Decorate Valentine's Day With Lovers Rock Reggae

Lovers Rock Reggae can be a mysterious puzzle. In theory, it's the ideal genre for hugs, snuggles, kisses and canoodling between loving couples. But in practice, using Lovers Rock music to create a romantic mood on Valentine's Day can present a brain-teasing challenge. 

Sure, every collector thinks he knows Lovers Rock, but when it comes time to prepare that special dinner-for-two: sparkling candlelight, flame-red roses, scarlet napkins and dark-chocolate desserts, you'll need the perfect Lovers Rock playlist to capture the stars in her eyes, and the excitement of her smile. So, how do we create the perfect playlist? Jamaican and British Lovers Rock artists offered a most enchanting answer. In their words, the key to a romantic Valentine's Day is to select music with vibes powerful enough to play the role of Cupid himself. Mythology teaches us that Cupid fell in love with a goddess named Psyche, and your mood music should do the same. It should pamper your lover's psyche like a surprise gift.

In the same way that your lover enjoys receiving diamond earrings, golden necklaces, and eloquent poetry, her soul will appreciate a tailor-made Lovers Rock playlist that suits her personality, and caresses her heart.

"When you talk about Valentine's Day, you're basically thinking about being romantic – it's about happy couples looking out for each other," said UK reggae producer Carlton "Dillie" McLeod, owner of London-based Stingray Records. "This is one day where (couples) are taking a special time. You get a lot of couples that are actually living together, but they're (often) apart – they might only get together over the weekend, or on (Valentine's Day) because of their work situation. So Valentine's Day is like being in love, and just showing and appreciating it."

1. Emotions Are Essential

When selecting mood music, imagine that you are painting a romantic picture. For your primary colors, consider three musical properties: tempo, vibes, and most important, the actual lyrics of the songs.

"If you are wanting to set a romantic mood, you would need to use songs with respectful, meaningful, and positive content from both sexes, and leave out the heartbreak songs," said UK reggae singer Adele Harley. "You could use content that covers unrequited love, as this is often a topic for Valentine's (greeting cards), with the card sender quite often remaining anonymous. (You should use) anything sung from the heart, with deep feelings that are believable!"

In the literary genre of romance, unrequited love represents the ultimate romantic trump card – it's a universal feeling that all people have experienced, but seldom discuss openly, and thus, it's a sure-fire method of eschewing worrisome logic, and opening the door to a warm, cozy safe-zone where an emotional connection can become plush and sacred.

And as you already know, ambience needs emotion.

"A mood has definitely got to be part of it," said McLeod. "You've got to adjust the mood to build up the whole thing about Valentine's Day, and to use gifts to show appreciation. All of these things should be wrapped into one, depending on how she is feeling, but love songs represent the whole thing about Valentine's Day, totally."

Her feelings are the key. It's important to fully understand your lover's desires, and to expend great effort in choosing music that conjures the most special milestones and treasures of your relationship. For this reason, it might sometimes help to think outside of the box, even if it means selecting songs that stray from the stereotype "love-song" format.

"You should do whatever makes you happy when you're making love to your woman," said Jamaican Lovers Rock producer Computer Paul. "Some people like to make love to dance music, some people like to make love to slow music. Whatever gets that thing going with your woman, that's it."

Of course, gift-giving requires a detailed memory. When selecting Lovers Rock, pick songs with lyrics tailored specifically to your lover's previous romantic habits. Recall her favorite choices of art, candles, curtains and vacations, and pick songs whose textures and storylines are likely to make her feel validated and special. Ultimately, you're in the drivers seat – and you're the only person who knows the true musical gateway to your lover's heart.

"I think it all depends on personality," said UK Lovers Rock singer Janet Kay. "It's mostly depending on the personality of the couple, or the personality of the person playing the songs for the other half. You've got to make sure the lyrics aren't saying anything that's going to upset a woman. It's got to stick to the subject, and not have any ulterior motives. Also, you've got to know the taste of the woman that you're playing the music to. That goes hand in hand with whether it's a fast tune, or a slower tune. It's about knowing the personality of the other half – that's what sets the mood."

2. Keep The Mood Innocent

In planning a Lovers Rock playlist, it's very important to remember that romance and passion are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. Romance is an expression of love, whereas passion is the physical manifestation of attraction. Both are important, but each must be given its own time and space.

