Never Fail Riddim (2016) – Journey Music Productions

A warm, rootsy pulse runs through Never Fail Riddim, and Journey Music Productions keeps the arrangements lean enough for the voices to do the lifting. Advance’s “Happy Time Now” and Blivion’s “Life” sit comfortably beside D’Koncept’s more devotional “Jah A Guide, ” while Patexx turns in the apt “Musical Journey” and Penny Irie closes with the more forceful “Guh All Out. ” There’s even a little extra lift from Froggy and X-Ale on “Moving On Up, ” which keeps the set moving without crowding the groove. Issued in 2016, the six-song spread reflects a mid-2010s reggae moment when conscious themes and straightforward singjay cuts were still carrying a lot of weight.