Strictly the Best Volume 12 (VP, 1993)

Easily one of the best of the Strictly the Best series, this album is chock full of great singers singing great songs.  Beres Hammond alone contributes 3 quality cuts, with "Doctor's Orders," the almost-but-not-quite-corny "Love Means Never to Say I'm Sorry," and "Free & Single," the DJ version of "Sweetness" with Josey Wales.  Three of the best songs on this collection are actually remakes: the Mighty Diamonds' subdued reworking of their "I Need a Roof," Dawn Penn's hit rendition of her "You Don't Love Me," and Sanchez' emotional cover of "Wherever I Lay My Hat."  Wayne Wonder provides possibly the best original song, with "Baby You and I," and the most original pick-up line: "Baby, you and I can be more than friends.  Just like Child's Play 2, I'll stick with you 'til the end."  How romantic.  Other great mood-setters include Hopeton Lindo's "Silent Consent," Carol Gonzales' "Personal Delivery," and Maxi Priest's sultry version of the Cornelius Brothers' "Too Late to Turn Back Now."   Even Junior Tucker isn't as annoying as he usually is, although "Love of a Lifetime" is the worst song on Volume 12.  In all, this album is an awesome display of the quality material being put out in the early '90s.