Being honest, we all "know" that passion will occur eventually during Valentine's Night, but the more important question is: How do we create a lingering romantic mood that cherishes the promise of undying love?

"Keep the mood gentle," said UK Lovers Rock singer Carroll Thompson. "Keep it sweet, and keep the sentiment of the songs romantic. Don't go for (lyrics that say things like) 'gyal lift up your leg,' – leave those songs out. (Don't go for) anything that's too rude and lewd, just play something that keeps the mood and the ambience right for that moment, because you're trying to capture a moment. You're not trying to be too obvious that you want to get her into bed, and what you want to do with her when you get her into bed, in very blatant ways. That comes later. Just make it very sensual and very seductive, with nice words and romantic feelings, and you guys will be fine."

Brisk riddims help to stimulate your spouse's youthful romantic energy, but slow songs can provide a gentler, more ethereal advantage. Slow rhythms and soft harmonies have a natural calming effect on the human brain, opening a couple's hearts to humanistic pursuits, and eliminating impatient anxieties.

"Definitely, slower songs (are effective)," said McLeod. "That's where the romantic vibes definitely are. Nice, soft, slow songs – songs of joy, songs (women) can sing along to, songs of happiness, songs about love – these are the things that (women) look for."

3. Make A Gift Compilation

Flowery love songs should be a key ingredient in preparing a comfortable Valentine's Day atmosphere for your lover. But be careful – before you download a bouquet of Lovers Rock records, understand that most studio albums contain a contradiction of vibes.

On the one hand, every Lovers Rock singer has recorded sweet, pirouetting love ballads that would complement any romantic occasion. The problem is, every singer also has recorded songs about the not-so-good side of love: songs about infidelity, sadness, and breakups, among a host of other tear-jerking topics.

In other words, the term "Lovers Rock" need not always mean "romantic reggae," – a fact that makes MP3 playlists far more romantically effective than the majority of available full-length Lovers Rock albums.

"Albums are very difficult, because you only find a lot of classic songs," said Thompson. "Not all artists have had the kind of albums that you can play from beginning to end. There's not many albums like that, but there are good songs. So I would suggest that you take the time, and cherry-pick some songs to show the woman that you're thinking about the moment, and the mood. Maybe that can be a Valentine's present in itself – a nice selection of romantic lovers rock tunes. Put your own compilation together."

In creating the perfect Lovers Rock playlist, you'll need to become acquainted with some of the most revered Lovers Rock singers:

•Beres Hammond – Adele Harley and Computer Paul both recommended Beres Hammond as their first choice for Valentine's Day mood music. "His vocals and melodies are always so easy on the ears, and his delivery on his well-known lovers tunes is almost untouchable," said Harley. "When you listen to Beres sing, it's like he sings everything from the heart, and it's so believable – full of feeling and soul – just what every woman would want to hear."

•Dennis Brown – Computer Paul also recommended Dennis Brown's love songs. Like Hammond, Brown has an elastic, emotionally-cogent lyrical style that helped shape the current state of Lovers Rock. If you build a Dennis Brown playlist, be sure to include "Little Green Apples," "Wildfire," and "Moonlight."

•John Holt – Carlton McLeod recommended John Holt's music – most notably, the love songs from his "1000 Volts of Holt" album. "When I'm relaxed and trying to get into a groove, I like to play a little John Holt – he definitely serenades the ladies a lot," said McLeod. "Of the songs that he has covered, he has covered them very well, and they're songs that everyone can relate to."

•Bitty McLean – McLeod described Bitty McLean's style as having a seductive effect on the female gender. Download some of the romantic reggae ballads from "Bond Street" and "Movin' On (especially, check out the track 'Daddy's Home')."

•Janet Kay – McLeod suggested Janet Kay's 1980s and 1990s-era love songs as a sure bet for Valentine's Day. Kay's masterpiece ballads, most of which were recorded on the Sony Japan label, are only available on compact disc. These albums are rare, so grab "Lovin' You," "Love You Always," and "For The Love of You," as soon as you can find them!

•Peter Hunnigale – McLeod also recommended Peter Hunnigale's music as a favorite among female reggae fans. Get his "Reggae Max Volume 1" and "Reggae Max Volume 2" albums, which contain his most definitive romantic hits, such as "Perfect Lady," and "Midnite Love."

