专辑简介

One-rhythm albums (on which a variety of reggae vocalists are invited to take turns singing and toasting over a single instrumental backing track) usually suffer from two problems: first, since they're cheap to make, they tend to be way too long. Second, since they're based on a single "rhythm," they tend to be monotonous. This one, surprisingly, lasts only about 37 minutes, which turns out to be the perfect length; and thanks to the gently propulsive and unusually complex nature of the chord progression (i.e., more than two chords), it also wears quite well even if you listen all the way through without stopping. Best of all, every performance is at least good, and several are excellent. Up-and-comer Mavado provides the album's low point with the stupid gangster posturing of "Dreaming," but Assassin's nimble "Gunshot a Beat" brings a more interesting flavor and Vybz Kartel makes an unusually conscious contribution with "When Last Unnu Pray." On "Badness Nuh Light," New Kidz switch nicely between singing and chatting, and Alaine's "Lovers Prayer" is a sweet little slice of lovers rock. Highly recommended overall.