AMG Review of Total Togetherness, Vol. 11

Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
All Music Guide

Total Togetherness, Vol. 11 boasts a stellar lineup of dancehall hits -- enough to keep any party going at full blast. The CD doesn't just have all the hottest DJs such as Beenie Man, Lexxus, and Mad Anju, but it also claims some of the year's best singles, managing to cover dancehall, lovers rock, and roots rock. "The Business" by General B and Patchy, with its brilliant take on the classic "There's No Business Like Show Business," provides a strong opening and it's all uphill after that. Beenie Man turns in a lyrically sharp performance with "To Live or Die" and Lexxus holds down two hot tracks with "Bust a Blank" and "Bling." With all the pumping rhythms, the real standouts are the lovers rock and roots rock selections -- Richie Stephens' smooth "Angel Heart," Ghost's interesting treatment of Ricky Martin's "She's All I Ever Had," and Morgan Heritage's soothing "Doors of My Temple." But Luciano's "Cool and Settle" is cool indeed, stealing the spotlight with its beautiful harmonies and conscious lyrics.