•John McLean – I saved this recommendation for last, because it's probably the most intriguing. Janet Kay recommended John McLean's love ballad, "If I Gave My Heart To You," as the definitive love song for Valentine's Day. When you feel the romantic vibes of this song, you'll suddenly realize that a woman's perception of romantic reggae is much different from what a typical man would expect! With this in mind, you would be smart to make this song the cornerstone of your Valentine's Day playlist, and to use it as a model for any other love songs you might choose.

Written by Bakari Davis - LoversRockJamaica.net

Romain Virgo Spreads Positivity To Young Listeners

Romain Virgo Photo Courtesy VP Records

In 2007 singer Romain Virgo, then just 17 years old, made history as the youngest person to win Digicel Rising Stars, Jamaica’s wildly popular TV talent competition. Romain clinched the contest with his rollicking interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke”, which earned rave reviews from judges and a standing ovation from the audience. 

Romain also won the hearts of Jamaican TV viewers with his good-natured humility and robust vocals, which evoke the essence of revered soul stars Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye.

Among the prizes bestowed upon the Rising Stars champion was JA$1 million (approximately US$11,300) and the opportunity to record with producers Richard “Shams” Browne and Tony Rebel. Rebel, a successful artist in his own right, referred Romain to veteran producer Donovan Germain, the founder of Penthouse Records whose label and recording studio provided a successful launching pad for many young reggae artists throughout the late 80s through the mid 90s including Rebel, Wayne Wonder, Cutty Ranks, Sanchez and Buju Banton whom Germain managed for 18 years.

Recognizing Romain’s vast potential, Germain encouraged him to write his own songs. Romain took that advice and has since penned several reggae hits including “Wanna Go Home”, “Murderer” and the Jamaican chart topper “Can’t Sleep”, which earned the singer many fans beyond the island’s shores. Those songs, alongside several new selections comprising Romain’s impressive self-titled debut album due for release on VP Records in June, confirm that this rising star has now matured into a stellar reggae talent.

“Most people say I have been here before, that I am an old soul, and now I just come back,” said the singer who cites Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Alton Ellis and Sanchez, in addition to the aforementioned American soul legends, among his greatest influences. “I want to do good music, and have it be played not just locally but all over the world. I want my music to make a difference.”

Romain Virgo (his birth name) was born in a small district called Stepney in the parish of St. Ann. He was raised in a Christian family that sang together each Saturday night and recorded their voices on cassettes, which they would play back on Sunday morning. 

While listening to their tapes one morning, a friend of the family inquired about one of the beautiful voices she heard; young Romain, however, didn’t pay much attention to the many compliments garnered by his vocal abilities. “I never took it serious,” he reflected, “I said it is just people in the community that want to build my confidence. Then, when I was about 10, I had the mic and I was singing “Amazing Grace” in church because I like the sound of the echo in the church and everybody was saying whoa, you can really sing. That is when I started to take it seriously.”

Romain went on to become the lead singer for his church choir and by his mid-teens he was the leader of his high school choir. The Aabuthnott High School Choir entered All Together Sing, the weekly scholastic choir contest broadcast on TVJ, a Jamaican television network; they placed second out of 60 contenders and Romain’s powerful vocals established him as a national celebrity. 

“The competition was shown on local TV so everyone would look out for it every Thursday night and that is how people started knowing me,” Romain says. “At the end of the competition in 2006 people were saying you need to enter Rising Stars next year.”

Romain did just that and he describes the experience as “a dream come true. I always wondered what it would be like to win, with all of the attention focused on me. That night when the host of the show said that the winner for 2007 is Romain Virgo, I was like (he laughs and then suddenly is at a loss for words, overcome by recollections of that victorious moment), I couldn’t move. I was just looking up, giving God thanks.”

Now 20 years old, Romain is currently studying for his bachelors degree in performance at Kingston’s Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts with a major in voice and a minor in keyboard. He balances his studies with a hectic live performance schedule and the further pursuit of his recording career, which is sure to receive greater attention with the release of his exceptional debut album.

Included is Romain’s biggest hit to date “Can’t Sleep”, the second song he recorded for Donovan Germain whose productions dominate the album. “Germain is a genius; he always has some interesting arrangements for the songs but he always listens to artists’ suggestions and encourages their talent,” notes Romain who recorded most of the tracks at Penthouse. “I wasn’t even looking at myself as a writer but after “Can’t Sleep” Germain said I can really write.” “Can’t Sleep’s” appealing, deep reggae grooves and Romain’s animated delivery belie the grim ghetto realities depicted in the song’s lyrics: “This is a serious time, violence and crime and a bare gun thing di youths dem have pon dem mind/Mi cyan sleep a pure gunshot a beat.”

