Greatest Hits
Alton Ellis was one of the godfathers of rocksteady, the smooth, slower-tempo sound that dominated Jamaica in the mid-sixties. This two-disc Doctor Bird compilation gathers his most essential work, spanning his influential career. Ellis possessed a sweet, sophisticated vocal delivery perfect for rocksteady's romantic sensibility—tracks like "Breaking Up" and "Ain't That Loving You" showcase his emotional restraint and natural phrasing. His influence extended into reggae, where his songwriting and vocal approach inspired countless artists. The arrangements are elegant, letting his voice shine over carefully crafted instrumentation. A crucial introduction to rocksteady's sophistication and one of its finest interpreters.
Item Details+
| Genre | Reggae |
| Style | Rocksteady Ska |
| Notes | Mint (NM or M-) Mint (NM or M-) |
| Media | Near Mint (NM or M-) |
| Sleeve | Near Mint (NM or M-) |
| Label | Doctor Bird |
| Year | 2019 |
| Country | UK |
| Format | 2xCD |
Tracklist+
. Greatest Hits (1974)
1-1. Breaking Up 3:01
1-2. Why Birds Follow Spring 2:34
1-3. I Can't Stop Now 3:21
1-4. Ain't That Loving You 2:48
1-5. You Made Me So Very Happy 2:56
1-6. Remember That Sunday 2:36
1-7. All My Tears 2:43
1-8. Baby I Love You 2:29
1-9. Chatty Chatty People 2:22
1-10. My Willow Tree 2:44
1-11. If I Could Rule This World 2:26
1-12. What Does It Take 3:19
. Bonus Tracks
1-13. Girl I've Got A Date (1966 Version) 2:31
1-14. Rock Steady 2:40
1-15. I Can't Stand It 2:43
1-16. Cry Tough (Take 6) 2:17
1-17. La La Means I Love You 3:08
1-18. Don't Trouble People 2:59
1-19. Diana 2:39
1-20. Love Letters 2:38
1-21. Shake It 2:48
1-22. Black Man's Word 2:51
1-23. Give Me Your Love 1:52
1-24. I Love You 2:39
2-1. Girl I've Got A Date (1967 Version) 2:51
2-2. Why Did You Leave Me 2:39
2-3. How Can I 2:55
2-4. Dance Crasher 2:41
2-5. Duke Of Earl 3:22
2-6. Blessings Of Love 2:26
2-7. Oh, What A Smile Can Do 3:03
2-8. Personality 2:10
2-9. The Preacher 2:14
2-10. Pumping In 2:30
2-11. Nothing Sweeter 2:44
2-12. Breaking Up (Alternate Take) 3:20
2-13. Something You Got 2:40
2-14. The Same Song 3:27
2-15. Don't Trouble People (Alternate Take) 2:59
2-16. Honey I Love 3:01
2-17. Don't Gamble With Love 3:12
2-18. Remember That Sunday (Alternate Take) 2:53
2-19. Trying To Reach My Goal 2:17
2-20. A - You're Adorable 2:44
2-21. I'm Just A Guy 2:21
2-22. Cry Tough (Take 5) 2:20
2-23. You Made Me So Very Happy (Alternate Take) 2:54
2-24. Party Time 2:16
2-25. Girl I've Got A Date (Soul Version) 2:28
Data provided by Discogs.