The Best of Roland Burrell (Prestige, 1994)

Roland Burrell is a singer who hasn't gotten much attention throughout his career, but he must've done something right to get a "greatest hits" album, eh? In fact, upon listening to this collection, you find that he has done a lot right.  With a charming high-pitched voice similar to Horace Andy, Burrell weaves together beautiful melodies, making even serious subject matters seem dreamy.  The fabulous "Black Race" is a good example, being both militant and gorgeously transfixing at the same time. Perhaps Burrell is at his most effective, however, in his like songs, like "Suzette," "Strongest Love," and "Stormy Night," with its emotion-packed chorus, "Have you ever been outside when the rain is falling?"  "Johnny Dollar" is probably his best-known song, as it was included on Sly & Robbie's Crucial Reggae album -- although the artist's name is listed as "The Rolands" (more than one Roland?). I only wish that there were more available from this overlooked star.