“Remember the songs used to make you rock away?” sang the Jamaican reggae crooner, Beres Hammond. Throwback to Lover’s rock, the days of real love, was a time filled with heart hugging songs painted by lyrics supported by sweet melodies. Of courting and ladies looking forward to the grand tradition of the way love is supposed to be.

“Those were the days when love used to reign”

Yes, Sundays became known as the day our parents and grandparents can be seen easily moving their waists to the songs of Dennis Brown, Eddie Lovett, and Marcia Griffiths to name a few.  While preparing grand Sunday lunches, this was a familiar thing of a West Indian 80s & 90s kitchen.  Picture this, the kitchen in full cooking swing, aromas mercilessly teasing, laughter ringing, all done with “sweet reggae” blasting.

 “We danced all night to the songs they played”

Back then, dating, walking ladies to their doors, sneaking kisses and lots of handholding, were the norm. These artistes made courting a lady a thing of utmost respect; things that were done in the name of affection. Songs from this era act like the blueprint for the way love is to flow, to go. Though, in that time, it is no secret that most West Indian had the traditional way of thinking where a man courts a woman with the intended purpose of getting married and starting a family.  These songs told them the right and wrong way to love a woman or a man. So much so, that the idea of how love is to be was instilled from a young age in the minds of girls and boys; especially girls.

For a dose of ‘real love songs’ nostalgia, have a listen to the tales of  love sung back then.

1. Rockaway | Official Music Video Beres Hammond 0:45

2. You sexy Thing Johnny Osbourne 0:45

3. SHE'S STILL LOVING ME Morgan Heritage 0:45

4. Unconditional Love Jah Cure 0:45

5. Kindness For Weakness Glen Washington 0:45

6. Do that to me one more time Eddie Lovette 0:45

7. Just be good Half Pint 0:45

8. Lost My Sonia / Sonia Come Back Cocoa Tea 0:45

9. Just A Little Bit Longer Maxi Priest 0:45

10. She's Royal | Official Music Video Tarrus Riley 0:45

11. Love Ballad Freddie McGregor 0:45

12. By Your Side Ghost 0:45

13. Bonafide Love Ft. Wayne Wonder Buju Banton 0:45

14. Love so nice Junior Kelly 0:45

15. All My Life Marcia Griffiths 0:45

16. For The Love Of You Mikey Spice 0:44

17. Whiter Shade Of Pale Dennis Brown 0:45

18. Missing you sanchez 0:45

19. Too Experienced Barrington Levy 0:45

20. Now That We Found Love Third World 0:45

To listen to the songs in their entirety click video playlist.