Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2009

Rounding up the year's more traditional reggae hits, Greensleeves' Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2009 maintains the series' tradition of high-quality compiling. Split fairly evenly between lovers rock and songs with more roots-minded lyrics, the above-average set represents how strong the "grown folks" reggae scene was in 2009 and how it was supported by artists both old (Beres Hammond, Capleton, Sizzla) and new (Alborosie, Romain Virgo, Ziggi). In the case of the key track "Automatic (Keeping It Real)" it's the old and new guard all at once with young buck Busy Signal singing sweet nothings next to veteran solo artist and I-Threes member Marcia Griffiths. Other highlights include Lukie D's dreamy love song "No Air," Glen Washington's positive "Vibes," plus Capleton's ode to the ganja farmer "Acres." Don't expect the furious sound of Jamaica's dancehall scene, but if you're looking for a laid-back time capsule, Greensleeves' One Drop series satisfies once again. ~ David Jeffries