Jamaica Jamaica (RAS, 1990 [orig. released 1985])

An influential underground DJ, Brigadier Jerry had been performing since the late '70s before Jamaica Jamaica, his debut album, was finally released in 1985.  I can't say that any of the individual songs on it really makes a dramatic impact, but taken as a whole, the album is a strong showcase of the early dancehall DJ stylee.  The musical backing is especially fine -- both funky and rootsy (He re-cuts a couple of Bunny Wailer tunes, "Armagiddeon" and "Everyman a Me Brethren.") -- and Jerry's then-trendsetting vocals, though not spectacular, form catchy melodies that may sound familiar to listeners today who don't think they know his songs.