Although dancehall has achieved an unprecedented level of mainstream success over the past few years, traditional roots reggae maintains its worldwide appeal, and if Strictly the Best 36 is any indication, lovers rock has a bright future. Many of the names on this edition of the long-running series may not be familiar, but fans of the soulful balladeering lovers sound can certainly count this as one of the year's highlights. Newcomers Da'Ville and Gyptian represent the new school ably with the monstrously catchy "Always on My Mind" and "Beautiful Lady," respectively, while fellow newbie Alaine delivers the sultry "Deeper," Roger Robin bounces along on "Friend for Life," and Voicemail and Tarrus Riley contribute solid covers of The Paragons' "Memories by the Score" and John Legend's "Stay with You." Meanwhile, still relatively youthful artists Richie Spice, Jah Cure, and a surprisingly tender Chuck Fender turn in some prime baby-making music. Then there's "old timer" Wayne Wonder, who shows these whippersnappers how it's done with perhaps the best tune on the album, "Love & Affection," and veterans Bitty McLean, Mr. Vegas (who tests the limits of his singing ability), and Morgan Heritage likewise prove that they aren't ready for AARP just yet. Even though Strictly the Best 36 tapers off at the end with a couple of weepy numbers, it still manages to out-perform its sister volume, Strictly the Best 35, making a powerful statement that dancehall isn't the only reason to be excited about reggae nowadays.