Crooner Tarrus Riley dropped his new single You + Me = Good Life on Friday, July 25.

Produced by Kareem “Remus” Burrell for XTM.Nation, the track offers a soulful yet light-hearted vibe. It serves a sweet reminder that the simple things—love, joy, good company—are what truly make life beautiful.

Considered “easy on the ears”, the song’s message is even more impactful. 

“You + Me = Good Life speaks to the power of togetherness and how we complement each other in relationships. It’s about that special bond that makes life richer and happier,” one reviewer writes on Reggaeville.com.

“Through empowering lyrics like ‘Miss Good Good your life stable, dem cyah ask wah you bring to the table, You are your own boss,’ the song uplifts women and reinforces the idea that a loving, balanced relationship is one of the greatest gifts,” the critique further outlines.

Central to You + Me = Good Life is the good energy it produces. Riley’s vocals run effortlessly over a warm, modern rhythm curated by Runkus, with Wade Johnson on keyboards and Lamont ‘Monty’ Savory on guitar. Vocoder adlibs add a soft, futuristic touch with Veer Dhaniram’s mix, keeping the groove clean, crisp, and ready for repeat play.

Built on legacy

The song samples the classic 1994 hit Good Life by the late Cocoa Tea, who passed in March this year. Good Life was produced by Philip “Fatis” Burrell, the legendary founder of Xterminator Productions and father to Remus, who passed in 2011.

As such, the single is more than just a love song.  For both producer and artist, it’s a joyful celebration of reggae roots and the enduring impact of those who helped shape its sound.

“This one is about love in its purest form,” explains Riley.

“It’s a happy song. You plus me—that’s the good life. The drum and bass make you want to just bubble with your special someone. And it’s also a little toast to the greats who came before us, Cocoa Tea and Fatis. Their music lives on through us,” he adds.

Riley recently gave fans a preview of the single during his performance at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay on Saturday, July 19, where he honoured fallen legends with a heartfelt rendition of Cocoa Tea’s original Good Life. The moment was both nostalgic and uplifting—just like the new single itself. 

You + Me = Good Life aspires to be a bright summer anthem wrapped in heritage, love, and good vibes.