Several songs offer equally compelling commentaries on the island’s escalating violence including “Be Careful”, “Murderer” (produced by Dawin Brown and Omar Brown of Vikings Productions, who, along with Donovan Germain comprise Romain’s management team), which decries the increasing amount of crimes being committed against children and “All Alone”, a poignant criticism of teenaged pregnancies and young men’s obsession with guns, as set to a slow burning steadily rocking rhythm. 

“I was thinking about all of the things that are going on in Jamaica and the effects it has on people’s lives, especially in the ghetto,” Romain explained. “When someone wants to leave to go out of the community, sometimes they can’t leave because of the gun shots. It is disgusting so I said it is for me to do something about it, say something about it, so I wrote these songs.”

“Who Feels It Knows It” featuring the dynamic Jamaican songstress Etana is an emotive recession era anthem that effectively bemoans the tough times in various industries throughout Jamaica and in many other locations: “You think it easy fi di barber stand up inna di shop whole day and nuttin nah gwaan/ you think it easy fi stand up and watch di youth a cry fi food fi nyam/ But a who feels it knows it we a feel it from we likkle and a grow.”

Set to a textured one drop beat anchored in an indelible bassline “No Money” depicts Romain’s financial realities, a response to the nonstop requests for cash he received following his million dollar prize and subsequent hit singles (“mi have no money and you laugh like you think seh it funny”); in a similar vein “As The Money Done” was inspired by the females who revel in the glamour of rolling with the single Rising Stars winner but quickly lost interest when his money is gone.

The passion and purity in Romain’s vocals as well as the natural charisma he exudes in his live performances has sent many young (and some not so young) women into nearly uncontrollable frenzies. Acknowledging his enormous female fan base, his debut offers several sensitively sung romantic selections reflecting loneliness, attraction and betrayal. 

The first song Romain ever wrote, “This Love”, is an alluring R&B-styled ballad produced by Richard “Shams” Browne. “Dark Skin Girl” is a thoughtful ode to Jamaican women. “Touch Me” and “Wanna Go Home (Rain is Falling)”, the latter produced by Vikings Productions (Dawin Brown and Omar Brown) and Pete Music (Dyan Foster) express Romain’s longing to be with the woman he loves, while the upbeat “Love Doctor” offers the right prescription for any emotional ailment. Romain addresses domestic abuse on “Taking You Home”, using his immense charm and a beautiful melody to comfort a distraught woman fleeing a violent relationship.

Romain reprises his rousing rendition of “It Tears Me Up” (originally recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966), a favorite of the Rising Stars audience when he performed it at the finals of the competition. Here the musicians and background vocalists capture the original’s gritty Southern soul feel while Romain’s precocious heart-tugging conviction somehow renders a lifetime of heartbreak within a 3-minute tune. “Old soul music is just a part of me,” states Romain, “because I grew up in a house listening to Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Percy Sledge and Stevie Wonder, but I like to put my own style into it.”

Romain Virgo’s sonorous, soulful styling has raised the bar for Jamaican balladeering but “Romain Virgo” is most significant for providing much needed positive messages aimed at young people, as written and sung by one of their own. “Sometimes I wonder if these artists know the power that they have?” the singer asks. “Young people listen mostly to young people so I don’t see nothing wrong in singing something positive, because it will just help to change this whole negative vibe.” Clearly, Romain recognizes the influence he wields and as a true rising star he uses it to dazzling effect.

Top Ten Lovers Rock Reggae Albums of 2009

United Kingdom Lovers Rock made a push during 2009. The best albums were either UK artists, or Jamaican singers who released material on UK recording labels. But still, the Jamaican scene produced some outstanding indigenous material, too. In accordance with industry projections, Lovers Rock did dominate the industry in 2009 -- a wide denominator of New York and South Florida radio chart toppers were Lovers Rock songs, and many press organizations rated Lovers Rock albums higher than their culture and SoCal counterparts. Therefore, I have compiled this list to reflect LoversRockJamaica.net's suggestions for the most worthwhile purchases of albums released during 2009.

