Sony Legacy dipped into the archives and pulled out a fistful of
Ranks' most popular cuts for this compilation. Culled from the five albums the DJ recorded for
Epic between 1991 and 1995,
Greatest Hits is obviously aimed at American fans. There again, the label gave
Ranks an incredibly long leash, allowing him to record in Jamaica with the island's hottest producers and rhythm teams, and the artist repaid the favor by refusing to compromise his rough and ready style one iota for an international audience. And thus his reputation remained unsullied at home and abroad. The 16 cuts featured here provide an excellent overview of
Ranks' music, from his early raggamuffin days to his later conversion to more cultural concerns. The DJ's initial breakout came via a series of pairings with singers, including
J.C. Lodge on her international smash
"Telephone Love." A clutch of those collaborations appear here, notably with
Mykal Rose on the hit
"Shine Eye Gal," Maxi Priest on
"Housecall," "Chevell Franklin" for
"Mr. Loverman," and
Cocoa Tea and DJ
Home T on
"Pirate Anthem." As the album is not chronological, it's difficult to chart
Ranks' progress, but the varied lyrical themes signposts the way. From the conquesting hero of
"Wicked in Bed" and
"Bad and Wicked," albeit often with tongue in cheek, as on
"Trailer Load a Girls," to the more thoughtful
"Rough Life" and
"Roots & Culture," on which he defends his toasts, the DJ connected with Jamaican
dancehall crowds and eventually the world. This compilation shows precisely why. ~ Jo-Ann Greene
![Love Is My Religion [Bonus Tracks]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0804879102724_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Love Is My Religion [Bonus Tracks]")
