Focus Riddim (2003) – Reggae Vibes Records

Deep cut. Reggae Vibes Records’ Focus Riddim from 2003 has that mid-tempo roots pulse that lets the singers sit right in the pocket, with Frankie Paul’s “Crazy Love” and Johnny Osbourne’s “Everything Is Everything” giving it the kind of seasoned weight younger voices like Cecile and Wayne Wonder can ride without forcing the issue. There’s a nice little push and pull between the conscious tunes and the sweeter love songs, and the title cut from Simpleman keeps the whole thing tied to the source, with a version tucked in at the end like a small bonus.