Strictly the Best 34 [coll] – [VP Records]

Mr. Lucky   10/3/2006   CD, Reggae

The latest installment of VP Records’ long running collection of reggae hits finds the Island in the roots mood. While in the Dance roots and dancehall share equal billing, STB 34’s selection includes maily Roots and Lover’s Rock songs from a range of artists old and new. It kicks off with a couple of slower, one drop riddims that were this years biggest tunes: Jah Cure’s “True Reflections” (contemplating his prison experience) and newcomer Gyptian’s “Serious Times”. Richie Spice’s laid back affirmation of upright ghetto youths “Righteous Youths” picks up the pace, alongside Jr. Kelly’s rocker “Recieve” (Tsahai Riddim). I Wayne and Anthony Cruz represent for the dancehall style with “Don’t Worry” (on the Wait in Vain Riddim) and “Inna Dance” (Real Rock Return Riddim). There are also a number of veteran artists like Marcia and Beres teaming up on the bouncy “Focusing Time”, Freddie MacGregor on “Lock it Down” (Love Me Forever Riddim), and Norris Man on “Home and Away”. But the real killer on this collection is young gun Roger Robin who comes out of nowhere with the throwback hit “Take It Slow”. Up to di time! -Mr. Lucky