Strictly the Best Volume 7 (VP, 1992)

This is the first Strictly the Best volume that I bought, and while that may make me a bit biased towards it, I still say that this is the best of all the DJ volumes.  Cutty Ranks' vicious classic use of the "Bam Bam" rhythm on "A Who Seh Me Dun" leads off the album in grand form.  A couple of semi-gimmicky tunes are thrown in -- General Degree's old lady-mimicking "Granny" and Papa San's tearful "Maddy Maddy Cry" -- but as scary as they sound, they're actually quite good.  Beyond the funny vocals, they have nice rhythms and melodies, which make them fun even after several listens (unlike most truly gimmicky stuff).  A pre-cultural, pre-dreadlocked Buju Banton provides a couple of quality tracks from his Mr. Mention album: "Batty Rider" and the funky "The Grudge," probably my favorite song here after "A Who Seh Me Dun."  Cobra and Admiral Tibett and Shabba Ranks meanwhile each contribute a slower, sexier vibe with "Love Fever" and "Tell Me Which One," respectively, while Simpleton's Coco Cola Shape" and Shaggy and Rayvon's early hit "Big Up" raise the proverbial roof once again.  Boom shots for everyone!