OLDIES SUNDAY: Al Campbell – Trouble In The Dance (1984)

You ever heard a song so good or so popular, you didn’t know it was a remix? Today on “Oldies Sunday“, we’re highlighting an original that got partially lost because of its remix. We go back in time to check out Al Campbell’s “Trouble In the Dance“.

Produced by Rodguel “Black Beard” Sinclair and released through the Nura Label in 1984, Al Campbell shares his observations while attending a street dance in, “Trouble In The Dance”. The Singer details a few happenings at the dance like Police accosting him for some Marijuana, and Women plotting to fight to another Woman, and they set the tone for how bad it can get when you’re just attending an event to enjoy the music and vibes. “Trouble In The Dance” gained popularity when it was released, gaining airplay and being the record of choice for Selectors, but things started to sway when Dancehall/Reggae Crooner Frankie Paul took hold of the song and made his own version called, “Worries In The Dance” that same year. “Worries In The Dance” was produced by Henry “Junjo” Lawes, and Paul added more oomph to the track with extra lyrics and his unique vocal delivery. The song became a breakout hit for him, even though the Al Campbell original was still being played, Paul’s remix quickly saturated the scene.

Since the release of “Trouble In The Dance”, Al Campbell continued to release more music over the years. He still records Dubplate versions of the song, and many still recognize his original, despite the popularity of Frankie Paul’s version. Sometimes the original will set the standard, but a remix can overthrow its reign.