Reggae Hits 2001  (JamDown, 2001)

This is certainly one of the better JamDown releases I've heard to date.  Expanding on the solid but unspectacular Reggae Hits series, the 2001 version follows the same formula as previous editions: 5 to 7 light digital rhythms used a couple of times each, featuring mostly singers and a couple of DJs.  New and old faces intermingle here, from stalwarts like Jimmy Riley, Capleton, Pinchers, Anthony B, Jigsy King (I think this is Jigsy King, although it says Gipsy King on the label), Degree, and Glen Washington to newbies like Yogi, Limmy Paul, Kirk Davis, Kiprich, Paul Hue, and Alkachaz.  But old and new hold their own this time around, aided by beats that remain fresh after multiple playings -- thanks mostly to Mark Hudson, who produced 5 of the 7 rhythms used here.  One of the strongest riddims -- a mellow mix of lovers and dancehall -- is smartly featured on 5 tracks, all of which shine: ARP's "Why" (despite the laughable chorus "I know that you cheated on me, but tell me why did it have to be a woman?"), Anthony Cruse's emotional "I Love You," Kirk Davis' soulful "Life," the pious "Rightful Ruler" by Paul Hur & Alkachaz, and the best of the bunch, Limmy Paul's Garnett Silk-like "Contemplate."  The other exceptional rhythm comes courtesy of the JamDown staff themselves.  Supporting Anthony B's "Pon di Corner" and Gipsy (?) King's "Nah Give Up," the beat is a fresh, funky blend of old school hip-hop and old school dancehall, with a Casio keyboard-style simplicity that is utterly enthralling.  Also nice is the lush Maxi Priest-esque lovers sound of Beres Hammond's nephew Yogi's "Here Again," the frenetic dancehall bat of Capleton & Pinchers' "The Way You Si Mi Look," and the fun light dancehall of Degree's "Sugar."  Not everything sparkles, though, as the riddim on the Mikey General, George Nooks, and Glen Washington tracks proves flaccid (It's also on the Reggae for Jesus album.), and Kiprich's "It's Over Now" is just a mess vocally.  Still, I'd deem Reggae Hits 2001 a high point in JamDown's history so far.