Delroy Wilson
Delroy George Wilson (October 5, 1948 – March 6, 1995) was a foundational figure in Jamaican music, widely regarded as the island's first child star. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he played a pivotal role in the evolution of ska, rocksteady, and reggae.
Born in the Trenchtown neighborhood of Kingston, Wilson began his recording career at just 13 years old while attending Boys Town Primary School. He was discovered by legendary producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and recorded his debut single, "Emy Lou," in 1962 for the Studio One label. His early ska hits, such as "Joe Liges" and "Spit in the Sky," were notable for being lyrical "attacks" on Dodd’s rival, Prince Buster. As his voice matured in the late 1960s, Wilson transitioned seamlessly into the rocksteady era. During this time, he released "Dancing Mood" (1966), which remains one of his most enduring and popular tracks.
In 1972, he released the hit "Cool Operator," which became his lifelong nickname. His 1971 song "Better Must Come" became a cultural anthem. It was adopted by the People's National Party (PNP) as the theme for Michael Manley's successful 1972 election campaign. Wilson worked with nearly every major Jamaican producer, including Bunny Lee, Sonia Pottinger, and Lloyd Charmers. In 1976, his cover of The Wailers' "I'm Still Waiting" earned him significant crossover success.
Wilson's career slowed in the 1980s with the rise of the dancehall DJ era, though he experienced brief resurgences with hits like "Don't Put the Blame on Me" (1987). He struggled with health issues related to alcohol abuse in his final years and passed away from complications of liver cirrhosis on March 6, 1995, at the age of 46.
In 2013, the Jamaican government awarded him the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for his contributions to music. He is immortalized in the The Clash’s 1978 song "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais," which features the lyric, "Delroy Wilson, you’re a cool operator". His son, Karl "Konan" Wilson, is a member of the successful British hip-hop duo Krept and Konan.
Better Must Come
A2 Better To Be Loved
A3 Can't Explain
A4 It's You I Love
A5 Dance With You
B1 Try Again
B2 It's Your Thing
B3 Keep An Eye
B4 Drink Wine
B5 Stick By Me
Label: Trojan Records – TRLS 44
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1972
Genre: Reggae
Style: Roots Reggae
Delroy Wilson's Better Must Come (1971) is a landmark reggae album, celebrated for its powerful title track (a political anthem inspiring Michael Manley's campaign) and showcasing Wilson's soulful voice over classic Bunny Lee productions at Dynamic Sounds, featuring strong organ work and diverse moods from determined proto-reggae to soulful ballads, though some listeners find it uneven, with standout tracks like "Better To Be Loved" and "Stick By Me" balancing mid-album dips, ultimately cementing its classic status for its poignant social commentary and vocal brilliance.
"Better Must Come" itself became a rallying cry for Jamaican political change, reflecting themes of perseverance and eventual triumph over oppression, a sentiment echoed in other tracks.
Wilson's emotive, sweet tenor shines, delivering heartfelt messages over sparse reggae rhythms and classic organ-driven instrumentals.
Produced by Bunny Lee at the legendary Dynamic Sounds studio, it captures the era's sound with lively guitar, distinctive drums, and organ skanks.
Tracks range from the soulful "Better To Be Loved" and reggae-funk of The Isleys' "It's Your Thing" to the deeply personal "Can't Explain" and the sweet closing "Stick By Me".
The album is praised for its strong opening and closing, with the title track, "Better To Be Loved," and "Stick By Me" often singled out.
Some reviews note that certain middle tracks ("Dance With You," "Try Again") can slow the album's momentum, making it feel inconsistent.
Despite minor flaws, it's considered a crucial record, demonstrating Wilson's potential as a major reggae vocalist with its compelling mix of social commentary and heartfelt love songs.
In essence, Better Must Come is a vital piece of reggae history, a powerful statement on resilience, and a showcase for Delroy Wilson's unique vocal talent, making it a must-listen for fans of classic roots reggae.