatable because it was rhythmically pleasing but had none of the socio-political themes or ties to the Rastafarian moement dominant in reggae music at the time.
Dancehall music uses electronic drums and is deliberately played at a faster tempo than reggae to encourage listeners to dance. Dancehall disc jockeys usually talk over the music while it is playing. This banter is referred to as "Toasting" a lewd form of rapping. Dancehall has gotten a lot of attention for its questionable lyrics, many of which promote misogyny, homophobia and violence.