Riddims That Slapped: Beres Hammond’s ‘They Gonna Talk’

House, the record label founded in 1982 by Reggae legend Beres Hammond, has been a consistent source of timeless and satisfying Reggae music. Behind the genius of Hammond, the label has managed to create some of the most unforgettable riddims in Reggae music, among them the irrefutable classic – They Gonna Talk.

One of the defining sounds of Lovers’ Rock and Reggae in general, the ‘They Gonna Talk’ riddim garnered stellar contributions from a few notable Reggae artists in its time, including:

They Gonna Talk – Beres Hammond

The title track of the riddim and easily one of the greatest love songs to come out of Reggae, They Gonna Talk is a beautifully moving piece about a rebellious, defiant kind of love. In it, Beres encourages his love interest that regardless of what people around them say, the love in their hearts should be enough to get them through. “They gonna talk”, he sings, so let them. 

The song appeared on Beres’ Grammy-nominated album, Music Is Life, released in February 2001 via VP Records. That album featured other hits like Rockaway and Ain’t It Good To Know. 

Just Be Good – Half Pint

Reggae veteran Half Pint did his legacy justice with Just Be Good – a track that busies itself exploring the beauty of reciprocal love. The catchy hook, which anchors the song’s sentiments well, makes it a staple in many spaces where Roots Reggae and good music are celebrated. It’s for that reason why the song has soundtracked many memorable old school partying experiences. It continues to be a vehicle for those wishing to engage the nostalgia of a time seemingly long gone in Reggae music. 

Jah I Thank You – Tony Curtis

Though Tony Curtis made several strides in music in the 90s with songs like Faith, Love Should Have Brought You Home and My God Is Real, Jah I Thank You is one of if not his most memorable singles. The track is an intentional effort in the practice of gratitude, and could easily double as a gospel song given its clean lyrics, air of reverence and Curtis’ crisp vocals. 

Good Life – Anthony B

Anthony B capably envisions his version of a Utopia – where “Yuh bredren is yuh bredren and yuh sistren is yuh sistren” – in Good Life. Anthony B preaches a message of unity and good vibes, and encourages those who would hear him to spread the same around them. As one of the more recognizable faces of Reggae music in the late 90s to early 2000s, that message was certainly consistent with the singer’s identity, which he has never strayed from throughout his respectable career.

Believe In Love – Peter Hunnigale

Peter Hunnigale, a prolific UK-based Reggae artist known popularly as Mr. Honey Vibes, poured his buttery vocals over the ‘They Gonna Talk’ riddim, and ‘Believe in Love’ was born. The award-winning artist, who has recorded with the likes of Dennis Brown and Janet Lee Davis, questions his naivete as a man in love in the track, and ultimately concludes that love is a game you either win or lose. He reflects on a relationship that has deteriorated, and reaffirms his desire to fight to reclaim the love they’ve lost, because he still believes in it. The song was released by Jet Star Records and produced by Danny Ray.

More Love – Saba

Simeon Richards, who goes by the name Saba Tooth, hasn’t had quite the mainstream success he intended with his conscious music. ‘More Love’, however, is by far one of his better musical contributions consistent with his ‘music is a force for good’ attitude. Though his collaboration with Eek-A-Mouse, Glory, provided a boost to his relatively quiet career, ‘More Love’ – a song about community wellbeing and treating your neighbours well, is easily one of his best-hidden gems among his catalogue. 

New Sheriff In Town – Ambelique

There’s something about the ‘They Gonna Talk’ riddim that inspires reflection and vulnerability, and in the case of Ambelique, whose real name is Owen George Anthony Silvera, it was more of the same. Singing about the journey of loneliness to finding someone, Ambelique captures the emotions of frustration, love and lust artfully in ‘New Sheriff In Town’.