The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2005 (Greensleeves, 2005)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Many casual reggae fans think that the roots sound popularized by Bob Marley passed in the early eighties with Bob. More serious fans know that a host of conscious artists have kept the flame burning through the years. Not just acts originating in the seventies (e.g. Burning Spear), but also a new generation of artists. For casual and serious fans alike, this is a solid compilation of one-drop tunes featuring many of the biggest "modern" names making roots music, and blowing up the charts in JA, now enjoying a roots resurgence. While there are a few surprising omissions (No Capleton? No Luciano?) there is something here to please everyone, with the notable exception of lovers of slackness and gun tunes. Highlights include the wicked herb tunes "My Grade" from the little-known Daville (over the popular "World Jam" riddim) and "My Meditation" from the irrepressible Bushman, Natural Black's sorrowful "Far From Reality" and Jah Cure's smash "Longing For" (each on the year's other massive riddim, Drop-Leaf), and Gentleman's beautiful "Superior." 

- Zionist