Reggae Hits 34 (Jet Star, 2005)

While the series experienced a couple of bumps in the road with the mediocre volumes 32 and 33, it's back in form with 34.  This features a top-notch selection of modern sounds distributed nicely between high-energy dancehall ("Free Up," "Murderer," "Notorious"), groovy lovers rock ("Longing For," "Finally," "Strength of Love"), and traditional roots ("Hungry," "Unconditional Love," "Ina de Ghetto," "Murderer").  There's even a gospel reggae track -- George Nooks' version of the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," which awkwardly rides Bob Marley's "Waiting in Vain" rhythm.  Unfortunately, there's also a couple of soca tunes -- which seems to be the reggae flavor of the moment ... except that it's not reggae -- by Mr. Vegas and Beenie Man, the latter's effort a particularly insufferable Elephant Man rip-off.  Apart from these few tracks, however, this album is a genuine joy featuring outstanding contributions from little-known newcomers like Fantan Mojah, Hero, Anthony Q (who sound for all the world like Beres Hammond), and Mr. Perfect, who provides one of the most irresistibly catchy songs I've hear all year in "Handcart Boy."  Up-and-comers Jah Cure, Jah Mason, and Germany's Gentleman also represent their considerable talents well.  It's also great to see that Jet Star returned to the practice of including a bonus CD of (mostly dancehall) tunes from previous volumes of the series, something they did for volume 30.  They aren't all classics, but they're a good (and cheap) history lesson for newcomers to the genre and a good trip down memory lane for others.