Beres Hammond
A DEEP DIVE INTO THE LIFE AND MUSICAL CREATIONS OF THE GREAT
Beres Hammond
Central Artist: Beres Hammond
Description: Hugh Beresford Hammond known by his stage name Beres Hammond is a Jamaican-born Lovers-Rock Reggae Legend. Beres, a true icon with a voice known by many nations. His smooth soulful reggae music has rocked the night away on many different occasions. He is one of the most influential artists hailing from Jamrock with a plethora of hit songs and albums. There is no single group that enjoys his music because it is loved by many people of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities. Although Beres is a household name it was not until the 90's his music really began to take off. I believe it was the original tones, melodies, and beats that first capture your attention and his silky smooth voice just brings it all together to make each musical masterpiece he creates. His music speaks to people as it is very relatable to current social issues, love, war, and poverty. He uses his own pain to tell a story and paint a picture for each listener to hear and imagine.
PLAYLIST:
In 1992, Berres Hammond collaborated with another prominent Jamaican artist creating one of his most impactful songs, “Who Say”. After 7 years of consistent success, The song “Who say” featuring Buju Banton became a global phenomenon. The song is a breathtaking love song where Beres Hammond confesses the things his significant other does that constantly keeps him infatuated. On this track, Beres strays away from hard hitting lyrics but focuses more on melodies and harmonic deliveries to further engage the audience with his catchy, angelic chorus. Beres delivered highly with this track making it one of those songs that has ton of replay value and also stays stuck in one’s head throughout the day. Beres’ lyrics such as, “And I’m falling in love all over again” can be recognized all throughout the caribbean. The verses of this masterpiece were delivered to perfection by the late, Buju Banton. His lyrics encapsulates how to treat a woman and how we should conduct ourselves around our significant other. He also shows alot of regret in past instances with his lover and commits himself to improving. For example Mr Banton says, “Could you find it in your heart give me one more try; I wont abuse the situation this time I won’t lie”. His humble and apologetic approach to his lover executes that we should always be slow to disrespect and quick to understand when engaging with the people who mean alot to us. This song is generational and can be introduced for the first time at any local party in the Caribbean and will forever be an appreciated classic for generations to come.
Who Say Beres Hammond feat: Buju Banton
In 1997 three decades of consistent success, Beres introduced his audience to a new approach to this political phenomenon. Beres strays away from the traditional party music and goes into a song where he talks about societal issues. This song displays his versatility and growth as an artist. However, Mr Hammond is still an exhilarating artist so of course he finds the most “head nodding” beat to talk about these societal views. His lyrics like, “The way the system plan. There's no hope, no chance, no loophole. No escape for a suffering man. Cause every time I lift my head above water. And try to save myself from drown” These words express his frustration and overall disappointment with the government. His tone is hopeless displaying that even though he doesn’t believe that it’ll ever get better he still “puts up a resistance”. Personally, my first time hearing this masterpiece I was shocked that the always fun and funny Mr. Hammond was able to touch on topics like these. This song will always be an eye-opener and cause me to never give up no matter how hard it gets.
Putting up a Resistance
In 2008, thirty-six years after his entrance into the music industry Beres delivered again with the song, “Feel Good”. This song is undoubtedly one of his most notable. However, it doesnt stray from his normal style it still demonstrates that he is one of the best reggae artists ever. “Feel good” is another way Beres shows his charismatic, energetic, and passionate personality through his music. This song speaks of his love for the party lifestyle and dancing. Beres lyrics like “ when you’re wrapped up in my arms dancing to a reggae song” are simple in text but his singing breathes life into every word. Personally, this song will forever be special to me because it brings back memories of “backyard” parties watching my family members have a good time. “Feel good” is the epitome of the perfect song that is for vibes and having fun.
Beres Hammond- I Feel Good
In 2007 this musical genius released another hit on his album "Can't Stop a Man"; it was called "Where is the Love?" This song featured another legend by the name of Tony Rebel. This hit was unlike anything Beres had ever released. It had a fresh stylistic groove funk that I have rarely seen on the Reggae scene. It is impossible to listen and not bop your head as this groove is infectious. The lyrics of this song are what stood out to me. "Where is the love that we have searched for so long?" I am sure many related to this line as it curates a common question amongst those searching for love. When you are hungry for love you would go to the ends of the earth to find it. This song is my favorite out of the playlist.
Beres Hammond- Where is the love
Released in 2003, Warriors Don't Cry is one of Beres' earlier hits from the 2000s. This song in particular has very strong meaning as it targets a social issue; Your view vs. society's. Beres in this song focuses on standing for what you believe no matter what people may say or do. You should never waver or back down because people do not agree with you. In the hook of the song, it says "Don't watch the crowd
Their duty is to be loud, believe in what they're doing, and feel proud because when you fall along the way, people will have lots to say. They don't even care if you make it through the day." Beres is trying to teach us through this song, that it does not matter what people say because it is only their own opinions that aren't worth anything.Beres Hammond- Warriors don't cry
In 2022 Beres Hammond released “Hold yuh corner” at the age of sixty-seven years old. That makes four decades of music which is impressive in itself. His age is starting to show in this song because he removes away from the notable dancehall-reggae and focuses more on educating the younger generation. Lyrics such as “Keep your lane and hold yuh corner and concentrate on what’s yours” indicate that he wants the younger men to stay focused and always strive for better. It's refreshing to see a man of Beres's stature take time to encourage and pass knowledge through his music. This is a song I listen to when I’m in need of motivation after a long, difficult day.
Beres Hammond- Hold Yuh Corner
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