Platinum Reggae: Volume 1

Compilations are usually hit and miss; on this album, every cut hits. It's often hard to find the latest singles and albums by reggae newcomers in mainstream record stores; Platinum Reggae deftly presents recent work by the most exciting contemporary Jamaican reggae stars. There's a winning duet between vocalists Luciano and Sizzla, a ballad by veteran performer Gregory Isaacs, and wonderful contributions from a host of other artists. It's a trip to Kingston, no passport necessary.

--By Christopher John Farley