PATRONS at the Asylum Night Club’s After Work Jam, dubbed Wacky Fridays, witnessed the official launch of Jamaica 40 Popular Song finals three evenings ago.

Ten finalists, bringing themes ranging from love to social commentary, and of course, patriotism, performed their songs at the popular spot.

This year’s crop of songs is, arguably, the best in recent memory, and several got positive response from the Asylum crowd.

However, the loudest cheers for the night came for the first performer, Chester McCreath whose Jam Summer was written by the singer and produced by Marcia Simpson of Ajang Music.

Another well-received song was Progress, performed by Devon Black aka Blacka Devon. Progress was written by ska icon Derrick Morgan and produced by Clyde McKenzie of Shocking Vibes Productions.

Donald Morgan, who goes by the pseudonym Lala Ranks, also got favourable attention with Can’t Live Free which was produced by Tommy Ricketts.

The finalists are completed by Hu-Jay (Hugh Bookall) with One Love One People (produced by Delroy Thompson); Narda Malcolm, Proud Jamaican (Gussie Clarke); Jermaine Gordon, War (produced by Frankie Campbell); Nadine McKenzie, Revelation (producer, Mikey Bennett); Franky Natural (real name, Alvin Ferguson) with Mr Lucky (producer, Bobby Digital); Different Shades (Hadiya and Latoya Banks) with Fi Mi Paradise (handled by Jack Scorpio) and Koolant (Barrington Brown) with Gonna Get a Beating which was produced by Avery Moore.

The finalists will appear at several venues across the island leading up to the grand final at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on July 27.