Lovers Rock

Lovers rock on vinyl: reggae with heart

In short: Lovers rock emerged in London in the mid-seventies: romantic, soft reggae with plenty of soul, often sung by young women. It was the tender answer to serious roots reggae – and shaped the parties of young Black Britain. The Vinyl Room currently has 17 lovers rock records.

What is lovers rock?

Love songs in reggae time: Ken Boothe is represented with “Everything I Own”, his version of a song by the band Bread, John Holt with “Since I Fell For You”.

Plus June Lodge with “Someone Loves You Honey”, Jackie Edwards, Owen Gray and Freddie McGregor. Here the label also covers singers from Jamaica who shaped the soft sound.

What to look for

Many lovers rock tracks came out on singles and 12-inches in Britain and Jamaica; label and country of release help you tell which edition you have – it’s noted with each copy.

From our stock

First pressings

New in

→ Ken Boothe · John Holt · Roots reggae · Reggae on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing · Grading explained

FAQ

What is lovers rock? Romantic reggae with soul influences, born in London in the mid-seventies.

What is the difference from roots reggae? Roots reggae often deals with faith and politics; lovers rock mostly puts love at the centre.

Where does the name come from? From a London label of the seventies with that name.

Who sings lovers rock? Here, among others, Ken Boothe, John Holt and June Lodge.