The Best Of: Anthony B

Anthony B

Far too overlooked and far too underrated. For years Anthony B has been described by words likes those as he seemed to be equal to, but didn't receive the same level of attentions as did his more famous peers, Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton and Luciano amongst the masses and the media. However, really deep Reggae heads knew his actual place, in terms of quality, was right with them and in terms of consistency, maybe even a little bit ahead (especially ahead of Sizzla and Capleton in that department). He's also been just as active with singles and ESPECIALLY with albums throughout the years from some of the biggest labels and best producers also. Thus, I submit for your approval, a streamlining of sorts - The Five Best Albums of Anthony B.

{note: Only studio albums}

#5. Black Star [Greensleeves, 2005]

By far the most contentious spot on this list for me, I ultimately decided to go with Black Star at number five for a few different reasons. Firstly, the album which would have been here (Seven Seals) is quite similar to a few of the others (namely numbers one and two) which appear later on this list. Also, I simply HAD to have a representative of one of the most important links Anthony B has had in his entire career, with Maximum Sounds and labelhead Frenchie. Had this list been numbered as ‘the ten best’ the two would have DEFINITELY had two more appearing here also (Rise Up and Higher Meditation, respectively) and, in comparison to those even, Black Star was simply the biggest piece that the duo has made to date. It featured such LUSH and VIBRANT music surrounding a few hits and it has definitely gotten better throughout the years and I expect that to continue also.

Best Tune: 'Poor Man's Cry' w/Jah Cure

#4. Life Over Death [Bornfire/Zojak, 2008]

It seems a mistake that this album was only eighteen tracks long as I seem to recall it having around twenty-five or so definitely. That’s just to the credit of how VAST Life Over Death was. It proved to be one of the most high profile releases of the chanter’s career and it was accompanied by so much talk that it would be the very first released on his very on Bornfire imprint. THANKFULLY, Zojak picked up the distribution at some point (because I think it was ONLY available on ONE website before they did) and in doing so pushed one of the FULLEST, varied and simply best albums of Anthony B’s career altogether.

Best Tune: 'Territory'

#3. My Hope [Minor 7 Flat 5, 2005]

In retrospect, My Hope was not only the third best album Anthony B has ever done but it was also the best thing that its label, Minor 7 Flat 5 EVER did also. Seemingly now long gone (for about two years or so) having run the same set and a half of riddims INTO THE GROUND between I don’t know how many albums, thankfully labelhead Brotherman managed to include Anthony B in their schedules. My Hope was absolutely STUNNING! It was quietly one of the most dynamic albums of the Fire Man’s career and it was solid at the same time. Guest spots from Gentleman, Taffari and Mark Wonder certainly didn’t hurt at all either.

Best Tune: 'My Hope'

#2. Universal Struggle [VP Records, 1997]

Universal Struggle, in my opinion, ranks as one of the most underrated and downright FORGOTTEN albums in the history of modern Reggae music altogether as it simply doesn’t get its fair share of accolades in my opinion. The album was (literal) very much a descendant of its immediate predecessor and the top choice on this list as it was built in very much the same fashion with big tune after big tune and hit after hit. It has personally had such an impact on me as well as Universal Struggle has kept me company through A LOT of FUCKED UP times. Definitely one of the best albums of Anthony B’s career and one which is basically mandatory material in order to be able to appreciate him as an artist (and this blog too!).

Best Tune: 'Waan Back'

#1. Real Revolutionary (aka So Many Things) [Greensleeves Records & VP Records, 1996]

By whichever name you choose to call and by whichever cover you recognize it, Anthony B’s debut album Real Revolutionary (my choice) was the best album he has ever done. It should be regarded (but it isn’t) as every bit the landmark release such as Sizzla’s Black Woman and Child or Capleton’s More Fire as it, too, simply changed the game and although ‘SO MANY’ people know about those albums, quite so few seem to know about the mastery that was Real Revolutionary and the equally real impact that it had. The album was and has remained a sticking point for Reggae heads based largely on the method in which is was done. Basically in a compilation style, each and every early big tune Anthony B pushed out under the auspices of Richard ‘Bello’ Bell and Star Trail is on the album and it gives such an OUTSTANDING impression of the wonderful foundation which eventually grew to become Anthony B.

Best Tune: 'Fire Pon Rome'