This sumptuous compilation revisits the apex of Dennis Brown"s career, bundling together 18 stellar numbers that showcase both the singer"s classics and his romantic gems. The former child star transformed himself into a serious cultural artist in the roots era, mentored along the way by producer Niney "The Observer" Holness. A clutch of tracks encompasses their work together, including "My Time," "Hot Like a Melting Pot," and a simmering version of "Africa" titled "Lord Africa." Simultaneously, the singer was also unleashing equally sizzling love and lovelorn numbers, including "You"re No Good" and "Go Now." Brown"s hits flooded the island, and not just under Holness" aegis -- "Love Me Forever," a superbly soulful cover of Carlton & His Shoes" rocksteady masterpiece, was a smash produced by Bunny Lee, as was the equally sublime "Light My Fire." While other singers" careers faltered under the onslaught of the DJs in the "80s, Brown"s career continued unabated, and 1983"s gorgeous "You Are My Inspiration" was just one of stream of incandescent numbers Brown unleashed during this period. The veteran easily made the shift into the more digitized riddims now flooding the dancehalls, as "I"ll Get Along," cut on the "Sleng Teng" riddim, well illustrates. A stream of huge dancehall hits came courtesy of the Taxi label, with Sly & Robbie"s computerized riddims underlying smashes like "Sitting and Watching," " Hold on to What You"ve Got," "Revolution," and "All Over the World." Those four numbers are the latest included on Classic Hits and -- like the Holness productions -- are sprinkled willy-nilly across the set. Chronology may be lacking, but this compilation provides a small sampling of the scores of sensational singles Brown thrilled the world with during this decade-long span. All told, a fabulous introduction to the many musical worlds of the late great singer. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide