Cristal Riddim – Various Artists

CRISTAL RIDDIM produced by VARIOUS ARTISTS 2007

Warm and breezy. Cristal Riddim moves with that mid-2000s roots-reggae polish, all clean guitar skank, rounded bass and a relaxed pulse that leaves plenty of room for the singers to stretch out. Chezidek’s “Struggle Goes On” feels like the anchor here, while Perfect, President Brown and Teflon bring a tougher, more conscious edge against the sweeter turns from Latoya, Lesline and Roxanne. There’s a nice balance between lovers themes and uplift, with tunes like Barinton Turner’s “Love Devotion” and Klarity’s “Ungrateful” keeping the set from settling into one mood for too long. With 18 cuts and a version tucked at the end, this 2007 set captures a period when reggae riddims were still giving space to both roots commentary and radio-friendly melody.

Cristal Riddim Tracklist:

1. Barinton Turner – Love Devotion
2. Brave Heart – Love Me
3. Cc Wella – Hallie Selassie
4. Chappa John – Touch You
5. Chezidek – Struggle Goes On
6. Chrisopalis – Priceless
7. Kevazz – Tell Me How
8. Klarity – Ungrateful
9. Latoya – Brighten Up My Life
10. Lesline – Give The Ladies A Chance
11. Lil Hero – Runaway
12. Live Wyya – This Kind Of Love
13. Nimo – Keeping Da Faith
14. Perfect – Like To Get You Wet
15. President Brown – Zion
16. Roxanne – Run To You
17. Teflon – Life
18. Version – Cristal Riddim