80’s Rock Riddim – Flava Mcgregor Records

Flava McGregor Records framed 80’s Rock Riddim as a 2013 throwback set, and the title fits the music: glossy, melodic, and tuned for singers who can ride a clean, pop-leaning reggae groove without losing the island feel. Kemar “Flava” McGregor, the Jamaican-American producer behind the project, has long been known for polished crossover reggae work and for placing big vocalists on radio-friendly rhythms.

This one pulls from that lane with a veteran-heavy cast. Gappy Ranks opens with “Hello, ” bringing his UK roots-reggae tone and crisp phrasing. Junior Kelly’s “Magic” adds the earthy, conscious edge that has made him one of Jamaica’s steadier voices. Gyptian’s “Heart And Soul, ” cut with Stream, gives the riddim one of its sweetest moments, with that tender, high-arching delivery he became known for. J. C. Lodge’s “Comfort Zone” and Carroll Thompson’s “What Is Love” nod straight to lovers rock tradition, while Don Campbell, Ammoye, Adele Harley and Jahmali keep the set moving through different shades of romance and uplift.

Aaron Silk’s “Oh Me Oh My” is especially poignant, carrying the weight of a singer from one of reggae’s great family names. Tony Anthony’s “Ecstasy” and Norris Man’s “True Love” add more texture, and the instrumental version closes the loop cleanly. The overall feel is late-night and polished, with an ’80s sheen in the melody lines, a smooth bounce in the drums, and enough warmth in the arrangement to let each voice land.