Reggae Max (Jet Star, 2001)

Having started as a musician and back-up singer with Undivided Roots in the '80s, Don Campbell has arrived as a possible heir apparent to Britain's lovers rock throne, which has been occupied (arguably) by the likes of Peter Hunnigale, Janet Kay,  Deborahe Glasgow, Maxi Priest, Vivian Jones, Brown Sugar, and Sylvia Tella.  Don Campbell's music is typical of British lovers rock (and frankly all lovers rock in general): smooth, R&B-soaked, and slickly produced, with sweet-bordering-on-sentimental messages of love.  But he rises above much of the lovers crowd with his genuine vocals (a bit like Lukie D or, for a non-reggae reference, a less raspy Terrence Trent D'Arby) and penchant for catchy melodies -- either ones he's written or ones he chooses to re-record.  His cover of Gabrielle's "Rise" is a prime example, as he takes the already lovely song and makes it his own, crafting a lush, achingly gorgeous time.  Such remakes are an established part of reggae in general and lovers rock in particular, and several others are included here, highlighted by Jon B's "They Don't Know" and R. Kelly's "Storm Is Over Now."  Campbell isn't fool-proof in his choices, however; Stevie Wonder's "As" just isn't suited to the reggae rhythm, and the less said about "Wind Beneath My Wings," the better.  Reggae Max collects tracks from his body of '90s solo work (including a few previously unreleased albums), but I wouldn't consider this a genuine "best of," as it contains both hits and misses.  The songs interestingly reveal a spirituality in Campbell not often revealed by lovers rockers.  I suppose "reggae gospel" is the term being applied to tunes like "Here I Am," "King of Kings," "You Can Get It," and "Storm Is Over Now," but whatever the label, as long as Campbell applies his sweet touch, they're OK with me.  Less spiritual but similarly sweet and appealing are "Never Burn Your Bridges," "No Matter What," "I Wish I Could," and "You Give to Me."  Overall, this is a solid intro to a likeable performer you may not be familiar with.