Kings of Reggae (Artists Only!, 2000)

Please disregard the cheapness of the packaging on this album; I don't know what Artists Only! was thinking (Sometimes it seems that slick packaging is the most dependable part of their releases.) with this generic clip art cover.  To top it off, on the back cover, they don't list who performs the songs!  They do list some of the artists on the front, but they noticeably leave off Bushman (Oops!).  Anyway, don't think that the packaging reflects the contents, for this is a very nice collection of righteous lovers rock and digital roots.  Featured are Luciano's "God & King" and Freddie McGregor's "Peace and Love," both featured on Jet Star's Reggae Hits Volume 27, but my favorite has to be Tony Curtis' gorgeous, emotional testament "My God Is Real."  Strong performances also come from relatively obscure artists Kimberly Washington and Norberth Clarke, the former singing with an effective gospel edge and the latter crooning over an old school roots rhythm playing rather matter-of-factly in the background.