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Various Artists
Trojan Lovers Rock Box Set
Trojan Records
www.trojanrecords.com
Trojan TJETD 292
 

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With the usual format for these box sets of 50 tracks on three CDs, this is a perfect introduction to the smooth, romantic sound of Lovers Rock. Initially a UK phenomenon, this bias is reflected in the track selection, and the sub-titles of the three CDs - “Lovin’ You - Bring On The Girls”, “A Little Love... Here Come The Boys”, and “Still In Love... Bring Back The Girls” - give an accurate picture of just what is on offer here.

The first CD presents the early lovers sound of the mid to late seventies, when the vocalists were mainly young girls, as was the main target audience. Many of the songs were covers of soft soul items given a light reggae beat, and critics were almost unanimous in their condemnation - though listening to these tunes now, many of them hold up extremely well. Missing from the set though is anything by Louisa Marks, whose records kick-started the whole movement, and although Janet Kay is represented by ‘Lovin’ You’ (an accomplished cover of the Minnie Riperton hit) and a duet with Alton Ellis on a remake of his timeless ‘I’m Still In Love With You’, noticeably absent is her ‘Silly Games’- probably the biggest UK lovers hit of all. But what is here more than makes up for those omissions - sides from British based acts such as the Dennis Bovell produced Marie Pierre and Paula Clarke hold their own side by side with JA acts like Hortense Ellis and Barbara Jones, whilst Pam and Audrey Hall are UK born but raised in Jamaica!

The male side of things is portrayed by a similar mix of contributions, the UK’s Winston Reedy and Matumbi demonstrating a complete mastery of the style whilst the names of Delroy Wilson, Cornel Campbell, John Holt, Boris Gardner and the like - including of course the Cool Ruler himself, Gregory Isaacs - speak for themselves. All of which makes for an excellent set, naturally enough. Lovers continues to be enormously popular of course, and if you want to share some romantic moments with that special one, this is the soundtrack to choose. - Norman Darwen