Sandra Cross - Now (one of two new albums)

Regarded as one of the leading forces of England’s “lovers rock” era, singer Sandra Cross is back with her first full album in over a decade. Thanks to the determined efforts of producer Lloyd Campbell, who in 2005, found Cross living in obscurity in Barbados. The United States, England, Japan, and the rest of the world, can once again share the sweet harmonies of this gifted singer. Cross came of age during the original outbreak of the UK’s lovers rock movement in the early seventies. She composed her first number-one song – “I Adore You” – when she was only fourteen years old. Over the years, she went on to record over twenty albums for various producers and accumulated an extensive list of hit singles. During that time, she became one of the most admired lovers rock singers in the business. She earned the BBC listener’s “Britain’s Best Female Reggae Singer” for six consecutive years – between 1986 -1991. Following several personal and professional turmoils, Sandra Cross left England to relocate in Barbados.

Not many people in this part of the world is familiar with Sandra Cross’ past achievements, most is hearing of her for the first time. So Now is truly an introduction to her. However, for the past year or so, Campbell has been releasing singles here and there, basically, to slowly move her into the American reggae market. Tracks like “At Last” “Take A Bow” “Someone Special” and “Beautiful Picture”, have done well for her, and are included on Now. In addition, there are other outstanding tracks that are worth mentioning. Among them, her update of “I Adore You” her take on The Wailers’ “Soul Shake Down Party” Peter Tosh’s “Brand New Second Hand”, The Stylistics’ “Country Living” the classic “What About Us” and “The Sweeter He Is.” There are also some original compositions that are dealing with what appear to be personal issues.

Initially, I had reservations of British styled lovers rock making it across the Atlantic, Campbell and I have had several arguments on the subject. But over the years, he proved it can. Under his tutelage, singers like Lloyd Brown, Don Campbell, Peter Spence, and Donna Marie, have had moderate to massive successes Stateside, especially Lloyd Brown. Sandra Cross can continue this momentum with Now. With this combination with Lloyd Campbell and his team of top musicians like Lloyd Willis, Sly Dunbar, Mafia & Fluxy, Robbie Shakespear, Robbie Lyn, Computer Paul, Dean Fraser, and Michael Fletcher, she is poised to capture new fans in the US, and rekindle her old European base. Now is a special gift to all, from a singer who is sure to leave an everlasting impression on those who get a copy of this CD!
REVIEW By CLINTON LINDSAY