Reggae Max (Jet Star, 1998)

Chances are, if you're an active reggae fan, you've heard Tyrone Taylor's immortal 1983 lovers rock anthem "Cottage in Negril" (see Classic Reggae Volume 1).  Chances are also you haven't heard much else from Tyrone Taylor.  For me personally, I had heard "Cottage" and his 1994 comeback hit "Rainy Sunset" (on Strictly the Best 14), but as far as I knew, he had done virtually nothing in those 11 years in between.  Well, apparently, as this collection shows, he had done some noteworthy stuff in that time, most of it gaining exposure primarily in the UK and most of it in a similar vein to "Cottage" and "Rainy Sunset": soulful lovers rock with simple yet catchy melodies somewhat akin to Beres Hammond (especially on "Members Only").  Although he was in the music industry throughout the '70s, Taylor didn't make an impact until "Cottage."  Reggae Max collects much of his best '80s material (Despite his smash hit, he still didn't release all that much stuff.) alongside some newer '90s tracks that stand up well against the "oldies."  While nothing on this album is of the level of "Cottage in Negril," several tunes are very good: the aforementioned "Rainy Sunset" and "Members Only," the irresistibly joyous "My Music," "A Little Bit of Love," and covers of the funky "Bad Sign" and the sexy "Don't Let Me Be Lonely."  Most of the other songs, though not great, are solid and certainly listenable -- save for the last track, a horrid pop cover of The Monkees' (!) "I'm a Believer."  For the most part, though, Taylor's fine songwriting skills are on display on Reggae Max, which leaves you wondering why there aren't more albums available from this under-appreciated singer.