Jackie Edwards

Although it's debatable whether all of these tracks were "super hits," this brief compilation from Sonic Sounds does capture Jackie Edwards in what was probably his peak period when he was recording with producer Bunny Lee in the early 1970s. Backed by the Aggrovators, these sides have sharp, lush arrangements that perfectly complement Edwards' smooth crooner's approach to things, and if the songs seem at times to be a bit too sentimental, well, that was Edwards' signature style. Nothing here is edgy or controversial, and listeners looking for some dread-heavy Jamaican roots themes should definitely look elsewhere, but underneath all the sugar is some sharp and subtle writing, like the hook for the opening track, "I Do Love You," which goes "I love you/sorta/right now," making it a delightful study in both romantic impatience and shy, bashful reticence. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide