• Sugar Minott – One Step Ahead
    • The Inversions – One Step Ahead (Instrumental)
    • 1. Sugar Minott – One Step Ahead
    • 2. The Inversions – One Step Ahead (Instrumental)

    This is great, sweet rocksteady vibes!

    Initially voiced over a midi demo at Axelrodʼs Donʼt Trip Studio, “One Step Ahead” is one of the last recordings made during Sugar Minottʼs exceptionally influential career. The backing track, courtesy of The Inversions, was cut at Diamond Mine studio during the same session as the rocksteady update of Bob & Geneʼs “I Can Be Cool”. With Axelrod at the helm the team transforms the cult classic ballad, originally recorded by Aretha Franklin, into an ethereal piece of rocksteady magic. In addition to writing a wealth of original material, Sugar Minott had a deep appreciation and a passion for not only Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae (which he helped develop) but also American soul and pop music. He brought enduring versions of Michael Jacksonʼs “Good Thing Going,” The Persuaders “Love Gonna Pack Up” and Dionne Warwick's “A House Is Not A Home” to the reggae idiom. “One Step Ahead” fits perfectly in this tradition, effortlessly bridging the gap between American pop and Jamaican soul.

    Other Releases by Sugar Minott

    Sugar MinottBeg You Put It DownAcid Jazz
    Recorded at Channel One with The Roots Radics in the early eighties with producer Jah Thomas but unreleased till now on Midnight Rock with U.K. Acid Jazz's...
    • – Beg You Put It Down
    • – Put Down The Dub
    Sugar MinottRoots ShowcaseBlack Roots
    Excellent new compilation from Deep Roots records of hard to find Sugar Minott tunes and extended dubs from the early 80s including "Natty Dread Time"...
    • Sugar Minott – King Of Kings
    • Black Roots Players – King Of Dubs
    • Sugar Minott – The More We Are Together — Extended Version
    • Sugar Minott – Everything To Me
    • Junior Roots – Natty Dread Time — Extended Version
    • Sugar Minott – Carreless Ethiopian — Extended Version
    • Sugar Minott – Patricia
    • Black Roots Players – Patricia Version (Dubplate)
    • Sugar Minott – I, Maging If
    • 1. Sugar Minott – King Of Kings
    • 2. Black Roots Players – King Of Dubs
    • 3. Sugar Minott – The More We Are Together — Extended Version
    • View full info and tracklisting
    Sugar MinottLive Loving (Studio One USA)Studio One
    Classic Studio One album alert! Sugar Minott picked classic Studio One rhythms from the vaults when he came to Brentford Road in the mid-70s. This is...
    • Sugar Minott – Jahoviah
    • Sugar Minott – Hang On Natty
    • Sugar Minott – Change Your Ways
    • Sugar Minott – Give A Hand
    • Sugar Minott – Come On Home
    • Sugar Minott – This Old Man
    • Sugar Minott – A House Is Not A Home
    • Sugar Minott – Live Loving
    • Sugar Minott – Love Gonna Pack Up Sample
    • Sugar Minott – Jah Almighty
    • Sugar Minott – Jah Jah Lead Us
    • Sugar Minott – Peace Treaty Style
    Sugar MinottSugar Minott At Studio OneSoul Jazz Records
    20th anniversary special coloured vinyl edition of this classic Sugar Minott album on Soul Jazz Records exclusively for RSD 2025 bringing together the...
    • Sugar Minott – Vanity
    • Sugar Minott – Please Be True
    • Sugar Minott – Hang On Natty
    • Sugar Minott – Jahovia
    • Sugar Minott – Give A Hand
    • Sugar Minott – Try Love
    • Sugar Minott – Roof Over My Head
    • Sugar Minott – Jah Jah Lead Us
    • Sugar Minott – Is It True
    • Sugar Minott – Love Gonna Pack Up
    • Sugar Minott – Give Me Jah Jah
    • Sugar Minott – Jah Jah Children
    • Sugar Minott – Party Time
    • Sugar Minott – Change Your Ways
    • Sugar Minott – Never Give Up
    • Sugar Minott – Come On Home
    • Sugar Minott – Jah Almighty
    • 2xLP (Coloured Vinyl) + Download Code SJRLP568C£34.00
      In stockAdd to Bag
    • MP3 Release SJRD104£9.99
      In stockAdd to Bag
    Sugar MinottBitter SweetMusic On Vinyl
    Sugar Minott was a Jamaican reggae star who was a pioneer of the dancehall style. Minott was a producer, label head, and sound system operator. He collaborated...
      • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) MOVLP3701C£29.99
        In stockAdd to Bag

