Wild World Riddim – 10 Records

Wild World Riddim comes off as a late-’80s lovers-rock yard session with a smooth, melodic pull and just enough sax color to keep it moving. The centrepiece here is obviously Maxi Priest’s “Wild World, ” his take on the Cat Stevens song that helped define his early crossover moment, and the extended version stretches that same easy sway a little further for the sound system crowd. Kashief Lindo’s “Give Me Strength” sits neatly alongside it, adding a younger voice to the set without breaking the mood. With only four cuts and just two artists on the riddim, 10 Records keeps it tight and focused; the release is dated 1987 in the notes, which places it right in the period when these polished roots-leaning lovers selections were finding a wider audience.