Osbert Maddo – You Wanna Turn Me On

Forgotten Albums Return

Founded by Oliver Carmi in 2021, independent Italian label Arabusta Records has made it its mission to bring overlooked reggae albums back into circulation. After reissuing recordings by Pluto Shervington, Paketo Wilson, and Horace Martin, the label has now turned its attention to Osbert Maddo’s You Wanna Turn Me On. For those unfamiliar with the singer, also known as the Bionic Singer and Papa Madoo, a little background is in order (goHERE). Maddo passed away at the age of 56 at his home in Bangor, Maine, USA. Around that time, confusion developed between Osbert and his brother Hugh “UU Madoo” Maddo. Old sound tapes sometimes credited Osbert as UU Madoo, while Hugh was often identified simply as Madoo. It’s a mix-up that has followed their recordings ever since.

This Reissue

Originally released on Sonic Sounds in Jamaica in 1982, You Wanna Turn Me On was recorded at Channel One, Harry J, and Joe Gibbs studios. Grammy-nominated engineer Jessica Thompson has expertly restored and remastered the album for Arabusta Records, with Mother Tongue Records handling the vinyl pressing in Italy.

The musician credits alone are worth a closer look. Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Ranchie McLean, Ansel Collins, Sticky Thompson, Scully Simms, Bobby Ellis, Tommy McCook, and Dean Fraser all contributed. Sylvan Morris and Lancelot “Maxie” McKenzie handled the engineering. With names like these involved, you know there’s some serious musical weight behind the artist.

Early Dancehall

Released during the shift from heavyweight roots reggae towards early dancehall and rub-a-dub, You Wanna Turn Me On captures an exciting period in Jamaican music. Maddo’s singing moves comfortably between traditional roots vocals and the more rhythmic, deejay-influenced phrasing that would become increasingly popular in the dancehall. Heavy basslines, tight drum patterns, and well-placed horns complete the picture. And there’s plenty here to enjoy as the album offers a strong selection of tunes.

Opening track Badder Than Them immediately takes us back to the early dancehall days. Maddo mixes a slightly rough vocal edge with playful melodic touches, giving the tune plenty of character. The title track, You Wanna Turn Me On, heads into romantic territory, combining lovers rock sweetness with a firm dancehall foundation. Ansel Collins’ tasteful organ playing adds warmth and gives the song its relaxed, late-night feel.

Freedom Fighter brings things closer to classic roots reggae. It’s a strong conscious tune that shows another side of Maddo’s songwriting. Equally impressive is Put It Down Gunman, which tackles the violence troubling Kingston’s streets. Backed by a driving riddim and rich horn arrangements from Tommy McCook, Dean Fraser, and Bobby Ellis, Maddo delivers a direct appeal to the city’s youth. It’s one of the album’s strongest message tunes.

Flip Side

The flip side opens with Low Bum, an infectious track built on a relick of the Righteous Flames’ I Was Born To Be Loved riddim. It’s one of those tunes that grabs your attention from the opening bars and keeps you listening.

Next comes Public Enemy, which revisits the familiar Jamaican rude boy theme. It recalls the territory explored by the Slickers on their 1971 classic Johnny Too Bad, telling the story of a criminal whose violent behaviour puts him beyond the singer’s moral limits. Maddo handles the subject convincingly, making this another track worth returning to.

Herb Tree brings a lighter, more celebratory mood. Rooted in Rastafarian culture, it’s a lively herb praise tune with a bouncing riddim and a catchy hook. The kind of track that would have worked just as well on a sound system as it does on record.

Final Thoughts

With its mixture of conscious lyrics, romantic songs, and early dancehall energy, You Wanna Turn Me On deserves another chance to be heard. Maddo’s distinctive voice, backed by some of Jamaica’s finest musicians, gives the album plenty of character. Arabusta Records has done reggae collectors and longtime fans a welcome service by bringing this overlooked 1982 set back to vinyl. A worthwhile addition to any collection of early dancehall and rub-a-dub sounds.