His international breakthrough came in 1974 with the hugely popular ‘1000 Volts of Holt’ album, which fused raw reggae rhythms with sophisticated orchestral arrangements.
The highlight of the long-player was a reworking of Kris Kristoffersson’s country hit, ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’, which the following year became a global hit, with the single, peaking at Number 6 in the UK charts. Over the years that followed, Holt remained a giant of the reggae scene with further best sellers and numerous sell-out shows around the world.
The very best of his solo work has been brought together on this ‘Essential Artist’ compilation, the latest release in Trojan Records’ newly launched range that showcases the work of Jamaica’s best-loved ‘foundation’ artists.
Available as a 28-track double vinyl LP and a comprehensive 2CD compilation, the collection superbly illustrates the talent that made John Holt one of the reggae music’s most popular and enduring singers.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: A nice catch-all / best of from one of reggae music's most popular and enduring singers. Mainly dealing with issues of love and longing, it's a light-hearted alternative to some of the more political and riotous music also being at the time. Lover's rock heads are certainly gonna dig this.TRACK LISTING
Vinyl Tracklisting:
Side A
1. Help Me Make It Through The Night
2. Pledging My Love
3. Stealing Stealing
4. My Heart Is Gone
5. Looking Back
6. I'll Be Lonely
7. I Wanna Dance
Side B
1. Ali Baba
2. Stick By Me
3. Strange Things
4. Tonight
5. The Further You Look
6. Wild Fire
7. Sweetie Come Brush Me
Side C
1. Sister Big Stuff
2. My Desire
3. I'll Take A Melody
4. Time And The River
5. Let's Get It While It's Hot
6. Ghetto Queen
7. Reggae From The Ghetto
Side D
1. You Baby
2. You Will Never Find Another Love Like Mine
3. I See Your Face
4. The Tide Is High
5. Let's Build Our Dreams
6. Before The Next Teardrop
7. Just The Way You Are
CD Tracklisting:
CD 1
1. Help Me Make It Through The Night
2. Pledging My Love
3. Stealing Stealing
4. My Heart Is Gone
5. Looking Back
6. I'll Be Lonely
7. I Wanna Dance
8. Anymore
9. I Want You Closer
10. Morning Of My Life
11. Sometimes
12. What You Gonna Do Now
13. I’d Love You To Want Me
14. Ungrateful Lady
15. Keep It Up
16. My Eyes
17. In The Springtime
18. Tell Me Why
19. Ali Baba
20. Stick By Me
21. Strange Things
22. Tonight
23. The Further You Look
24. Wildfire
25. Sweetie Come Brush Me
26. Just The Way You Are
CD 2
1. Sister Big Stuff
2. My Desire
3. I'll Take A Melody
4. Time And The River
5. Let's Get It While It's Hot
6. Ghetto Queen
7. Reggae From The Ghetto
8. Riding For A Fall
9. All My Life
10. Love So Right
11. Winter World Of Love
12. Memories By The Score
13. Have You Ever Been To Heaven
14. Wasted Days And Wasted Nights
15. Try A Thing
16. The Treasure Of Love
17. I’m The One To Be Blamed
18. A Love Like Yours
19. You Baby
20. You Will Never Find Another Love Like Mine
21. I See Your Face
22. The Tide Is High
23. Let’s Build Our Dream
24. Before The Next Teardrop Falls