Reggae Gold 1997 (VP, 1997)

While it doesn't have the absolute boom shots that some of the other Reggae Gold albums have had, this is a very solid collection all the way around.  Tony Rebel's production skills highlight Reggae Gold 1997, with his wonderful digital rhythm running through both his "If Jah" and Everton Blender's "Ghetto People Song." Equally outstanding are the Capleton/Yami Bolo smash (It's about time Yami Bolo had a smash, don't you think?) "Put Down the Weapon," Buju Banton's "Love Sponge," and The Taxi Gang's (i.e., Sly & Robbie's) murderous dancehall send-up of "Mission Impossible."  A couple of mellow tunes hold up well also: Benjy Myaz's nice lover's rock cover of The Emotions' "Don't Ask My Neighbor" and Beres Hammond's typically stellar "Call on the Father."  I still am a bit amazed, though, how such generic-sounding tracks like Tanya Stephens' "Yuh Nuh Ready fi Dis Yet" (on the overrated "Joyride" rhythm) and Harry Todler's "Pure Gal" consistently make it to the status of "gold."