AMG Review of Trojan Box Set: Jamaican Superstars

Stephen Cook
All Music Guide

Five of Jamaica's biggest singing stars are spotlighted on this bargain three-disc set from Trojan. Those who came up during the ska and rocksteady periods include child star Delroy Wilson, Studio One and Treasure Isle legend Alton Ellis, and onetime Technique Pat Kelly (really the dark horse among all these marquee names). Each of them is given a clutch of songs, many either classic hits (Wilson's "Better Must Come") or just incredible performances (Ellis' cover of the Junior Walker hit "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)") recorded during the rocksteady and burgeoning reggae years. And from the early reggae and roots era come two international stars in Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown, both represented here by some of their initial hits for producers Alvin Ranglin and Niney Holness. That leaves the great John Holt, who certainly belongs on the same compilation as these fine singers, but sadly never gained the level of fame Isaacs and Brown did. Justice aside, this collection should provide plenty of top-drawer listening for the discerning reggae fan.