#10 Various Artists - Songs For Reggae Lovers

Since its 2008 merger with VP Records, UK-based Greensleeves Records has mastered the art of the "event" album. That is, reggae compilations packed with so many hits, classics, disco versions and collaborations, that every release date feels like a "grand opening." Greensleeves Records' latest effort, "Songs For Reggae Lovers 2," succeeds at upholding the company's musical reputation. Lovers-rock newcomer Althea Hewitt opens with a fierce cover of Beyonce's 2008 hit, "If I Were A Boy," setting the stage for a varied mix of romantic-reggae classics, contemporary lovers rock, and a small taste of UK swingbeat reggae. Marcia Aitken's "I'm Still In Love" and Frankie Paul's "I Know The Score" establish a familiar, classic-reggae foundation. The album later showcases modern-reggae anthems, such as Etana's silky-smooth "Closer," and Terry Linen's energetic "Your Love Is My Love." Freddie McGregor's "Stop Loving You," and Dean Fraser's "Girlfriend," both well-known mixtape hits, add danceable decoration to a well-rounded succession of mellow roots rhythms. Also noteworthy is Greensleeves re-mastering technique, which gives the album a seamless, optimistic feeling from beginning to end. Overall, "Songs For Reggae Lovers 2" is solid and authentic, and it completes the difficult task of outdoing the first volume.

#9 Kemar 'Flava' McGregor - Sweet Riddim

“Sweet” Riddim provides the best of both worlds. It's simple enough to soothe a listener's emotions, but it has just enough personality to carry a worthwhile compilation album – and it actually sounds as "sweet" as the name implies. The riddim employs a relaxed, strolling tempo, with a cool, summer-afternoon, guitar decoration, which conjures thoughts of red roses in a country garden. The singers succeed at supporting this vibe, but it’s mostly the spiritual quality of the groove that drives the album. Beres Hammond’s “See You Again,” and Freddie McGregor’s “Keeps On Coming Back,” are airy and settling. Marcia Griffiths’ “WhenYou Giving Your Heart” emerges as the sole, “hit-single” candidate -- using a calm, catchy melody and heartfelt, radio-friendly lyrics in Griffiths’ typical style. The spiritual tandem of Ginjah’s “Prayer,” Stevie Face’s “Proverbs 6,” exposes the riddim’s versatility, allowing the listener to feel atmospheric peace, in contrast to the love energy felt throughout the rest of the album. Bridgez’s “Coming Home” is a fitting closer, a good, solid, R&B flavored Lovers Rock joint that finishes the album with a soulful exclamation point. Overall, the “Sweet” Riddim album is very relaxing and consistent, with selfless and tasteful vocal performances.

#8 Sandra Cross - Sandra Cross Now

Lloyd Campbell’s easy, Jet Star-esque sound hugs Sandra Cross' vocal energy with a comfortable slumber-party blanket of roots-reggae flavor. Cross' crystal-clear vocal timbre remains astonishingly intact throughout the album (despite a nine-year hiatus from the music business). "What About Me" and "How Did You Do That" achieve the innocent "Ariwa Sounds" vibe for which Cross is best known, but later in the album, "Love & Protection," and "Had It All" reveal Cross' heartier side, using thick roots grooves as a place-setting for a more rhythm-heavy, Caribbean vocal feast. Equally amazing are Cross' cover songs, which include covers of her own classics from the 1980s and 90s. "Country Living" works surprisingly well as a slow groove, presented over Campbell's "Thank You Lord" rhythm, and her earlier hit "I Adore You" sounds more mature with deep, quick, bass-guitar decorations. She even attempts a Bob Marley cover -- "Soul Shakedown Party" -- which eerily conjures the spirit of the original. Cross convincingly sings Marley's leads with a steady, strong timbre, and then sweetly harmonizes the backgrounds of Judy Mowatt, Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths -- all three harmonies -- authentically within the same recording. British and American buyers should be aware that this album was distributed by VP Records under the name "Sandra Cross…Now." The album covers are different, but the songlists are mostly identical. If you’re a UK Lovers Rock fan, awaiting the style’s return to international fame, you’ll definitely consider “My Lovers Rock” a formidable comeback album.