      Other Releases on Daptone Records

      The Womack SistersThe Womack SistersDaptone Records
      Stunning album debut from vocal soul group, The Womack Sisters! The granddaughters of the legendary Sam Cooke and nieces of Bobby Womack, the Sisters hail...
        • LP DAP086LP£23.00
          Expected 14 AugPreorder
        • CD DAP086CD£13.00
          Expected 14 AugPreorder
        Orquesta AkokánAmerica!Daptone Records
        Recorded live to tape at Penrose Recorders by Gabriel Roth, America! expands on the classic Mambo sounds that the band has become known for — blending...
        • – No Me Voy
        • – Mami Que Que
        • – Hace Tiempo
        • – Aprendizaje
        • – Me Tienes Sin Cuidado
        • – Girassol
        • – Nadie Me Toca Igual
        • – Cha Cha Cha Ooh La La
        • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) DAP085LPX£25.99
          'Transparent Green' coloured vinyl.
          Expected 17 JulPreorder
        • LP DAP085LP£22.99
          Expected 17 JulPreorder
        • CD DAP085CD£12.99
          Expected 17 JulPreorder
        Jalen NgondaDoctrine of LoveDaptone Records
        **ESSENTIAL ALBUM RELEASE!!!**With a deep knowledge and love of classic soul, Jalen delivers authenticity in abundance. Doctrine of Love blends pop sensibility...
        • – Anyone In Love
        • – Doctrine Of Love
        CochemeaMitote / DiloDaptone Records
        Recorded during an almost 24-hour, first-day marathon session for All My Relations, 'Mitote' came about organically through group improvisation sessions...
        • – Mitote
        • – Dilo
        Jalen NgondaIllusions / RaptureDaptone Records
        Another massive double-sider from Jalen Ngonda and Co.. After taking the UK airwaves by storm with "Illusions" making it onto the BBC R2 A-List and "Raputre"...
          Thee Sacred SoulsGot a Story to TellDaptone Records
          A soaring statement of exquisite craksmanship from this young band from San Diego whose story grows bigger by the day.Recorded and produced by Gabriel...
            The FrightnrsAlwaysDaptone Records
            Before Dan Kleinʼs unfortunate passing, The Frightnrs agreed to keep a promise he asked of them - one Records is proud to present ALWAYS - the raw, soulful...
            • – Always
            • – 30-56
            • – 30-56 (Version)
            • – Tuesday
            • – Maybe Isle
            • – You, Still
            • – Profilin'
            • – Profilin' (Version)
            • – Expectations
            • – Why Does It Feel Like A Curse?
            James Hunter SixNick of TimeDaptone Records
            Back in the spotlight with a sublime new rhythm and blues record, James Hunter follows up six critically acclaimed albums with his latest recording, Nick...
            • – I Can Change Your Mind
            • – Who's Fooling Who
            • – Till I Hear It From You
            • – Never
            • – Missing in Action
            • – Nick Of Time
            • – Brother Or Other
            • – Ain't Goin' Up In One Of Those Things
            • – Take It As You Find It
            • – Can't Help Myself
            • – How 'Bout Now
            • – Paradise For One
            • – He's Your Could've Been

