The New Heavyweight Champion (20th Anniversary Edition) [Pink Vinyl]

Twenty years after its original release, The New Heavyweight Champion remains a joyous reminder that great reggae revivalism is not about imitation, but affection. Reissued on pink vinyl in April 2026, The Upsessions’ debut album still carries the warmth, swagger and infectious spirit that first made it such a cult favourite.

From the opening moments of “Why You Done Me Wrong”, the Dutch outfit demonstrate an uncanny feel for the sounds of late 1960s and early 1970s Jamaica. The grooves are deep and unhurried, the organ lines rich with character, and the rhythm section locks into a pulse that feels both effortless and irresistible. Yet while the influences are unmistakable, the record never comes across as a museum piece. There is too much personality running through its veins for that.

Tracks such as “Rudie Cool It Down” and the standout rocksteady gem “Early Getoff” showcase the band’s ability to capture the elegance and charm of classic Jamaican recordings, while “Baby Baby Baby” leans even further into that golden-era sweetness. Throughout the album, every detail feels lovingly considered, from the dusty production aesthetic to the steady, unflashy musicianship that allows the songs to breathe.

What truly separates The New Heavyweight Champion from many revival records is its sense of fun. The Upsessions clearly understand the traditions they are drawing from, but they never become weighed down by them. Cuts like “Hooligan ’69” and “Cool Ska Time” inject a playful energy into proceedings, nodding towards skinhead reggae culture with a grin rather than a history lesson.

The result is an album that feels authentic without being reverential. It celebrates a particular era of reggae and rocksteady while maintaining its own identity, balancing musicianship, humour and groove in equal measure.

Two decades on, The New Heavyweight Champion still earns its title. More than a nostalgic curiosity or collector’s item, it remains a vibrant and deeply enjoyable record that rewards listeners from the first spin to the last. Whether rediscovering it or hearing it for the first time, this anniversary reissue proves that some grooves never lose their punch.