#7 Bitty McLean - Movin' On

McLean wisely explores the modern UK Lovers Rock sound, replacing the unbridled soul of “On Bond Street” with casual, midnight reggae vibes. Needless to say, McLean’s vocals are in top form. The opening half of the album is easy and smooth, with Robbie Shakespeare’s heavy bass supplying much of the musical mood, especially on “So In Love” and “Jahovia.” Eventually, you’ll reach McLean’s 2007 mixtape hit, “The Real Thing,” and you’ll realize who he is, and why you’ve heard his name. His other mixtape hit, “Let Them Talk,” occurs toward the album’s end, complete with an eternally-deep bass groove, peppered with spicy, upper-register sax decorations. For the most part, everything here represents a tasteful and authentic Lovers Rock sound. Aside from McLean’s top-shelf singing, it’s refreshing to hear Sly and Robbie’s electronically-textured, 1980s roots sound adapted to the spirit of modern UK reggae.

#6 Glen Washington - Destiny

Glen Washington's "Destiny" is a blueprint for successful Lovers Rock songwriting. It's stacked to the ceiling with clear, propulsive bass grooves, danceable rhythms, and serene, melodic vocals. Although "Destiny" has an authentic roots reggae sound, its catchy melodies are so strong, that the album is likely to attract a significant number of reggae outsiders as well as insiders. Washington opens the album with "My Destiny," -- a startling, energetic song containing a brisk drum and bass groove and short, sweet saxophone riffs. What follows is a mix of smooth-groove and classic-roots reggae, which stays true to Washington's core musical values. Like fellow lovers-rock singer Mikey Spice, Washington's deep, soulful riddims give his albums a stand-out quality. This is especially evident on Washington's reading of the Temptations classic, "Aint Too Proud To Beg," which sports a Donville Davis-ish bass and drum groove so deep, that you'll develop an instant desire for jerk-chicken and callaloo. Washington also resurrects some modern, hit-song riddims -- using the "Breaking-Up-Is-Hard-To-Do" riddim (best known as the groove to Sizzla's "Good Ways") on "Where Will I Go," and Tarrus Riley's "Parables" riddim on "Pour Your Sugar." Elsewhere, the album is highly consistent, romantic and satisfying. Hopefully, "Destiny" will represent an optimistic prelude to the much-anticipated 2009 vocal-reggae market.

#5 Mafia And Fluxy - Strictly Vocals 3

Serene rhythms and relaxed vocals are the main attraction of this most recent volume of Mafia and Fluxy’s “Strictly Vocals” series. And although Mafia and Fluxy’s signature production sound is featured prominently, Volume 3 also employs the rough-n’-rootsy “Cousins Records” sound, which provides a flavorful contrast to the smooth, “Jet Star” vibe heard on the first two volumes. The album opens with a series of clean, mellow vocal specials, initiated by Mikey Spice’s thoughtful serenade, “Remix the Love.” Adele Harley’s “One More Time” increases the energy level – both musically and sensually, and True Essence’s “Love Like Yours” delivers a romantic, “Hollywood-duet” feeling, as if James Ingram and Linda Ronstadt were singing over a starry-eyed, reggae beat. Slick lovers-rock songs from Sylvia Tella and Kofi inspire warm feelings, and Leroy Mafia’s “Jealous Fool” offers much-needed romance lessons for the male gender. Overall, the female vocalists steal the show – most notably Harley and Tella, who stock 20 percent of the album with delightful melodies and bright vocal delivery. Elsewhere, reggae celebs like Luciano and Sugar Minott provide relaxing culture songs that soothe and medicate listeners’ spirits. In short, "Strictly Vocals 3" is a must-have for all Mafia and Fluxy fans, and will probably become one of the best lovers-rock albums of 2009.

#4 Mad Professor - Sweet And Mellow Lovers Rock

Essentially, this is a melodic Lovers Rock mix that showcases Neil “Mad Professor” Fraser’s romantic-reggae and instrumental-dub personalities. The vocal tracks are jazzy and soft, and the dubs are highly effective as lovers’ mood music. Sandra Cross supplies the perfect beginning, with her a capella masterpiece “I Want You So Badly.” What follows is a sensual magic-carpet ride to Lovers Rock heaven. Fraser’s dubs, especially “Dub Ballad” and “Sunshine Dub” supply the perfect background for anniversaries, and his vocal hits, including Cross’ I Adore You, Paulette Tajah’s “Baby Come Back” and Kofi’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely,” give the album an energetic “mixtape” feel. The inclusion of Just Dale’s cover version of “Until You Come Back To Me” makes the mix complete – creating the perfect dynamic balance between soft ballads and strong soulful R&B adapted Lovers Rock. Personally, I think Victor Entertainment has tapped into a rewarding resource – creating a mixtape franchise from Ariwa Sounds timeless musical legacy. Also, a collector who doesn’t know dub music would consider this album a good introduction.

