Concerned that too many Jamaican artistes cover American pop songs, Rorey Baker went for like-minded collaborators on Dedication, a compilation album he produced for his One Pop Music company.

The 10-song set was released digitally on January 9. It features mostly young acts, with Singing Melody and Earl Smith Jr the only veterans.

With the exception of Singing Melody, who covers The Miracles’ Tracks of My Tears, Baker said the artistes were encouraged to bring original work to the table.

“The approach was intentional and story-driven. I focused on creating songs with emotional honesty that we all experience in relationships, and making sure every track felt like it belonged,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “Dedication was guided by purpose, each track building on the last in a conversation approach.”

Among the songs on Dedication are Natty Dread by Calibe, Broken Heart (Sabrina Diva), Love Games (Sharee Elise), and You Don’t Own Me (Sashi Lamont). Baker said he took a strategic decision to work with unheralded artistes.

“New talents brought a rawness, freshness, and sincerity that fit the direction of the album. It was about capturing truth, not relying on recognition. I wanted the music to speak before the names did,” he stated.

Baker was born in Westmoreland and raised in Kingston. His career as an engineer started with Every Kinda People, Chaka Demus and Pliers’ 1996 album, produced by Sly and Robbie.

Another major project he worked on as an engineer with the Riddim Twins was Friends, their Grammy-winning 1999 album. Baker also contributed to the soundtrack of Dancehall Queen, the 1997 hit movie.

Sly and Robbie as well as keyboardists Robbie Lyn and Steven “Lenky” Marsden contributed to Dedication.

The album is a follow-up to Sounds Of One Pop, a three-pronged compilation series Baker produced.