ALBUM REVIEW BY MARLON: “HITS AFTER HITS VOL.9”

By Marlon Burrell—

Hits After Hits Vol. 9

Here is a compilation series that is consistent and delivers every time. Joe Fraser Records’ Hits After Hits Vol. 9 is here and does not disappoint. This is a delightful set that delivers what the title promises. There are absolutely no misses here.

Terry Linen opens up by combining some biting lyrics and an outstanding vocal delivery with “U Ask For It” over a superb cut of the “Try A Little Smile” riddim. The next four tracks utilize the same riddim and every one is a scorcher. Adele Harley delivers big time with the song that the original riddim was made for, Doreen Shaffer’s “Try A Little Smile.” The popular sentiment among reggae industry insiders is that she improves on the original with this rendition. Then Freddie McGregor chimes in with his #1 hit “What You Gonna Do.” If you follow Freddie’s catalogue, you may have noticed that he recorded this song on a different cut of the same riddim on his “Signature” album from 2000. He too improves on his own original composition with the rendition presented here. Mr. McGregor also contributes his writing skills to Laden’s outstanding “Laden Ways.” Not to be forgotten is Keisha Patterson’s contribution with “All Over Me” while O C delivers big with “How Could I Let You Get Away” on the same track. Everyone brings a unique touch to this outstanding update of the classic Studio One riddim.

The hits continue with Fiona’s take on Adele’s mega pop hit “Hello.” This is by far the most successful of the many reggae versions out there and there are some good ones. This is the standout cut and has gained the most attention from radio personalities. Just wait until you hear Digicel Rising Stars winner Dalton Harris’ original composition “Dangerous.” He shows a lot of promise with his writing skills while his vocal delivery is on point. Sadiki’s silky smooth crooning of “Pledging My Love” is sublime and complimented beautifully by first rate horn phrasings. Len Hammond is also in fine form in both is vocal delivery and songwriting ability with “Take (Tek) You For Life.” This is another example of under-appreciated talent shining through. Veteran Ed Robinson doesn’t disappoint with “Dat 8^th Wonder” neither does Earl Sixteen when he updates his own “Love That Is Real.” Lloyd Brown utilizes a Joe Fraser cut of the Wailers’ “Soul Shakedown Party” riddim for “To The Bone” in fine style.

You can always look forward to a blast from the past with Hits After Hits and this one is no different in that regard. Pat Kelly’s 1986 hit “Let Me Have The Chance” for producer Donovan Germain is the featured gem here. Overall, this compilation is really booming. There is not a single miss or filler here, just pure listening pleasure from start to finish. Congratulations to Joe Fraser Records for delivering the goods yet again.