Spirited Riddim – Various Artists

The Spirited Riddim leans into a sturdy roots-and-reality feel, with militant drums, stern bass and enough uplift in the arrangement to keep the pressure moving rather than sinking into straight sermon mode. The vocal lineup tilts heavily toward conscious reggae, with Anthony B on “Protect Me Oh Jah Jah, ” Lutan Fyah on “System Of Pay Gone, ” and Fantan Mojah on “Trough The Fire” all digging into struggle, faith and resistance, while Bounty Killer’s “Waan Piece A Mi” and the Mojo and Capleton pairing on “Fire Pon Dem Nastiness” push the set a little harder and rougher around the edges. There’s a small detour into romance with Toya’s “Love Like This, ” but the project mostly keeps its eye on spiritual survival and street pressure. The last word belongs to Capleton, whose fire-and-brimstone presence gives the riddim its sharpest finish.