Every reggae lover knows and loves the late, great Dennis Brown, but sometimes it's hard to remember exactly how many perfectly, blessedly beautiful and important songs the man wrote and recorded. Or maybe a lesson he's ta... more »ught ("if you're not loving someone you're wasting your time") needs to be revisited. In case you've forgotten (or are just learning), here you go. Enjoy. Love & Hate opens with the Crown Prince of Reggae's signature song, "Here I Come" ("with love and not hatred"), and closes with the exquisite love song "Wildfire" ("I've sent you roses many a time, wanting you to come on over"). In between are "Promised Land," "Revolution," "Sitting and Watching," "Cassandra," and more. Every single song is a jewel. What else is there to say, really? Love & Hate, featuring 15 universal meditations, transcends the typical greatest-hits genre. It's an essential addition to every music lover's collection. --Rebecca Levine« less
Every reggae lover knows and loves the late, great Dennis Brown, but sometimes it's hard to remember exactly how many perfectly, blessedly beautiful and important songs the man wrote and recorded. Or maybe a lesson he's taught ("if you're not loving someone you're wasting your time") needs to be revisited. In case you've forgotten (or are just learning), here you go. Enjoy. Love & Hate opens with the Crown Prince of Reggae's signature song, "Here I Come" ("with love and not hatred"), and closes with the exquisite love song "Wildfire" ("I've sent you roses many a time, wanting you to come on over"). In between are "Promised Land," "Revolution," "Sitting and Watching," "Cassandra," and more. Every single song is a jewel. What else is there to say, really? Love & Hate, featuring 15 universal meditations, transcends the typical greatest-hits genre. It's an essential addition to every music lover's collection. --Rebecca Levine
CD Reviews
Truly Great
Gary Gordon | Lawrenceville, NJ USA | 01/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The great reggae crooners like John Holt, Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown have been so prolific that it is virtually impossible to capture their genius on just one CD. Frankly, at times some of the songs are not very good, and some so-called "Greatest" collections have at most 2 or 3 really outstanding recordings. "Love & Hate" is not one of those CD's.Every single cut on this CD is a gem, including the final "Wildfire" which is a duet with John Holt. The producers of this CD have given us a tantalizing soupcon of the prodigy that was Dennis Brown. The well-selected offerings provide examples of the range of D. Brown's talents - from the defiance of "Promised Land" and "Revolution", to the encouragement of "Sitting and Watching", to the lover's prayer of "Should I". Included also are the classics "Money In My Pocket" and "Westbound Train" which all reggae fans know and love.My only disappointment is that space could not be found on this CD for a few other D.Brown classics like "So Long", "If I Follow My Heart" and "My Time"; but in all fairness there is so much to choose from when one examines Dennis' massive opus.This CD could have been aptly named a "Greatest Hits" collection and kudos must go to producers C. Chin, D. Sanguinetti and J. Chin. I will surely be looking out for their work in the future."
Smooth As Silk!
Bernadette Nembhard | Southern California | 01/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I knew Dennis Brown personally. He was a friend of our family. I have admired his music for many years back home in Jamaica, and I am certainly not surprised at his beautiful work on the "Love and Hate" CD. The man's voice was as smooth as silk and he was very humble. ONE LOVE, D BROWN!"
A Must-Have For Those Who Seek Knowledge
whatevery | go brooklyn | 06/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A) Every single song on this album is beautiful.B) For those who need to sekkle and grow, songs like "Sitting and Watching" and "Wolves and Leopards" are teachings set to music."
A perfect example of why I love reggae music
J. Phelps | 01/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dennis Brown released so many classics during his 30 year career that trying to put together a single "best of" CD is nearly impossible. That said, I really can't complain about the selection on this album. If anyone wonders why he was considered by some to be the greatest reggae vocalist of all time (Bob Marley is simply in a different category as far as i'm concerned, taking nothing away from him) this is a good place to start. Every song is a classic, nothing but heartfelt lyrics and beautiful musicianship. Truth is, this could have been a 5-cd box set and still not even come close. Highest possible recommendation."
Love & Hate/ Dennis Brown
angelitha | Queens, NY | 05/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although, Mr. Dennis Brown is no longer here with us physically, he continues to be with us spiritually. This CD is beautiful to listen to at any time of the day. "Love & Hate", "Silohuette" are just a few to name as my favorites. I guess you can say I love the CD all the way. Nuff respect, all the time.Give thanks and praises to JAH! Rasta-far-I."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1