“Soul Reggae” was the first Beres Hammond solo album of any kind. Released in 1976 it set the bar high for future efforts, and still sounds as beautiful as it did almost 45 years ago. If you have only heard Beres sing reggae before, you are in for one of the most pleasant surprises of your life when you give this a spin.

The first album from Beres Hammond is a reggae soul classic. A must have for soul and reggae music lovers.

There’s a reason this album is called Soul Reggae instead of “Reggae Soul.” Soul gets top billing because the emphasis is on seductive crooning and beautifully orchestrated ’70s R&B, with occasional reggae sprinkled throughout. Gifted vocalist Beres Hammond establishes himself as one of the most soulful Jamaicans this side of Toots Hibbert, yet where Hibbert evokes the gritty style of Otis Redding, Hammond is more reminiscent of the languid yearning of Marvin Gaye and the Isley Brothers. His counterpart on Soul Reggae, guitarist/producer/arranger Willie Lindo, crafts several impressive faux-Philly soul backdrops worthy of the O’Jays (such as the excellent “Don’t Wait Too Long”) and provides the perfect settings for Hammond’s romantic ballads.