Review: Strictly The Best Vol. 45

by Munchy

11/18/2011

Looking at the track list alone it’s quite obvious that this compilation is once more worthy its title: even the 45th edition is still simply and Strictly The Best dancehall has to offer this season. 15 tracks include number one chart hits, big party forwards and the most popular artists on the scene.

Laza Morgan, former member of LMS and part of the Morgan family opens the selection with Gully God Mavado by his side presenting one of the top combination tunes of the year. Slowly but surely their mid-tempo love song climbed up the hit lists with the typical kicking bass and snare drum pumping through the powerful production of One By One. Continuing the Island Pop theme is singer Demarco spreading his positive message Love My Life which is followed by the very best of the Summer Time riddim. Latter instrumental by Swedish producer Adde Instrumental is surely a promising candidate for riddim of the year having some of the most popular songs of 2011 on board. World Boss Vybz Kartel advises the bleachers not to forget their umbrella when going to the beach while his protege Popcaan celebrates his party to the fullest.

Naturally no dancehall compilation can miss out on the King of the Dancehall Beenie Man and his rival Warlord Bounty Killer. The first one’s inviting request Let’s Go rides smooth on the popular Over Proof riddim by Patrick Samuel who is better known as Roach, while the five star general sticks to his stereotype fighting his enemies being Ready Fi Dem.

Still the most significant feud of the album is carried out by other opponents: Tony Matterhorn calls basically every name coming to his mind asking if his colleagues were afraid of a Dancehall Duppy while Twin of Twins aim directly at the former selector and his pseudonym in Cigarette Murder. For those who like it less controverse more friendly combinations are still to find on the track list. Super star Sean Paul teamed up with US american singer and actress Alexis Jordan for another of this year’s club hits and Wayne Marshall, who profed to finally have a series of quality productions released again this year is Swaggin’ alongside Tifa and Future Fambo. With his downbeat, minimalistic gangster tune Wanted [Just Ain’t The Same] Damian Marley closes the compilation – or is just another song before the tracks start over again as this surely a album that makes you want to press repeat.

Inner Circle - No Seed feat. Stephen & Damian Marley, Pitbull & Red Rat [2011]

Superheavy - Superheavy [2011]

Superheavy - Miracle Worker [2011]

Buju Banton - Before The Dawn Concert [2011]

Stephen Marley - The Revelation Pt.1: The Root Of Life [2011]

Third World - Patriots [2011]

Stephen Marley feat. Damian Marley - Jah Army [2010]

Mojo Morgan - Million $ Check (Remix) [2010]

Bruno Mars feat. Damian Marley Liquor Store Blues [2010]

Various Artists - Marley Magic [2010]

Inner Circle - State Of Da World [2009]

Julian Marley - Awake [2009]

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K'Naan - Troubadour [2009]

Stephen Marley - Mind Control [2007]

Bob Marley - Chant Down Babylon [1999]

Julian Marley - Lion In The Morning [1997]