If the message in the music is what has helped spread reggae music far and wide, then the message of soulful love is an essential one to understand. Here, one of Jamaica's greatest exponents of romance, Glen Washington ("Kindness For Weakness", "Fall On Me"), takes the opportunity to share some personal inspiration with five of his favorite love songs of all time. Going back as far as '84 and representing for as recently as 2011, Washington shows how love never goes out of style.
1. L.J. Reynolds/ Tell Me You Will (1987)
The lead singer of The Dramatics, LJ Reynolds made it to #79 on the R&B Chart by himself on the strength of the "Tell Me You Will" (Fantasy) title track.
Christopher Martin not only became the first Digicel Rising Stars talent competition winner to have a hit single chart in Jamaica he also won over the elders in the business.
"I'd Rather" was part of Vandross's incredible string of at least one top 10 R&B hit every year from 1981-1994.
Title track on the album that preceded a shuffling of band members, "Shine On" is one of Glen's brightest musical memories.
One of Wonder's most successful recordings in every sense of the word, "I Just Called To Say I Love You" is quintessential Stevie Wonder. Glen should know. He played drums in Stevie's band.
For a more personal expression of Glen Washington's love for the music and the message, his new album Masterpiece showcases not just the voice but the soul of a man with strong connections to one-drop reggae, soul and gospel linked together simply with love.
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