Johnny Osbourne and Tarrus Riley perform “We Need Love” on TheUrbanMusicScene.com
dream of recording as a solo artist at Studio One, ‘The Motown Of Jamaica’. When presented with a choice of riddims recorded at the legendary studio for his 1979 album Truth & Rights, he opted for the version of “I’ll Be Around” to write to, crafting a completely new song which became “We Need Love”. Now, in 2025, this new version continues the story and stays true to Osbourne’s first cut. Uplifting and spiritual in equal measure, “We Need Love” captures Osbourne and Riley in fine form, delivering a wholly unique interpretation, stylistically, structurally, and rhythmically, ensuring that this “handclapping, foot-stomping music” lives on forevermore.
“We Need Love” is produced by Frenchie, the highly respected producer from Maximum Sound, whose previous productions with VP Records and Greensleeves include Luciano’s United States Of Africa and Anthony B’s Black Star amongst many other crucial works. The modern Jamaican dubmaster Gregory Morris lends his ear too, sonically shaping this new version with his deft touch on the mixing desk controls. Dean Fraser, the seasoned band leader, arranger, saxophonist, and titan of reggae music, is also featured on the recording. Fraser steps out with an impassioned performance, culminating in a magnificent solo, paying homage to the original reggae cut and updating it further from Chronixx’s more recent cut on the riddim, 2016’s “Majesty” from his impeccable Roots & Chalice Mixtape.
In the world of reggae music, collaborations like the one between Johnny Osbourne and Tarrus Riley are a celebration of the genre’s rich history and continual evolution. By revisiting and reinventing classic tracks like “We Need Love”, artists pay homage to the roots and authenticity of reggae while infusing their own creativity and style to keep the music fresh and relevant for contemporary audiences. This blend of tradition and innovation is at the heart of reggae’s enduring appeal, allowing it to resonate with fans across generations and cultures.
As legendary artists like Johnny Osbourne and rising stars like Tarrus Riley join forces, they bring together diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents to create music that speaks to the universal themes of love, unity, and positivity. With “We Need Love” serving as a preview of Johnny Osbourne’s upcoming album Universal Love Showcase, fans can anticipate an exciting and soul-stirring collection of songs that showcase the power and beauty of reggae music.
The release of “We Need Love” on August 1, followed by the full album release on August 29, marks a significant moment in the history of reggae music, bridging the gap between past and present, tradition and innovation. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of artists like Johnny Osbourne and the vibrant future of reggae music through collaborations that inspire, uplift, and unite listeners in a shared love for one of the world’s most beloved musical genres.