Lovers Rock, the title of Sade's first album of the 21st century, could be taken on many levels. Never before has the singer infused more mainstream rock elements (prominent strummed guitars) into her music as evidenced by the first single, "By Your Side." That's not to say that she has eschewed her own tried-and-true brand of smoky, dusky ballads. The singer/songwriter is reunited with co-producer Mike Pela and musician/songwriters Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman, and Paul S. Denman; and Lovers Rock finds them all in fine form. "Somebody Already Broke My Heart," "Every Word," and "Lovers Rock" are vintage Sade.

Hopelessly in Love is the debut album by English lovers rock singer Carroll Thompson, released in early 1981 by Carib Gems Records. The album followed, and includes, her two Leonard Chin-produced singles "I'm So Sorry" and "Simply in Love", which topped the British reggae charts. Thompson co-created C & B Productions, a first for a female reggae singer in Britain, and under this credit wrote and produced the album, working additionally with producer Anthony Richards. Backed by Thompson's C & B band, the album exemplifies the soul-infused mellow reggae style typical to lovers rock and Thompson's sweetly voice, with her songs discussing themes of romance and love.

Carroll Thompson is a British lovers rock singer, best known as the “Queen of Lovers Rock”.

He may be white and British but Dave Rodigan played a crucial role in spreading the word of British reggae.I recall his shows on Radio london (ignoring Tony Williams) and he educated me in things reggae.
This CD highlights some defining tracks which eventually bought about the term Lover's Rock.Anyone with a slight interest in reggae will recognise the likes of Ruddy Thomes,Horace Andy,Barry Biggs,The Tamlins and Louisa marks.All these artists deserved international hits with the tracks on offer here.Sadly,as always, reggae has not often attracted mainstream airplay unless the record has a gimmicky hook. This set also demonstrates how the likes of Dennis Bovell added British influences on reggae music production and then the likes of Sugar Minnott took them back to Jamaica.
A great choice of cuts and a great intro to Lover's Rock.