Reggae Hits '99 (JamDown, 1999)

Relative newcomer JamDown Records made waves in the reggae industry in the late '90s with a string of popular dancehall compilations.  Reggae Hits '99, unlike many of these other collections, contains not only dancehall, but also lovers and roots elements, and while it remains to be seen if Reggae Hits evolves into a series with the staying power of Strictly the Best, Reggae Gold, Greensleeves Sampler, or Jet Star's Reggae Hits (which is issued by volume number, not by year), it displays some promise, uneven as it may be.  Reggae Hits '99 boasts an intriguing mix of veteran stars and newcomers, the latter of which actually provide the bulk of quality material.  Of the seasoned vets, only Capleton contributes a truly good tune, his simple yet aggressive "Things Are Happening," in which his vocals drift into the manic Busta Rhymes range.  Little-known Bobby Crystal and Baby Doll each provide some fun, up-tempo dancehall singing, but the true stars here are Shalom and Rolex (AKA Alpha Rowen).  Shalom, who had the smash hit "Baby I've Got News For You," comes back with the similarly intoxicating lovers rock of "Why Is It Difficult," whose sweet guitar rhythm is borrowed from George Benson's jazz classic "Breezin'."  The award for oddest name for a cultural singer, meanwhile, goes to Rolex, whose rootsy dancehall style (in the tradition of Garnett Silk and Luciano) and tight melodies beg an album release immediately.  Unfortunately, little else on Reggae Hits '99 is even remotely as inspirational.  Harry Toddler's take on Tracy Chapman's "Sorry" is downright painful.  Several other adaptations, though not bad, are similarly "fast forward-able": Ghost's version of The Jackson 5's "Want You Back" (which shares the same rhythm as "Reach the Moon" and "Sorry"), Nitty Kutchie's version of Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (which shares the same rhythm as "Things Are Happening"), Anthony B & Twitch's "Ha Fi Have a Queen," which adapts Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight," and Tanya Stephens & Spanner Banner's cover of the Pointer Sisters' "Fire."