VARIOUS ARTISTS
Best Of The Best, Volume 1
(Ras)

This originally ran in the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 1993

Tappa Zukie, a reggae force since the 1970's, is presently one of Jamaica's hottest producers. "Best Of The Best" is an exceptional release, using an all-star cast to deliver twelve of his latest hits.

On a recent excursion to Jamaica, a number of singles were purchased. Nine of the more outstanding ones are on this CD. It kicks off with Beres Hammond's smash hit, "Putting Up Resistance," and contains such other absolute favorites as "Keep The Faith" by Frankie Paul, "Sprinter Stayer" by Sugar Minott, Half Pint's "Cosmopolitan Girl" and U-Roy's soulful toast on "Resistance." The tunes by Yami Bolo, Brigadier Jerry, Michael Rose and Dennis Brown are also commendable. The only weak track is J.C. Lodge's rendition of "Between The Sheets."

The sound on this sampler is clean and modern; pop reggae with a message. These smooth singers sincerely have something to say, all the while backed by catchy, powerful rhythms.

Compared to the many compilations available today, "Best Of The Best" is first rate. The title is somewhat misleading - "Best of Tappa Zukie" would be more suitable - and the inclusion of lyrics, as well as a minor change in song order, would be a major plus. Yet this is still essential listening. If you can't get to Jamaica for some of the latest hits, this is the next best thing.






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