Anthology
This veteran reggae crooner's double-disc best-of collection leapfrogs indiscriminately among McGregor's rootsy '70s music, funkier '80s work, and computer-driven '90s output. At times--when he waxes Rasta-righteous on tunes like "Natural Collie" and "Bobby Babylon"--he sounds like a JamaicanMarvin Gaye; but McGregor's lover's-rock persona eventually outweighs his conscious disposition, which is why he sounds more comfortable covering theMain Ingredient's "Just Don't Wanna Be Lonely" and the Sandpipers' hoary "Guantanamera." During his '70s prime, however, McGregor could do no wrong. Backed by producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's catchiest rhythms, McGregor adapted American doo-wop and the smooth R&B; moves of theSpinnersandO'Jaysfor a suave, utterly commercial sound solid enough turn even an ode to the spiritual joys of running shoes ("Jogging") into a hit.--Richard Gehr