For 'Universal Love Showcase', a project spearheaded by French producer Fabrice Allègre aka Frenchie, Jamaican veteran Johnny Osbourne is paired with a handful of vocal guests.
By Jah Rebel
From Osbourne’s rich catalogue, five tracks were selected, completely re-recorded and re-voiced, each given a slightly altered new title. ‘Ice Cream Love’ becomes ‘Don’t Need No Ice Cream Love’, ‘Give A Little Love’ turns into ‘Give More Love’, ‘No Lollipop No Sweet So’ is shortened to ‘Sweet So’, and ‘Never Stop Fighting’ is reborn as ‘Cease Fire’.
Only opener and Studio One classic ‘We Need Love’, here performed as a duet with Tarrus Riley, keeps its original title. A song that originally blended the best of reggae, soul, and gospel, it’s elevated into a full-fledged soul classic thanks to Riley’s contribution and a sax solo by Dean Fraser.
Alborosie delivers his trademark energy on ‘Don’t Need No Ice Cream Love’, though Anthony B’s turn on ‘Give More Love’ arguably steals the show. Personal favourite from the track list is without a doubt ‘Cease Fire’, the reworking of ‘Never Stop Fighting’ that, with the help of Macka B, has been transformed into a fiery, topical anti-war statement, one that’s bound to grow into a sound system classic.
Jamaican mix and sound engineer Gregory Morris rounds out the set with dub versions of each track, though, somewhat puzzlingly, they appear in a different running order than the vocal cuts.
‘Universal Love Showcase’ may not be an essential entry in Osbourne’s discography, but the remixes and dubs are pure craftsmanship, making this a thoroughly enjoyable listen nonetheless.
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
September 7, 2025