Universal Message 3

Various
Universal Message 3(VP)
Sure, I like Lee Perry as much as the next obsessive reggae fan, but if the majority of your reggae collection is still living in the 1970s, sit up and take notice. You need Universal Message 3. Run, don’t walk to pick up this collection of some of the top ranking Jamaican tunes of 2004. It’ll provide an excellent intro to what seems to be a conscious reggae renaissance. From the haunting “Living in Love” by I-Wayne to Fanton Mojo’s infectious “Hungry” to Capleton’s powerful “That Day Will Come” to Jah Cure’s incredible “Jah Bless Me”, there aint no weak tracks here. Luciano, Bushman, Sizzla, and Gentleman (yes, he’s great and he’s a white dude from Germany) demonstrate the power of positive vibes, and acoustic performances by Tanya Stevens and Anthony B round out a representation of some of the best roots and culture out there. Somewhere, Bob Marley is smiling.