During the long, hot summer of 1966, Jamaica's national sound underwent a dramatic transformation. The Ska rhythm that had dominated the island's music scene since its independence in 1962 slowed significantly, so providing dancers with the opportunity to enjoy themselves without suffering heat exhaustion.

Early in 1967, this new, more measured style acquired a name of its own, Rock Steady, and for the next two years, the style remained the prevailing sound in Jamaica, with many of the most popular recordings in the genre released in the UK on Chris Blackwell's famed Island Records imprint.

By the close of 1968, Rock Steady had been supplanted by Reggae and Blackwell was involved with a new Jamaican music company, Trojan Records, but before these momentous events, Island was at the forefront of the sound in the UK, as reflected in the music on this essential 40 track two disc collection.

As with other titles in the series, 'Island Presents Rock Steady' the very best in Jamaican sounds without duplicating material featured on other titles in the range, so ensuring fans are not only guaranteed top quality music, but also great value for money.

Officially available from 25 February, copies can be pre-ordered simply by clicking here!

DISC #1:

1. On A Saturday Night  - Justin Hinds & The Dominoes

2. Rock Steady - Hopeton Lewis

3. Dance All Night - The Tartans

4. Judge Sympathy - The Treasure Isle Boys

5. People Get Ready - The Uniques

6. A Thing Of The Past - Phyllis Dillon

7. I Don't Want To See You Cry - Lynn Taitt & The Jets

8. Gypsy Woman - The Uniques

9. Tonight - Keith & Tex

10. Solomon - Derrick Harriott

11. Conquering Ruler  - Derrick Morgan

12. Red Bum Ball  - Lloyd & Devon

13. Lip And Tongue - The Viceroys

14. Hold Down Miss Winey - Glen Adams

15. Leaving On That Train - Keith & Tex

16. Gimme Back - Derrick Morgan

17. Do It Now - The Consomates

18. Somebody's Baby - Pat Kelly

19. The Beatitude: Blessed Are The Meek - The Uniques

20. Once Upon A Time - Delroy Wilson & Stranger Cole

DISC #2:

1. Will You Ever Be Mine (aka I Want To Love You) - Delroy Wilson

2. Over And Over Again  - Stranger & Gladdy

3. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer - Alfred Brown

4. You Hurt My Soul - Joe Higgs

5. Cleopatra - The Tennors

6. Ilya Kuryakin - Ike & The Crystalites

7. Do I Worry - Derrick Harriott

8. Hypnotizing Eyes - Keith & Tex

9. Memories By The Score - The Paragons

10. Napoleon Solo - Lynn Taitt & The Jets

11. I Like Your World - The Gaylettes

12. Someone To Love - The Versatiles

13. Live It Up - The Natives

14. Combination - Keelyn Beckford

15. Girl Of My Dreams - The Uniques

16. Born To Love You - Derrick Harriott

17. A Man's Temptation - Noel Brown

18. Once More - Errol Dunkley

19. Shocking Love - The Federals20. Grampa - The Tennors

20. Grampa - The Tennors