Do one thing and do it well. Seems like a wise old sage or two has said something to that effect–and when it comes to reggae compilations, Greensleeves Records takes the adage to heart. From their Ganja Anthems, Ragga-Ragga-Ragga, and From Dubplate to Download collections, to their forward-thinking rhythm album sets, a Greensleeves comp or three is all a DJ needs. The UK label closing out its 30th anniversary year does so in style, with its third installment of the Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems series, this time chronicling 2007’s best artists, and videos.

One-drop reggae is reggae’s foundation sound, relying on heavy second and fourth beats; the music usually features live instrumentation and singers offering conscious cultural messages. This year’s Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems features a bonus 10-track video DVD, which includes a documentary introduction to roots reggae’s top newcomer of ’07, Alborosie (pictured below). ‘Rosie’s new video for “Kingston Town” is not on this collection, but his other smash from this year, “Rastafari Anthem,” (on Collie Buddz “Come Around” riddim) makes up for it.

Other key performances assembled on the audio CD include Ray Darwin’s take on the Studio One “Mean Girl” riddim, with his sound anthem “People’s Choice,” excellent debut tracks from new singers Ginjah and Nesbeth, and a bonafide chart-topper in “I’m Gonna Do My Best,” from Beres Hammond and Buju Banton. One of the album’s standouts is from breakthrough singjay Pressure. The St. Thomas, Virgin Islands-based star’s two contributions (“Love & Affection” and “Be Free”) should convince any skeptics that 2008 will be his year. The video for “Love & Affection” is also included. 

Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2007 is in shops now.

Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthem 2007 Tracklisting
CD
1. Ray Darwn “People’s Choice”
2. Alborosie “Rastafari Anthem”
3. Pressure “Be Free”
4. Munga “In Your Arms”
5. Beres Hammond & Buju Banton “I’m Gonna Do My Best”
6. Lutan Fyah “Save The Juvenile”
7. Tarrus Riley “Protect Yu Neck”
8. Pressure “Love And Affection”
9. Tami Chynn “Over And Over”
10. Nesbeth “Board House”
11. Sizzla “Really And Truly”
12. Warrior King “Oh What A Feeling”
13. Mr. Easy “Strangest Thing”
14. Chezidek “Call Pon Dem”
15. Ginjah “Music Alone”
16. Jah Cure “Sunshine”
17. Jah Mali “Roadblock”
18. Etana “Roots”

DVD
1. Ray Darwn “People’s Choice”
2. Lutan Fyah “Save The Juvenile”
3. Pressure “Love And Affection”
4. Tami Chynn “Over And Over”
5. Nesbeth “Board House”
6. Mr. Easy “Strangest Thing”
7. Chezidek “Call Pon Dem”
8. Ginjah “Music Alone”
9. Etana “Roots”
10. Alborosie: The Story (Documentary)

Watch Ray Darwin and Mr. Easy’s videos:

Ray Darwin “People’s Choice”

Mr. Easy “Strangest Thing”