Hopeton Lindo's Sixth Album, 'This Song's For You', Was Released in July

Most times when Hopeton Lindo writes a song, his street instincts kick in. The singer/songwriter credits his working-class roots in Jamaica for inspiring many of his songs.

This Song’s For You, Lindo’s sixth album, was released on July 18  by Zojak Worldwide. He wrote or co-wrote most of its 10 songs including Silent Consent and Favorite Girl.

Lindo, who produced six of the tracks for his Irie Pen Records, says whether writing for himself or other artists, the lyrics are usually based on experience.

He points to Gregory Isaacs’ Rough Neck as an example.

“I usually write songs that he can relate to and there was an occasion when he was released from jail and he asked me to write a song celebrating his release, so I wrote Rough Neck….’deh pon street again’,” Lindo recalled.

This Song’s For You was released two years after Purpose, his previous album. He had several songs in the can for some time, but was not in a rush to release a new album.

“It’s been in the making for a while but I was focusing on completing some other projects for my Irie Pen team first. I just felt now is the time to drop my first solo lovers rock album, especially for the ladies who are a major part of my fan base,” Lindo explained. 

Other songs on This Song’s For You are the title, Hot Number, Magnet, Good Woman, and a cover of Dionne Warwick’s classic A House Is Not A Home. The latter is a duet with Marcia Griffiths, which Lindo co-produced with Syl Gordon.

“It was my idea to record this classic with Marcia. I’ve done songs with her before and It’s always an honor to sing with the queen; this is our first cover song and it’s extra special,” said Lindo. “The original drew my attention and I’m glad we got the opportunity to put our touch on this reggae version.”

A graduate of Jamaica’s competitive sound system circuit, Hopeton Lindo made his mark as a singer with songs like Territory and Lonely Night. He hit his stride as a composer in the 1980s and 1990s by writing or co-writing songs like Isaacs’ Red Rose For Gregory, Telephone Love by JC Lodge, Mr Loverman by Shabba Ranks, Can You by Brian and Tony Gold and Ragamuffin, done by Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor.