Jamaican Music History
Lover’s Rock: A Romantic Journey
Lover’s Rock emerged as a soulful and romantic genre, weaving tales of love and passion against the rhythmic backdrop of reggae. Originating in the late 1960s and flourishing in the 1970s, Lover’s Rock represents a softer, more tender side of Jamaican music, providing a musical haven for romantic expression.
The birth of Lover’s Rock can be traced back to the influence of American R&B and soul music. As reggae artists explored new sonic territories, they embraced smoother rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and lush harmonies, giving rise to a distinctive genre that resonated with love-struck audiences. The Gregory Isaacs 1972 release “My Only Lover” is credited as being the first Lover’s Rock hit coming out of Jamaica. Ken Boothe also scored a monster UK hit in 1974 with the release of “Everything I Own”, a cover version of the song written by American singer-songwriter David Gates and first recorded and released by his band Bread in 1972.
The sultry rhythms and romantic allure of Lover’s Rock did not confine themselves to the shores of Jamaica. As Jamaican communities migrated across the globe, they carried with them the heartfelt melodies of lover’s rock, introducing the genre to new audiences eager to embrace its emotional depth.
In the mid to late 1970s lover’s rock exploded in the UK with iconic tracks such as Janet Kay’s “Silly Games”. Released in 1979, the song encapsulates the genre’s essence, with Kay’s emotive vocals and the languid tempo creating a timeless ballad. As the home to a significant Jamaican diaspora population, Lover’s Rock gained immense popularity in the UK. British artists like Maxi Priest, known for hits such as “Close to You,” embraced the genre, blending Jamaican and British influences to create a sound that resonated with diverse audiences. Nigerian-born British singer Sade’s “Your Love Is King” reflects the cross-cultural exchange between Jamaican lover’s rock and the global music scene.
Several non-Jamaican artists, captivated by the romantic allure of lover’s rock, have paid homage to the genre in their musical creations. In the United States, Lauryn Hill’s “Turn Your Lights Down Low” is a soulful interpretation that draws inspiration from the lover’s rock tradition. The collaboration with Bob Marley posthumously brought the genre to new heights on an international scale. In the United Kingdom, the British band UB40 embraced lover’s rock in their rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine.” The reggae-infused cover, released in 1983, became a global hit, further solidifying Lover’s Rock as a genre with universal appeal.
Lover’s Rock stands as a serenade to the heart. From the streets of Kingston to international stages, the romantic rhythms of lover’s rock continue to captivate audiences, creating a lasting legacy that echoes through time. Lover’s Rock remains extremely popular in Jamaica and among reggae fans around the world, as exemplified by the long and very successful recording and live performance career of Beres Hammond, who has scored numerous hit songs over the decades including “Rock Away”.