Words by DJ Gravy
In honor of February 14th, here are 14 Lovers Rock music videos (two of em are actually live concert footage). Git yer lovey dovey V-Day vibes on right here on LargeUp! If you feel like I left out any recent Lovers Rock or romance-oriented Reggae music videos, feel free to leave a comment, and fill me in on what you think should been on the list!
1. She’s Royal – Taurus Riley: This has the been empress anthem since it came out and to this day, it still scores points with the ladies every time!
2. You’re Gonna Need Me – Jovi Rockwell feat. Mr. Vegas: This tune put Jovi’s name on the map when it dropped, (at least for me). Her vocals have a certain vintage feel to ’em and the playful hotel room makes for great chemistry with Mr. Vegas.
3. I’m Waiting – Ce’cile: Ce’cile busted out on the Dancehall scene with a tune called “Changes” in which she talked trash on Beenie Man, Bounty, Lexxus and pretty much every other relevant Dancehall artist of that era! Years later this tune finds her playing the loyal girlfriend, good work Ce’cile!
4. Hideaway – Tessanne Chin: This is a sweet lovers song with a rock breakdown, she actually started out doing very rock and roll type songs, and though she has adapted to Reggae (as an obvious choice for a singer in Jamaica) she has maintained a rock element in her music, even in this ballad-y lover’s rock joint.
5. Beautiful Lady – Gyptian: This tune melts ladies on the dancefloor! Period!
6. Brown Skin – Richie Spice: Na na na na na na na! Richie’s laid back style redefines nonchalant, peppered with spikey yelps and cracks of falsetto, the sincerity oozes over Don Corleone’s buttery Heavenless Riddim. This one got a decent amount of play on Urban Mainstream radio as a follow up to Spice’s hit, “Youth Ah Get So Cold”.
7. Below The Waist – Queen Ifrica: This one is instantly addictive, a playful and suggestive tune from the Queen… You can’t be mad at this!
8. You’ll Never Find – Jah Cure: Wow, this one is goose bumpy… Easily Jah Cure’s best work in a few years, not to mention the “Changes” riddim was also easily one of Don Corleone’s best riddims in a minute too.
9. I Feel Good – Beres Hammond: This came out a year or so ago, and while Beres tours a good amount (with one of Reggae’s best live shows) he doesn’t release much new material these days. The title says it all.
10. Come Over – Estelle ft Sean Paul: Surprising enough, one of 2008’s biggest Reggae hits came from U.K. based, Estelle, with some help from singer, John Legend, she was able to get on a bubbly lover’s riddim produced by Black Chiney and key Firehouse Crew players.
11. Love And Affection – Pressure: The Virgin Islands transplant made a huge impact with this tune and made it all the way to rotation on urban radio.
12. Coming Over Tonight – Cherine Anderson & Chuck Fenda: Can’t fight a good combination tune! This one got mad play on Jamaican TV back in ’08.
13. Walk Away From Love (Live) – Bitty Mclean: When Bitty Mclean came out people though they were listening to old music but this U.K. based crooner just seems to prefer the old recordings as they match his rock steady, lovers style. This live performance shows he can definitely hold it down at a stage show.
14. It’s A Pity (Live) – Tanya Stephens: This song has crossed over and has been responsible for many a white label remix. This Germaican produced riddim is a throwback to one of the biggest lovers tunes ever, the Gregory Isaacs (and the Roots Radics) classic, Night Nurse.