            People also bought

            Leon DineroHeartbreak / Cut Both WaysDaptone Records
            back in stock for now... Great "Drum Song" vibe going down.. Leon Dinero returns with more rocksteady magic from producer Victor Axelrod. Originally...
            • Leon Dinero – Heartbreak
            • The Inversions – Cuts Both Ways
            T-Dynamix & Lisa EllisAlonePlanets
            An obscure late 80s double sided killer brought to light! Originally released as a 12 inch, this was dug out of a white label box by Planets head honcho...
            • T-Dynamix & Lisa Ellis – Alone
            • T-Dynamix – Your Love
            Junior ReidUprisingLegsman
            Just in..Heavyweight vibes Brand new JUNIOR REID on LEGSMAN. Junior’s work is legendary – from his time with Black Uhuru to his cross over into working...
            • – Uprising
            • – Legsman Uprising Dub
            • – Bongo Dub
            Augustus PabloPablo Nuh JesterOrbit
            The majestic sound of Augustus Pablo taking no prisoners during the mid 70s with a killer dub wise on the flip..don't leave!
            • Augustus Pablo – Pablo Nuh Jester
            • Enos McLeod – Version aka Last Of Jestering
            MessageShowcase IMessengers
            A superb new instrumental roots dub album from Spain's Message, recorded by Roberto Sanchez at Lone Ark studios with I-Man Cruz, Jah Riddim, Junior G,...
            • – Brixton Rock
            • – Noah Sugar Pan
            • – The Warrior's Rest
            • – Message We Bring
            • – The Riot Dub
            Leonard Dillon & The PioneersPeople Grudgeful / Pan-Ya MacheteAmalgamated Records
            Joe Gibbs return swipe at Lee Perry for his "People Funny Boy" tune with Leonard Dillion & The Pioneers adding the weight. Pure 1968 bullets..
            • Leonard Dillon – People Grudgeful
            • The Pioneers – Pan-Ya Machete
            Bobby KhalphatRocky RoadOrbit
            Rare cuts on the "Foggy Road" riddim featuring session man Bobby Khalphat on melodica with top version on the flip.
            • Bobby Khalphat – Rocky Road
            • Enos McLeod – The Market Song aka Skibo Road
            Ras Teo And The NaturalsComing HomeKing Solomon
            Ras Teo returning home to Sweden to work with producer Daddy Natural plus local musicians to combine on this excellent roots album. 10 tracks of strong...
            • – Mankind
            • – My African King
            • – Bil Back
            • – Demon Is A Liar
            Abe BroadwayTake AwayTradition Records
            Prepare to be captivated by the soul-stirring melodies of Abe Broadway's timeless masterpiece "Take Away." Despite his brief career and recording less...
            • – Take Away
            • – Take Away (Version)
            Marcus GadBabylon Nuh Care / Dubbing BabylonZulu Vibes
            New roots 7" release from Zulu Vibes featuring vocalist Marcus Gad on vocals with dub wise on the flip.
            • Marcus Gad – Babylon Nuh Care
            • Zulu Vibes – Dubbing Babylon
            Earl Sixteen, Galas, Ras Kayleb, Fikir Amlak, Sax N DubBe Alert / Guiding Star / Pain / Balance / Sax AlertArmin Dub Records
            One riddim with four strong vocal cuts from Earl Sixteen, Galas, Ras Kayleb & Fikir Amlak plus saxophone version and Dub version brought to you by producer...
            • Earl Sixteen – Be Alert
            • Galas – Guiding Star
            • Ras Kayleb – Pain
            • Fikir Amlak – Balance
            OphéliaI Man SufferingSaultone
            Ophelia's rendition of "I Man Suffering" is an extraordinary cover version. Originally released by Gaylords Power Union in the mid-1970s, this track was...
            • – I Man Suffering
            • – Instrumental
            Beverly KelsoWarm & Tender LoveSid Buck
            Beverley Kelso (born April 1948) is a Jamaican singer best known as an early member of The Wailers. She was a backing vocalist, and one of the founding...
            • – Warm & Tender Love
            • – Instrumental
            David Jahson / Mike BrooksJoyful Noise / KindnessBlack Spider
            Two U.K. based singers David Jahson & Mike Brooks deliver two superb roots vocal cuts both with instrumentals dub versions.
            • David Jahson – Joyful Noise
            • Mike Brooks – Kindness
            Lacksley CastellWhat A Great DayVP
            Classic roots vocal cut originally released in 1979 on Dave Hendley's U.K. label Sufferers Heights with the then Prince Jammy's superb dub on the flip....
            • Lacksley Castell – What A Great Day
            • Prince Jammy – Throne Of Blood
            Sugar MinottBitter SweetMusic On Vinyl
            Sugar Minott was a Jamaican reggae star who was a pioneer of the dancehall style. Minott was a producer, label head, and sound system operator. He collaborated...
              • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) MOVLP3701C£29.99
                In stockAdd to Bag
              Johnny MelodyCover Your MouthBeverley's
              Two rare rocksteady cuts from Johnny Melody and Larry Marshall on the flip with "Money Gal"
              • Johnny Melody – Cover Your Mouth
              • Larry Marshall – Money Gal
              Johnnie Mae MatthewsI Have No Choice / That's When It HurtsBig Hit
              Johnnie Mae Matthews is fondly referred to as being “The Godmother Of Detroit Soul” as she was responsible for creating at least 8 different Detroit...
              • – I Have No Choice
              • – That's When It Hurts
              The BlackstonesSelection TrainIron Sound
              U.K. based vocal trio The Blackstones deliver the goods with two wicked roots versions of "Selection Train" & "Hell & Heaven" produced by Alien Dread for...
              • The Blackstones – Selection Train
              • Alvin Davis – Selective (Inst. Version)
              • The Blackstones – Hell & Heaven
              • Alvin Davis – Hell & Heaven (Inst. Version)
              Lynn TaittSoul FoodAmalgamated
              Killer rocksteady two sider from 1968..
              • – Soul Food
              • – Music Flames
              Roots ArchitectsFrom Then Til NowFruits Records
              From Then 'Til Now marks Roots Architects' debut full-length album, a monumental project bringing together over 50 of Jamaica's most iconic session musicians....
              • – 1000 Light Years
              • – In The Shadow
              • – Whitewater
              • – Memories Of Old
              • – Rose Hall's Birds
              • – Squirrel Inna Barrel
              • – Under The Cotton Tree
              • – 45 Charles Street
              • – Everlasting Love
              OvertakersGirl You RuffAmalgamated
              Two ultra cool rocksteady nuggets from 1968 produced by Joe Gibbs featuring Leo Graham led Overtakers and early recording from singer Keith Blake aka Prince...
              • Overtakers – Girl You Ruff
              • Keith Blake – Woo Oh, Oh (Get In The Groove)
              Sly BoogieBushman SlydeCurio Cabinet
              During our search for souvenirs from imaginary cities, we stumble upon other curiosities. We are proud to present our new sub label ‘Curio Cabinet’...
              • – Bushman Slyde
              • – Bushman Slyde (Weird Dust Stepper Version)