The fact you can record a reggae version of just about every song in every genre is should be common knowledge by now, and for 'Reggae Style' the Wagram label collected no less than 64 reggae versions (or 24 if you opt for the LP version of this compilation) of well-known hits from soul, pop and rock history. The CD version of the compilation consists of four discs counting 16 tracks each, arranged more or less chronologically by period. We open all the way back in 1969 with Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love', here in a successful reggae version by Alpha Blondy, and conclude with James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful' from 2004, in brought to you in lovers rock style by Roger Robin.
Some covers remain pretty close to the original and reggae-wise haven't that much to offer (Marcia Griffith's version of Peggy Lee's 'Fever', Ambelique's version of the Rolling Stones classic 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction'), with other songs the original was almost reggae and the covering artist in question only needed to add some extra bass (see for example the version of 'Hotel California' by the French band Moonraisers, the indeed excellent 'De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da' by The Police, here in a version by Third World, or Meleka's version of Lilly Allen's 'Smile'). Another constant is that if there are Latin influences in the mix you usually end up with a rather deplorable result (Freddie McGregor's version of the Cuban classic 'Guantanamera' or Lloyd Brown's interpretation of Santana's 'Maria Maria').
In the track list, apart from a lot of well-known reggae names like the aforementioned Alpha Blondy and Third World, but also The Pioneers, Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, Sly & Robbie, Morgan Heritage, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe and many others, also lesser known a number of lesser known or illustrious artists like Madelene, Jezzai, Jo-Anne, Tracy, Chanelle or Meleka.
Wagram is also the mother label of Chapter Two Records, so recent Inna De Yard versions like Kiddus I's 'If You Love Me' (the English translation of Edith Piaf's 'Ode À L'amour'), Horace Andy's adaptation of Bill Withers' 'Ain't No Sunshine' or Ken Boothe's 'Speak Softly Love' can also be found on this compilation. Ken Boothe's classic version of Syl Johnson's 'Is It Because I'm Black' can't be found in the track list and there's no trace of Samory I's more recent revamp either, but the song does appear in a version by Yami Bolo.
Eric Clapton once helped put Bob Marley on the world map by covering his 'I Shot The Sheriff' and is thanked here by Kotch who signs for a rather toe-curling version of Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight'. The regretted Amy Winehouse can be found on the compilation with her wonderful reggae version of Sam Cooke's 'Cupid' (from the track list of 'Back To Black: Deluxe Edition') and is in turn honored by mento ensemble The Jolly Boys who recorded a mento version of her biggest hit 'Rehab'. With 'Battle For Seattle', Little Roy ventured into an entire album full of Nirvana covers back in 2011, from which Wagram selected 'Polly'. The illustrious La Grima and American singer Jimetta Rose were also inspired by the Seattle grunge rockers, performing a reggae version of 'Lithium'.
When thinking of a reggae version of The White Stripes' iconic 'Seven Nation Army', we immediately end with French band The Dynamics, but on 'Reggae Style' the song is played by the English band Nostalgia 77, who, for the occasion, joined forces with singer Alice Russell.
That leaves our favorites on this compilation, adding up to a nice list... Starting with 'Inner City Blues', Sly & Robbie's cover version of the hit of soul legend Marvin Gaye (also honored by the late Jimmy Riley with his reggae version of 'Sexual Healing'), The Temptations' 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone' turned into a reggae classic by The Pioneers, and the Swiss Booost who gave Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick In The Wall' a more than successful reggae makeover (including didgeridoo solo). For the 'Skarra Mucci & The One Love Family' album, Chezidek and Skarra Mucci released a wonderful interpretation of Bobby Hebb's soul classic 'Sunny' last year. One of the absolute surprises on this compilation is Turbulence who, with a fantastic version of Luther Ingram's 'If Loving You Is Wrong', suddenly shows himself to be a true soul crooner.
In the lovers rock category we should definitely mention Don Campbell who, with 'Rise', created an excellent version of Gabrielle's 1999 world hit, Ambelique and Dee Ellington provide a goosebumpworthy moment with their version of Phil Collins' 'Against All Odds', that same Dee Ellington, this time in joined by Savana who, using the Columbus riddim, give Alicia Keys' 'You Don't Know My Name' a complete makeover, and Janet Lee Davis and Chanelle prove that even teenage pop like The Pussycat Dolls' 'Stick With You' and Britney Spears' 'Baby One More Time' can still be turned into very solid lovers rock tunes.
Excellent compilation to enjoy during long car trips to holiday destinations!