Album Review: Isn’t It Lovely Girl by Jah Bertie (1978)
Alright, let me tell ya about this gem from the late '70s that still gives me chills. Isn’t It Lovely Girl by Jah Bertie is one of those albums that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. Released in 1978 under Scene And Heard Records, it’s pure lovers rock—smooth, soulful, and dripping with emotion. If you’re into reggae but haven’t heard this yet, you’re missing out big time.
The title track, “Isn’t It Lovely Girl,” hits different. Like, really different. The way Keith Goldson and Tom Skinner crafted the lyrics—it’s not just lovey-dovey stuff; it feels real, raw, almost like they’re spilling their hearts onto the vinyl. Jah Bertie’s vocals? Man, they glide over the rhythm so effortlessly, it’s like butter melting on toast. There’s this moment where the bassline kicks in, deep and steady, and suddenly you’re swaying without even realizing it. You can hear how much care went into every note, thanks to producers Kevin Lawton and Tom Skinner keeping things tight.
Then there’s “Isn’t It? Dub.” Now, if you’re someone who digs instrumentals, this one will stick with you. It flips the vibe completely, turning the sweet romance of the first track into something hypnotic and kinda mysterious. The echo on the guitar licks bounces around your brain, while the drums keep everything grounded. Honestly, I’ve had moments where I zoned out listening to this dub version, just letting my mind wander off somewhere peaceful.
What makes this album special isn’t just its sound—it’s the feeling behind it. Jah Bertie wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; he was pouring his soul into something timeless. Listening to it now, decades later, it still feels fresh. Maybe because love songs never really go out of style, or maybe because lovers rock has this universal magic that connects no matter what year it is.
You know what’s wild though? For an album packed with so much heart, it came out during a time when the UK music scene was kinda chaotic. Punk was exploding, disco was everywhere, and here comes Jah Bertie dropping something slow, tender, and totally unapologetic. Almost like saying, “Hey, world, chill for a sec.”
So yeah, Isn’t It Lovely Girl might not be perfect—it’s got its quirks, sure—but maybe that’s why it sticks with you. It reminds me that sometimes the simplest things—a heartfelt lyric, a groove you can lose yourself in—are all we need. Oh, and fun fact: I once played this at a party, and some dude actually proposed to his girlfriend right then and there. True story. Go figure.
