Strictly The Best is the longest running (officially sanctioned) reggae compilation series ever, gathering the most-massive Jamaican hits at the end of every year since 1990. Stream all 31 tracks from Strictly The Best's 2011 editions, released today by VP records, below. Vol. 44 rallies roots tunes with lovers Gyptian and Tarrus Riley, while Vol. 45 presents this year's most popular dancehall tracks from Mavado, Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul and Wayne Marshall. Female performers are scarcely represented, but supergirl Denyque appears twice, on heartsick "Summer Love" and "Driving Me Insane," a sweet and salty face off with Chino. Vybz Kartel's sole contribution, "Summertime," is a bittersweet standout. The image of the singer—currently accused of double homicide—enjoying a pool party feels eerily unreal.
Stream: Strictly The Best Vol. 44
Stream: Strictly The Best Vol. 45
