- “Raw, The Best of Lady Saw”- Lady Saw (VP Records)
In 1998, Lady Saw releases two albums, the first was a best of compilation titled “Raw, The Best of Lady Saw” featuring some her best dancefloor hits that were executive produced by David Sanguinetti. All the songs production variety include producers Castro Brown, Bobby “Digital” Dixon, Tony Kelly, Lady, Saw and Patrick Robert. The album had popular “Sycamore Tree”, “If Him Lef,” “Stab Out the Meat,” and “Woman Wi Name.” The album was released on February 8 by VP Records.
2. “99 Ways” – Lady Saw (VP Records)
The X-rated singer also released her fourth studio album that year “99 Ways.” The album peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Reggae albums chart. Its rock, dancehall and R&B influence was Saw’s attempt to expand her audience with production by Dave Kelly (“Oh Yeah”,”Nuh Dis Me”, Tony Kelly (“Ride of Your Life” featuring Pancho Kryztal,”No Matta Me”,”Money Money.”), Danny Browne (“Straight Work”,”Woman Sneaking” featuring Red Rat,”Don’t Even Stress Dat”), Paul ‘Bankey’ Giscombe,Richard ‘Shams’ Browne,Garfield ‘Sampalue’ Phillips,Richard Browne, Garfield Phillips, Paul Giscombe, Duke Reid.
Producer Suku Ward also served as studio engineer.
3. “Dancehall 1998” – Various Artists, 1998 (Penthouse Records)
- The playlist kicks off with Chico’s infectious track “Mek Noise,” setting the tone for a lively musical journey. General Degree follows with the upbeat and catchy “Lotoya,” keeping the energy high. Buccaneer then takes the stage with “How Can She Forget,” a track that seamlessly blends dancehall vibes with unforgettable melodies. Hawkeye’s “Police Alarm” adds a touch of urgency to the mix, creating a dynamic listening experience. The collaboration between Buju Banton and Red Rat in “Love Dem Bad” brings a reggae flavor, showcasing their vocal prowess. Devonte & Tanto Metro’s “Everyone Falls In Love” introduces a romantic element to the playlist, while Sean Paul’s “Nah Get No Bligh” injects a dose of dancehall swagger. Richie Stephens follows with the soulful “Weakness For Sweetness,” displaying his smooth vocal delivery. Buju Banton returns with “Up Close And Personal,” a track that highlights his versatility as an artist. Little Kirk’s “I’ll Be Holding On” adds a sentimental touch to the mix, leading into Alley Cat’s “Dirty Thoughts,” which concludes the riddim playlist with a blend of provocative lyrics and infectious beats.
4. “Reggae Gold 1998” – Various Artists (VP Records)
“Reggae Gold 1998,” a compilation album featuring a stellar lineup of various artists swiftly made its mark on the music scene, debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Reggae Album chart. Its success was not short-lived; the album spent 82 weeks on the Reggae Album chart, it also enjoyed a presence on the broader musical landscape, spending 8 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
The tracklist of “Reggae Gold 1998” reads like a who’s who of reggae royalty. From dancehall anthems to soulful reggae ballads, the compilation paints a vivid picture of the genre’s multifaceted nature during the late ’90s.
The album kicks off with Spragga Benz’s “She Nuh Ready Yet,” a high-energy track that sets the tone for what follows. Frisco Kid’s “Gal Pon de Side” and Beenie Man’s “Tell Me” keep the momentum going, showcasing the versatility of dancehall in the late ’90s.
Sean Paul’s “Infiltrate” adds a contemporary twist to the compilation, giving listeners a taste of the artist’s signature style that would later propel him to international stardom. Bounty Killer’s “Cry for Die For” and Mr. Vegas’s “Heads High” contribute to the album’s dynamic range, offering both social commentary and infectious beats.
“Sweep Over My Soul” by Luciano and “Destiny” by Buju Banton showcase the roots reggae influence, with soul-stirring vocals and conscious lyrics. Sizzla’s “Babylon Ah Listen” brings a fiery energy to the mix, addressing social and political issues with unapologetic fervor.
The dancehall vibes continue with Red Rat’s “Tight Up Skirt” and Degree’s “Boom Boom,” each adding a dose of playfulness to the compilation. Spragga Benz returns with “We Nuh Like,” demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
The album takes a turn with “Hold On” by Beres Hammond, a soulful reggae ballad that adds a touch of romance. The collaboration between Beenie Man and Sanchez in “Going Away” is a standout moment, blending the artists’ distinctive styles seamlessly.
The compilation wraps up with “Don’t Follow Rumours,” a collaboration between Carlton Livingston and Shabba Ranks. The track serves as a reminder of the era’s collaborative spirit, bringing together two reggae icons for a memorable finale.
5. “The Dancehall Album” – UB40, 1998 (Virgin Records)
“The Dancehall Album” marked a departure from UB40’s more traditional reggae sound, delving into the vibrant and energetic world of dancehall. Known for their distinctive fusion of reggae and pop, UB40 embraced the dancehall genre with open arms, collaborating with a lineup of renowned dancehall artists to create an album that pulsated with rhythm and showcased the diversity of the reggae scene.
From Pinchers on “Magic Carpet” to Lady Saw on “Nuff Love,” the album is a celebration of the multifaceted talent within the dancehall community.
Merciless, General Degree, Mad Cobra, Anthony B, and others adds layers of authenticity to the album.
Other songs on the always that stood out were “Waw Waw Waw” featuring Lt. Stitchie delivers a catchy rhythm and the romantic message in “Smile For Me” featuring General Degree.
“Love That I Need” featuring Beenie Man adds a touch of romance to the mix, showcasing the band’s ability to seamlessly blend different emotions within the dancehall framework. “More Opportunity” featuring Anthony B and “More Love” featuring Red Dragon exude positivity and reflect the collaborative spirit that defines the album.
The inclusion of “Who” featuring Spragga Benz, a track co-written by UB40 with Carlton Grant Jnr. and Shanice Grant, is another standout moment.
6. “Next Millennium” – Bounty Killer, (VP Records/TVT)
Next Millennium is the War Lord’s second most successful album according to the data obtained by WMV. The album released by VP Records/TVT Records has sold 78,000 units in sales and streams equivalent units in the U.S.
Of that amount 75,000 are pure sales and 9 million on-demand streams. The album’s lead single is the hip hop infused track “Deadly Zone” featuring Mobb Deep and Big Noyd which was featured in Stephen Norrington’s Blade Motion Picture Soundtrack.
7. “Hitbound Selection: When the Dances Were Changing” – Various Artists, (Pressure Sounds)
The “Hitbound Selection – When The Dances Were Changing” album, released in 1998 under the Pressure Sounds label, serves as a captivating journey through the evolving landscape of reggae music. Compiled by Pete Holdsworth, along with the artistic contributions of the likes of Barrington Levy, Sugar Minott, and others.
