One Love, One Life

Despite being an unremarkable figure during reggae's golden era in the 70s, Beres Hammond has created a contemporary two-disc album that hits the spot perfectly. A lovers rock spot, that is: that timeless Caribbean impulse to wash over our troubles in a gentle flow of easy lyrics, sweet vocals and chilled grooves. Beres has to sing at my wedding, was a recent tweet by Canadian singer/rapper Drake. While many would consider this something of a put-down, tracks like ‘Keep Me Warm’ and ‘In My Arms’ see Hammond enjoying his status as a romantic favourite.

Hammond came to prominence as the lead singer for funk-heavy reggae group Zap Pow. The band chose Hammond after brief stints with Jacob Miller and Bunny Rugs, who both put more of a stamp on reggae history by fronting The Inner Circle and Third World respectively. The long term appointment of Hammond was, however, industry praise indeed; it was under Hammond that Zap Pow became the highest paid studio band in Jamaica. The likeability of his voice is still very clear. One Love, One Life hones its gentle art to precision on the title-track, featuring a doubled-up Hammond on backing vocals. When hitting the high notes on ‘Can't Waste No Time’ Hammond undulates and cracks with as much charge as Bunny Wailer, a man content in a similarly unassuming position. Although at times the synths are pretty cheesy, it's hard to resist this offering from one of lovers rock's most consistent players.