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Universal Message Chapter II (VP, 2001)
The second in the Universal Message series had a lot to live up to; the first was one of the best releases of 1999, and while it may not have as many outright classics as the original, it's every bit as strong. Take your pick as to which track is best -- I prefer VC's "By His Deeds," which puts a fresh spin on the "actions speak louder than words" axiom -- for practically all are money, baby. Like the first edition, this album purports to gather songs with positive messages, ones that address social and religious issues. As we all know, though, few people will listen to a dry-ass message, so these tunes are fueled by spicy roots and rootsy dancehall rhythms, along with stellar performances by the likes of Jack Radics (covering Bob Andy's classic "Unchained"), Capleton, Bushman, Jah Cure, Culture, Glen Washington, and fresh faces like AJ Brown -- whose "All Kinds of People" has the sound of an airy classic -- and the Ghost-like Terry Linen. As an added plus, Garnett Silk turns in a typically solid effort on the eerily titled "Death Go Away," some 5 years after his passing. (He's becoming the 2Pac of reggae with his posthumous releases.) As with Universal Message, this is a must-have for any reggae fan.
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