Yellowman - King Yellowman (1984)



Another one of the most influential and important figures to come out of the dancehall scene, Yellowman (born Winston Foster) was another sound system DJ to rise from the obscurity of the Jamaican music scene of the early 80s. His influence helped to spark off the ragga movement, which had a huge influence on the explosion in hip-hop's popularity which was just around the corner, with his hit single Zungguzungguguzungguzeng being sampled by giants like Notorious B.I.G, Tupac Shakur and Blackstar. King Yellowman here is his finest achievement in LP form, as not only does it epitomise the delicious dancehall/lover's rock hybrid he was peddling, but it also captures a kind of midway point between that hybrid and the soon-to-be-realised ragga movement. It's also a very consistent album boasting some terrific rhythms into the bargain.



Beres Hammond - Soul Reggae (1976)



Some classic lover's rock here with a soulful twist. Growing up, Hugh Beresford Hammond was very much exposed to American soul and jazz music such as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding and, to be blank, it shows here. This album's the classic example of lover's rockers citing influences from American music, particularly Chicago and Philly soul. Mixed in with the influences of the ska and rocksteady of his native Jamaica, we're not only given a lover's rock by the numbers, but also a sound we associate with Jimmy Cliff, that being reggae soul. Lyrically, this album serves as a much less abrasive and borderline-misogynist version of Yellowman's work. Depending on how much patience you have for soul music, this is definitely a great place to start if you're looking to get into the more light-hearted side of reggae.