Super Mix Hits by Delroy Wilson: A Reggae Treasure That Stays With You
If you’re a fan of reggae music, Super Mix Hits by Delroy Wilson is one of those albums that sneaks up on you and refuses to leave your soul. Released in the UK and Canada under labels like Vista Sounds, Pioneer International, and Echo, this record feels like an old friend who knows exactly how to lift your spirits or soothe your heart when life gets heavy. Produced by Sydney (Luddy) Crooks, it’s packed with tracks that blend smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and groovy rhythms—plus some killer backing vocals from Carl Brown and Luddy himself. And let’s not forget Winston Wright on keyboards, adding layers of magic throughout.
Now, I gotta be honest—I didn’t think I’d connect as deeply as I did with this album at first listen. But two songs really stuck out for me, burrowing into my brain like they own the place. First off, there’s "Red Red Wine." Yeah, yeah, everyone knows UB40’s version, but Delroy’s take? It’s raw, emotional, almost like he’s spilling his guts right there in front of you. The slow-burning rhythm paired with his voice—hearing it makes you feel like you’re sitting alone late at night, nursing a drink and thinking about all the things you can’t quite put into words. It’s hauntingly beautiful, man.
And then there’s "People Get Ready." Oh wow. This track hits different. There’s something about the way Delroy delivers the lyrics—it’s hopeful but also kinda desperate, like he’s pleading with you to wake up and see the world for what it could be. The harmonies are tight, and the keyboard work from Winston Wright just lifts everything to another level. Every time I hear it, I get goosebumps. Like, legit chills. It’s one of those songs where you stop whatever you’re doing and just… listen.
The rest of the album ain’t slouching either. Tracks like "Train To Africa" and "Move Out A Babylon" bring serious energy, while ballads like "When I Needed You Most" tug at your heartstrings without trying too hard. And props to Delroy for making every song sound personal, like he’s singing just to you. Whether you’re vibing to the upbeat tunes or sinking into the slower ones, the whole thing flows so naturally, it’s easy to lose track of time.
What surprised me most about Super Mix Hits was how real it felt. No flashy gimmicks, no overproduced nonsense—just pure, unfiltered emotion wrapped up in reggae gold. Listening to it reminded me why music matters so much; it doesn’t just entertain us, it speaks to parts of us we don’t always understand ourselves.
Here’s the kicker though—after spending hours looping these tracks, I realized something kinda funny. As much as I love the big names in reggae, sometimes the lesser-known gems hit harder because they don’t come with expectations. Delroy Wilson might not have been blasting through mainstream charts back in the day, but damn if he didn’t make an album that still resonates decades later. So next time you’re scrolling Spotify looking for something new yet timeless, give Super Mix Hits a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up playing it on repeat for days.
