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Lover’s rock Valentine’s Day playlist

Published:Tuesday | February 14, 2023 | 1:01 AMStephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer
Beres Hammond
Beres Hammond
Freddie McGregor
Freddie McGregor
Sanchez
Sanchez
Dennis Brown
Dennis Brown
In this January 28, 1985 photo, Gregory Isaacs at centre stage with (from left) Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt (partially hidden); Triston Palma, Mutabaruka (partially hidden) Freddie McGregor, David Hinds and Cat Coore.
In this January 28, 1985 photo, Gregory Isaacs at centre stage with (from left) Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt (partially hidden); Triston Palma, Mutabaruka (partially hidden) Freddie McGregor, David Hinds and Cat Coore.
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There is no denying the power of a classic lover’s rock tune to set the mood. Lover’s rock has preserved a clear focus on romantic topics and content in decorating the soulful reggae bassline rhythms. Pioneers like Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs have laid down some of the best hits that speak to all kinds of lovers, and there are quite a few songs that cannot be left off the Valentine’s Day playlist. So here’s a toast to timeless tracks of the genre that will have you lovingly rocking.

Tempted to Touch – Beres Hammond

What one dance can do far exceeds other places where a romantic love story can begin, and playing a Beres Hammond tune will definitely spark some loving. He has maintained a healthy presence on the charts throughout his career with songs for love like Love Means Never to Say You’re Sorry, Falling in Love All Over Again, No Disturb Sign, and She Loves Me Now, and the list goes on, but Tempted To Touch definitely gets the dance moving in a different way

Missing You – Sanchez

While on the topic of lovers who know what it means to be separated, let’s not forget the lovers navigating long-distance relationships. Sanchez gives these couples hope that they will be together, and it won’t be long. If you have a partner who, every time, they whisper your name or sweet nothings on the phone, or you think about when your fingers are clutching the seams of your pillow, then Missing You speaks to you.

Lover’s Rock – Freddie McGregor

The title already tells what it is about. The feel-good, happy energy of the genre is wholly and beautifully captured in Freddie McGregor’s voice on the Lover’s Rock single. Produced by Niney The Observer, and recorded and mixed at Harry J Studio in Kingston, the background vocals are done by McGregor along with Beres Hammond and Dalton Brownie.

La La La means I Love You – Alton Ellis

For those men who don’t have much to say or have women who always seem to make them speechless, La La La (Means I Love You) is the perfect musical declaration of love for forever. Though not an original, Alton Ellis’ rocksteady rendition said it best. The R&B/soul songs by The Delfonics released in 1968 by Philly Groove Records has been re-recorded and sampled more than 20 times by artistes across different genres.

Love Has Found Its Way - Dennis Brown

Dennis Brown found his way into hearts yesterday. today on Valentine’s Day, and he will continue to do so tomorrow.

Someone Loves You Honey – JC Lodge

Planning to subconsciously hint to your man that it’s time to get married today? Let JC Lodge help you to tell him that - ‘ Someone loves you honey, no matter what, just be my guy …’ - because in this modern day, women should not be afraid to start the proposal conversation, and for those women who plan to make that bold step, Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year.

My Number One – Gregory Isaacs

Ruddy Isaacs, brother and former manager of Dennis Brown, has argued that his artiste is the undisputed ‘King of Lover’s Rock’. With hits like Night Nurse, My Only Lover, and My Number One, which have exceeded over 100 million plays on YouTube’s platform, Gregory Isaacs has won the hearts of many.

It Hurts To Be Alone – Bob Marley and The Wailers

This beautiful ballad by Bob Marley and The Wailers may sound a little sad to some people, with the lyrics mostly interpreted to speak about rejection, but it could also relate to the lovers whose story is founded on not wanting to be alone.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com