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The Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2015
The Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2015
A welcome release, that serves to keep the irrepressible one drop on the reggae map.
Sampler
According to high profile DJ David Rodigan, VP and Greensleeves Records have ‘presented the worldwide reggae fraternity with a highly impressive collection of magnificent roots reggae songs and rhythms’. Whilst many will argue around the edges of this statement, none can dispute the central conclusion thereof.
The latest release batch sees a return to the ‘one drop’ compilation series, initiated in 2005 and last evident in 2011. Though the 2015 version may not compare with the 40 classic tracks on the 2005 release, it certainly confirms that contemporary artists are capable of compiling catchy tunes to the irrepressible rhythm. Produced by Clive Hunt with the help of many musical luminaries – including gentleman Robbie Lyn and brilliant brass blowers Everton Gayle and Hopeton Williams – it’s well worth a listen.
The opening track from the VP Hit Team ably and instrumentally sets the tone for what’s to come. This takes the shape of Luciano, who gets into the groove with ‘His Imperial Majesty’. Thereafter I Kaya whips up the tempo with ‘Worth His Weight In Gold (Rally Round)’, before Etana gives us a reprise of Marcia Griffith’s famous ‘Stepping Out Of Babylon (Dub Mix)’ recording. The females persist, as Jah9’s ‘Feeling Irie’ manages to musically convey that very sentiment, before Jah Vinci’s ‘King’s Highway’ offers up a truly uplifting track - one of the compilation’s very best vocal inputs.
With their burgeoning reputation, Raging Fyah then kick in via a characteristically cleverly spun ‘Long Road To Travel’. Thereafter, Richie Spice gives the compilation ‘Time Rough’ (with some well-honed horns) before Randy Valentine chooses to ‘Take Control’ with a real and righteous rootsy ode to Jah. This sets the stage for Capleton’s ‘Motive’, which will not disappoint his legion of supporters. Winding down the selection, Yasha opts for the uplifting ‘Fly Away To Love’, set to the authentic ‘one drop’ rhythm. The ravages of romance persist in the penultimate piece, as Iba Mahr sings ‘Play With My Heart’, enabling the VP Hit Team to return and aptly end proceedings with a classy instrumental and heavily brass embellished ‘Hit And Run 1’.
This is a welcome release, that serves to keep the irrepressible ‘one drop’ on the reggae map. Which is exactly where it should be – whether courtesy of Marley’s drummer (the late) Carlton Barrett from the 1970s (with whom it’s frequently associated) or via the young tyros of the genre in 2015.
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