AMG Review of Global [VP/Universal]

David Jeffries
All Music Guide

Cutting edge dancehall DJ/producer Fire Links' Global riddim is a club-minded monster with an aggressive bassline that's nearly techno. Beenie Man's exciting "Heart Attack" is the riddim's key track with a rousing chorus and a whimsical Fred Sanford moment that finds the King of Dancehall grabbing his chest and faking a heart attack in an "I'm coming to join you Elizabeth!" style. Beenie sticks around for a duet with D. Angel on the great "One Man" and while the other dancehall superstars included here -- Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Sizzla, and T.O.K. -- all offer exciting numbers, they're overshadowed by the hungry second line with Ghost, Bunji Garlin, and the Monster Twins all nailing it. With Global being very sparse and simple, VP's compilation won't sway the detractors from thinking that one-riddim collections are anything but monotonous, but it's a must for dancehall fanatics who appreciate Fire Links' future-minded, trendsetting productions.