Strictly Lovers Rock Volume 3

It’s accessible and mellow, and the cross-Atlantic artist roster makes it exciting and unpredictable. Consistency is guaranteed, but the instrumental feel is still fresh, helped by a mix of easygoing, Jamaican roots styles, and a light seasoning of bouncy, R&B-flavored, British reggae. The opener, “Six Street” is a strong, melodic musicology lesson - taking experienced collectors on a memory-lane trip, while providing an approachable on-ramp for new listeners. Well-mannered vocal melodies from Ambelique’s “I Suppose” are a solid bet for romance, and Sandy Smith’s “I’m Still In Love” is sensually relaxing, thanks to her Fiona-analogous singing voice and a group of finely-timed sax riffs. Gyptian’s reggae ballad “Come Closer” is the epitome of sweetness, bewitching listeners with soothing and flexible vocal couplets. Anthony Cruz’s “My Love” should score high with female listeners, and Anthony Malvo’s “Never Leave” is an ambrosial nightclub necessity. The entire album flows with vibes, but it’s Kandi’s “My Kinda Girl” that emerges as the strongest musical statement. It’s danceable, the lyrics are utopian, and the chorus is a sweet, innocent, love mantra that coaxes repeat listening. Like the first two volumes, this is a double CD, and there are 20 tracks on each disc, giving you a lot of music for the price of a single album. There’s a lot of Lovers Rock to digest, but the delectable rhythmic feel stays consistent enough to make it a slow, satisfying experience.