At first glance, this disc’s track listing seems rather peculiar: It’s somehow unjust to put Bob Marley and Desmond Dekker songs on the same album with Inner Circle’s “Bad Boys,” Third World’s “Now That We’ve Found Love” and/or—yikes!—Big Mountain’s cover of Peter Frampton’s “Baby I Love Your Way.” But, in this context, all these styles—from roots reggae to cheese reggae—work. And by ignoring that line between cheesy pop and soulful roots performances—as the Jamaican people themselves seem to do—this disc will surely prove more fun for some. While this writer could certainly do without a few of these cuts, Reggae Pulse has the feel of a reggae’s greatest-hits. The disc is bubbling over with top-shelf talent (Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy Marley, Toots & the Maytals) and top-notch tunes (Johnny Nash’s elevating “I Can See Clearly Now,” Musical Youth’s irresistible “Pass the Dutchie,” Toots’ timeless “Pressure Drop”). Perfect for the casual reggae listener and a solid party record for the devoted.—WO
Related
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news