A double-CD of reggae classics from legendary label Trojan dating from the 1970s "to the present day", according to the press release.

Which means?

Something borrowed (Pato Banton with Ali & Robin Campbell, 'Baby Come Back’ - a cover version of the popular Equals track). Something blue (Shabba Ranks, 'Mr Loverman). But nothing new (the latest track is 1999's Mr Vegas, 'Heads High').

Is it much cop?

For reggae babies, yes. This will offer a spoonfed introduction to the reggae scene. Hopefully, they'll then be able to stand on their own two feet, so to speak, and explore some of the artists by themselves. For long-time fans of the genre, not so much as a lot of the material is overfamiliar. However, there are some hidden gems. In place of their signature tune, 'Israelites', you can hear Desmond Dekker & The Aces perform the less well-known 'It Mek'.

How many good tracks?

Disappointingly, they're fewer in number than bad tracks. The emphasis, as is nearly always the case with compilations, is on the hit. But lots of successful singles are novelty records. We'll name and shame them later. The pick of a mixed bunch are Jimmy Cliff's 'The Harder They Come', Gregory Isaacs' 'Night Nurse' and, for purely nostalgic reasons, Musical Youth's 'Pass The Dutchie'.

And the worst?

Bitty McLean's 'It Keeps Rainin', 'Dedicated To The One I Love and 'Here I Stand' - a hat-trick of own goals. Thankfully, we get just the one Chaka Demus & Pliers track. Yes, it's 'Tease Me'. No, it doesn't sound any better 11 years down the line.

Biggest disappointment?

The misnomer of a title. All the artists are black, I can't dispute that. But talented? Christ on a bike, the album's got three Bitty McLean tracks on it!!! And young? Well, that's sexing up the truth a bit to say that. Even when you consider when the songs were first released. Only Musical Youth, who, if memory serves me correctly, employed amongst their ranks some pre-pubescent members, could be considered chickens of the spring variety. Dawn Penn enjoyed 17 years of retirement and then some years of re-establishing herself before making a splash with the reworked release of her 1960s hit 'No, No, No' in 1994. Young at heart, maybe. But then again, so is Cliff Richard.

Verdict:

You'll smile with joy. You'll cry tears of frustration. This compilation will take you on a emotional rollercoaster ride.

(2½/5)

Release Date: 09 August 2004

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Young, Black & Gifted 2