The annual Reggae Gold series always supplies the very cutting edge of reggae music and Reggae Gold 1998 continues the legacy. Filled with a mixture of the year's most popular dancehall, roots, and lover's rock hits, 1998's collection features mainstays like gravelly voiced DJs
Spragga Benz and
Buju Banton alongside hot newcomers
Red Rat and Vegas. However, it's clear from the first track,
Spragga Benz's hip-winding "She Nuh Ready Yet," this album aims to capture the heart of hardcore dancehall fans. From
Frisco Kid's pumping "Gal Pon De Side" to
Beenie Man's sizzling "Tell Me," this album acts primarily as a DJ showcase. Although the sweet harmonies of
Luciano's "Sweep Over My Soul" and
Beres Hammond's soul-drenched "Hold On" provide slow-paced respite, Reggae Gold 1998 was made for dancing. ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates