Romantic Riddim – Cheema Vibez

By 2013, Cheema Vibez had this Romantic Riddim sitting comfortably in the year’s wave of lovers-rock leaning reggae compilations, and the lineup does the talking: Turbulence on “Mysterious Love, ” Exco Levi’s easy-skating “It’s Alright, ” Iba Mahr’s “Love You Always, ” and Da’Ville’s “When We’re Together” all push the same tender theme from different angles. The production keeps the mood warm and unhurried, with a soft, mid-tempo swing that leaves room for the singers to stretch out their melodies instead of crowding the pocket. Kaisha Lee’s “This Love” and Tony Curtis’ “Love Zone” fit that frame cleanly, giving the riddim a polished, intimate finish. It’s the sort of set where the bass stays round and steady, the drums sit back, and every vocal comes through in a smooth, romantic lilt.