New Music Release - Kingston Sound System shares 'As I Lay Me Down' - 2nd July 2025
Artist Name - Kingston Sound System
Release Name - As I Lay Me Down
Release Date - 2nd July 2025
Genre - Reggae, Pop Music, Classic Hits In A Reggae Groove
Label - Loop
Kingston Sound System present the newest taste of their upcoming album CLASSIC HITS IN A REGGAE GROOVE, out Wednesday, August 20, a brand new take on Sophie B. Hawkins’ classic track ‘As I Lay Me Down’.
The single is the latest release from a bold project that pairs original vocalists with a collection of Jamaica’s finest musicians, reimagining a collection of massive hits in an authentic reggae style.
Kingston Sound System have created this sun-soaked new version of one of Sophie B. Hawkins’ most iconic tracks, featuring an all-star Jamaican reggae band. The new version captures a modern vocal re-recording Hawkins, bringing a fresh take on one of her most well-known songs. The laid-back delivery is a perfect pairing with skanking guitars and keys, alongside soaring horns which perfectly complement Hawkins’ unique vocal style.
“I love this version of ‘As I Lay Me Down’, it fits my mood and my joy of being alive on our planet at this time. What Kingston Sound System have done with my music makes me smile and I’m so happy to share it with you.” - Sophie B. Hawkins
Every track featured on CLASSIC HITS IN A REGGAE GROOVE has been recorded with the involvement and blessing of the featured artists. No AI, no recording tricks, this is the real deal. Recorded in Jamaica, the album features a band of reggae royalty, veterans who have played with Ziggy Marley, Peter Tosh, Sly & Robbie, and Wyclef Jean. The album delivers hits infused with a reggae twist that feel timeless, vibrant and beautifully grounded in tradition.
‘As I Lay Me Down’ arrives as Hawkins is set to take to the stage at the iconic Glastonbury Festival, on the 30th anniversary of the original release of ‘As I Lay Me Down’. Hawkins shot to fame in the early 90s on the back of her award winning debut album Tongues and Tails, which featured the single ‘Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover’. She followed this up with 1995’s Whaler, which featured the single ‘As I Lay Me Down’, which went on to break records by spending 67 weeks on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Singles Chart.
A hit across the globe, Hawkins has since released six acclaimed albums, garnered a devoted fan base, and become a passionate activist and supporter of LGBTQ+ advocacy, animal rights, and environmental causes. Written as a tribute to her father, ‘As I Lay Me Down’ sounds as at home inside of the reggae world being built by Kingston Sound System as it did upon its initial release.
‘As I Lay Me Down’ is the latest release from CLASSIC HITS IN A REGGAE GROOVE, due out on Wednesday August 20, and joins tracks such as The B-52’s’ ‘Love Shack’, Blondie’s ‘Heart Of Glass’ and Steve Winwood’s ‘Higher Love’. Each track on this collection delivers a reggae twist, both innovative and irresistible.
The Full Album Project:
CLASSIC HITS IN A REGGAE GROOVE by the Kingston Sound System is a project that re-imagines a range of massive international hits, working with the original vocalists and the Kingston Sound System to recreate the songs in an authentic reggae style.
The album features the original vocals of the artists, with all-new recordings coming straight out of the vibrant musical metropolis of Kingston, Jamaica. The authentic reggae sound is captured by a band that includes musicians who have played with the likes of Ziggy Marley, Peter Tosh, Sly & Robbie, Wyclef Jean and other reggae legends.
The forthcoming album features classics such as Steve Winwood - ‘Higher Love’, Blondie - ‘Heart Of Glass’, The B-52s - ‘Love Shack’, Pretenders - ‘Don't Get Me Wrong’, Sophie B Hawkins - ‘As I Lay Me Down’, Bronski Beat - ‘Smalltown Boy’, Tanita Tikaram - ‘Twist In My Sobriety’, Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’ featuring Gary ‘Nesta’ Pine and more.
About Kingston Sound System:
Kingston Sound System is a collective known for its electrifying fusion of reggae with a wide range of musical genres. With a focus on rhythm, energy, and innovation, Kingston Sound System has earned a reputation for reimagining music in new and exciting ways, while honouring the rich traditions of reggae.