Zion Gate Riddim (2010) – John John Records

A warm, roots-leaning dancehall cut with live-sounding guitars, bright horn stabs and a steady midtempo sway, Zion Gate Riddim finds John John Records revisiting a classic foundation and keeping the feel close to the old-school feel it’s drawing from. The set is compact, with Alborosie’s “Rudie Don’t Fear, ” Sanchez’s “Mad Love For You, ” Sizzla’s “Music In My Soul” and Tarrus Riley’s “Sweet Jamaica, ” plus John John’s instrumental carrying the groove between vocals. It was released in April 2010, and the track choices lean more toward conscious melody than straight bashment, which suits the riddim’s easy lift and vintage snap. Alborosie opens it with the sharpest attitude, but Tarrus Riley’s “Sweet Jamaica” leaves the cleanest mark, riding the rhythm with the kind of sing-along pull that turns a throwback riddim into something people keep playing.