Reggae Gold 94 (VP, 1994)

Containing Beres Hammond's "I Wish," Buju Banton's "Murderer," and Mega Banton's mellow remix of "Soundboy Killing" (using the music from Barry White's "Playing Your Game, Baby") -- 3 of the biggest dancehall hits not only of 1994, but also of the entire decade -- should be enough to make this album "gold."  Still, when you add Sanchez's "Brown Eyes" (one of the best uses that I've heard of the "Full Up" rhythm made popular by The Mighty Diamonds' "Pass the Kouchie"), Wayne Wonder's "Only You," and "Treat You Right," one of Beres Hammonds' most unsung hits, you have quite a nice album.  Unfortunately, looking back today, the compilation gets a bit bogged down with dancehall songs -- "Girl Hooray" by Spragga Benz, "Stress" by Michigan & Smiley, "Teach the Children" by Tony Rebel, et al -- that don't stand the test of time quite as well.  Tarnished gold, but still gold nonetheless.