Strictly the Best Volume 27 (VP, 2001)

This is a surprisingly generic entry in the Strictly the Best series.  Even though I haven't always liked the recent volumes, there'd usually be a few tracks that at least have a unique (for better or worse) sound.  On Volume 27, however, even the best tracks sound like they're straight out of 1992.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing, however, for while these tunes aren't innovative, they're also not gimmicky (Can we say country dancehall, Josey Wales? [see Volume 19]).  Fans of the hardcore early '90s dancehall sound in particular shouldn't mind the throwback style.  Some of the rhythms are used multiple times, one of the more stale ones droning unnecessarily through 3 fairly listless tracks: Capleton's "New Way (Woah!)," Spragga Benz & Elephant Man's "Warrior Cause," and Bounty Killer's "Mystery Is the Man."  Better is the timeless string-infused riddim of Elephant Man's unfortunately homophobic "Log On" (The same music is also featured on the less intriguing "Can U Do the Work.") and the rootsy music supporting two of the best tracks on Volume 27, the sing-songy "Virtuous Woman" by newcomer Warrior King and Jr. Kelly's "You Can Make It," an instant classic and perhaps his best release since "Love So Nice."  Of the rest, the best include Bounty Killer's forceful "Arrow," "Mr. Nine" by Buju Banton, "Cuss Cuss" by Dillgin & Mark Ice (which may stick in your head longer than you'd like), and Elephant Man's "Jamaica," one of 3 cuts from him on the album, making him DJ of the Moment, I suppose.  Meanwhile, Sizzla's contribution is unexpectedly yawn-worthy, and Anthony B's straightforward cover of Peter Tosh's "Equal Rights" is OK but unnecessary (especially with Anthony B's questionable singing talent).  All in all, Strictly the Best Volume 27 is solid, albeit familiar, entertainment and superior to a lot of the more recent entries in the series.