KINGSTON SOUND SYSTEM DROP A MASTERCLASS IN CLASSIC HITS IN A REGGAE GROOVE
Kingston Sound System is about to shake things up with Classic Hits In A Reggae Groove, out 18 June 2025, an album that transforms iconic pop anthems from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s into irresistible reggae and dub versions.
Each track on this album is a tribute to reggae’s golden age, featuring an energetic blend of classic covers that seamlessly blend with the genre’s signature rhythm.
The brainchild of seasoned reggae musicians, the album features legendary figures including Devon Bradshaw (bass), Ian Coleman (guitar), and Donovan Miller (drums), along with a horn section from Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Gang. Together, they’ve crafted a vibrant collection of tunes that reinvents pop history, all while staying true to reggae’s roots.
REGGAE’S WARMTH BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THESE POP ANTHEMS
The tracklist is an absolute celebration of timeless classics, with reggae-fied renditions of hits like Steve Winwood’s Higher Love, Blondie’s Heart Of Glass, and Jimmy Somerville’s Smalltown Boy. These familiar tunes are given a soulful, organic twist, proving that reggae’s warmth can breathe new life into any track.
Even the original artists have embraced the reggae revival. Blondie’s Debbie Harry shared her admiration, stating, “Blondie has always had a special place in our hearts for reggae music.”
At the same time, guitarist Chris Stein quipped, “If we had thought of this approach in 1978, we might have gone this way with the original recording!”
Produced by the Grammy-winning Berman Brothers, who have collaborated with artists such as Dolly Parton and Sting, it’s a perfect fusion of reggae’s spirit and pop nostalgia. Get ready to groove.
TRACKLIST
01. Higher Love ft Steve Winwood
02. Don’t Get Me Wrong ft Pretenders
03. Twist In My Sobriety ft Tanita Tikaram
04. Smalltown Boy ft Jimmy Somerville
05. Heart Of Glass ft Blondie
06. Love Shack ft The B-52s
07. As I Lay Me Down ft Sophie B. Hawkins
08. Time After Time ft Gary Pine
09. Your Love ft Ky-Enie King
ABOUT KINGSTON SOUND SYSTEM
Kingston Sound System is a heavyweight collective straight out of Kingston, Jamaica. They blend deep reggae roots with fearless, genre-bending energy. Featuring icons like Ian “Beezy” Coleman, Devon Bradshaw, and Guillaume “Stepper Sax” Briard, this crew has powered legends from Burning Spear to Ziggy Marley.
Now, they’re stepping forward with purpose. Each track honours the past while pushing forward. Their album Classic Hits In A Reggae Groove brings rhythm, soul, and undeniable fire.
