An admirer of Beres Hammond, Ian Sweetness’ appreciation for that singer goes back to the 1970s when most of his songs were soul rockers like I’m in Love. Sweetness and fellow singer Ti’a Smith recently covered that song for producer Earl Messam’s Wildfire Records.

Released in 1979, the original was produced by Joe Gibbs. It was number one for several weeks on the Top 20 charts of the rival Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation and Radio Jamaica.

“Is a tough tune, and I decide fi jus’ do it over, but with a lady. Wi do wi best to do Beres ting justice ‘cause is a man wey mi respect,” said Ian Sweetness.

His and Smith’s version can be found on Champions In Action, a compilation album released in 2025 by Wildfire Records, which is based in Philadelphia.

I’m in Love was a sign of things to come from Hammond, whose pre-dancehall songs include ballads like One Step Ahead and Got to Get Away. When his career exploded in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like What One Dance Can Do, Putting up Resistance and Step Aside, Ian Sweetness became an even bigger fan.

“Beres sings with soul, so anything or anyone with soul and energy I am attracted to it,” he said.

Ian Sweetness was raised in East Kingston which had a vibrant sound system circuit. Another big influence on his sound is Dennis Brown, whose version of Ain’t That Loving You he also covered for Messam.

— Howard Campbell