Various Artists - Reggae Gold 2017 (VP Records)

The compilation opens with a single from last year; a rather poppy cover of the Tanto Metro & Devonte hit 'Everyone Falls In Love' by, released by Canadian singer Tory Lanez. Compared to the original version, this one sounds a bit sterile and bland, but none the less back in February of this year it was still nominated for a Grammy  in the category r&b.

Jah Cure is up next, presenting 'Telephone Love', a sweet lovers tune that will only appeal to the true fans of this genre.

VP changes tempo with 'Loddi', a song by new Jamaican sensation Shensheea. We also recognize the voice of Vybz Kartel. Shensea definitely shows potential with this tune, and we're already looking forward to what she will have to offer in time to come. 

With his 'Gyal You A Party Animal' over the great Jambe-An riddim, Charly Black offers us another 2016 hit, in a style somewhere between Balearic dancehall and soca (highly recommended for those who don't know it yet). 

We continue in a dancehall vein with offerings from Style X, Romain Virgo and Spice, a decent selection, but no more than that.

Christopher Martin slows down the pace with 'Magic', a very good song with an ethereal vibe, but featuring some slackness lyrics. All in all a nice lovers tune. 

British r&b and soul artiste Estelle invited Tarrus Riley to join her for the rootsy 'Love Like Ours'; an interesting combination on the same level as 'Trueversation', a tune somewhere between a one drop and conscious ragga hip-hop by Queen Ifrica and Damian Marley.

Quite different is Ikaya's 'Leave You Alone', a song reminiscent of talent shows like 'The Voice' or '… Got Talent'. Even though the song hints at Tessane Chin and Jessie Royal's style, the result is still rather disappointing.

It's back to Tarrus Riley for 'Don't Come Back'; a very good song over Rvssian's excellent Crown Love riddim.

Even though Deepjahi's 'Hide' lacks originality and couldn't' hold our attention, we're still convinced this is an artist you'll want to keep an eye on.

Then it's on to Adonia for 'Banga', a hard tune over the 2Face riddim; dark and ruff dancehall, as we've come to expect from him, but a nice track none the less.

Aidonia is being followed by some revival roots by Raging Fyah, 'Raggamuffin'. We can even hear the skank and bassline from 'Get A Lick' (aka 'Billie Jean') on this track sometimes. A very nice track.

The first part of the compilation concludes with two songs by Chronixx: the first one longside Jah9 (for the hardcore remix of 'Hardcore'), and finally solo with 'Spanish Town Rockin', from his new album 'Chronology'.

In addition to this collection of novelties, the package also features a second CD, containing the same songs, but this time mixed by Chromatic Sound, a very popular Kingston crew Kingston, with Diplo, Drake and Skrillex among their fans.

With 'Reggae Gold 2017', VP Records once again succeeded in presenting us with a nice overview of the latest trends in reggae and dancehall, no doubt providing you with the ideal summer soundtrack!

Finally on the cover of the album, this year a photo by Savanah Baker of beautiful model Lilian Uwanyuze painted in the colors of the Jamaican flag.

Translation: Thomas Alberico