#3 Fiona - More Than Words

Marvelous, affectionate harmonies are the main attraction of this R&B flavored, roots-reggae gem, stocked with a succession of streamlined rhythms and warm lyrics. There's something for every kind of reggae fan here -- from lovers-rock buffs to modern mixtape fans. Lovers rock fans will definitely dig Fiona's covers of "Good Thing Going," and "Break Up To Make Up," which feature her velvety, summer-night voice among crisp, generous roots rhythms. "Overcome What May" offers a strong combination -- the droning bassline and light drumbeat leave ample space for Fiona's flowery vocals to grow and blossom. About halfway through the album you'll notice that every song is lathered in a moist bubble-bath of soothing vocal harmony. This is most evident on "No Competition" and "In Your Arms," where the harmonies are presented in the form of unexpected flurries and lovetaps that add a unique, "motherly" feeling to the album. You'll also notice that the songs are layered cleverly. Musical "hooks" are subtlely arranged and combined to produce an overwhelming, sensual statement in every song. This is made obvious not only by the harmonies, but also by a handful of cool, idiosyncratic production gags, such as the "water drop" sound effect in "Foolish Heart," and the "accordion" keyboard sound in "Change Me." Overall, Fiona's comeback album is certain to add to her strong legacy of emotional, vocal prowess. The title, "More Than Words" couldn't be more accurate -- this album is a clinic on the non-verbal abilities of the language of reggae music.

#2 Glen Washington - Vibes

Kemar “Flava” McGregor’s serene rhythms exude a therapeutic ambience that enables Glen Washington's vocals to relieve stress and inspire romance. The hit single, “Vibes,” starts the album with a gentle sea-breeze of female vocal harmony and majestic, well-timed keyboard sounds. Lovers Rock gems “Baby” and “Little Girl” achieve an equally appeasing feel, employing episodic cadences that shift between innocence and quiet passion. New-age praise songs, such as “Jah Jah We Call On You” and “Good Old Days,” represent passive, soothing movements within the overall one-drop symphony, but the tonic-key of the album eventually returns to romance. Roots ballad, "Your Love" is emblematic of Washington's Lovers Rock abilities -- it's so affectionate and pure that you'll see roses, and you might feel the beginnings of tears. The love song before the closer, “No One Else But You,” also is quite inspiring, complete with a happy texture, hip keyboard sounds and a swingbeat rhythm that elicits smiles. The overall atmosphere of this album is like a quiet sunset – you don’t want to talk or act too quickly, because it might harm the mood. So instead, it’s wiser to simply resign and enjoy the whispering stream of positive energy.

#1 Peter Hunnigale - Reggae Ville

Peter Hunnigale's songwriting has always been slick, but on "Reggae Ville," his artistry has evolved into a charming state of spirituality. And the funny part is, the slickness has evolved, too. Groove-wise, "Reggae Ville" is bankhead-bounce city -- replete with dancefloor-friendly swingbeat rhythms and thumping, roots bass lines. His reading of Billy Stewart's "Sitting In The Park" feels like a reggae version of something GQ might have sung -- the background harmonies have an easy, church feeling that is unique to 1970s soul, and the lead vocals are calming and sweet, like those of a "quiet storm" request-line favorite. The elegant soul of "2 A.M." creeps up on you -- before you realize it, you're grooving along with Hunnigale's end-of-the-world melodic strength. During the chorus, he sensually procrastinates against the rhythm, similar to a muted Miles Davis trumpet solo, creating a ballroom-dance feel that few singers could deliver more authentically. The rest of the album is steady, spiritual and consistent, in which Hunnigale's interwoven instrumental riffs and subtle vocal harmonies combine to create a feng-shui-design of comfortable energy. Lovers dance "Special Kind of Way," and spiritual melody "Put Love 1st" achieve a clean, atmospheric feeling of well-being, similar to a live Burning Spear recording. And then there's the closer, "Almighty Bless," which provides a bouncy emotional lift -- leaving the listener with a tapestry of compelling background vocals and heavenly lyrics (and the bass line is pretty crunching, too). In total, this is a near-perfect UK reggae album, and the only reason I wrote "near-perfect" is because the album doesn't provide a dancing partner.