As a follow up to its incredible Treasure Chest collection, the Heartbeat label has put out this second batch of Duke Reid-produced rocksteady and early reggae tracks. While not as representative as the prior two-disc set, this new release does contain a solid selection of solo and harmony vocal numbers. Well-known cuts like the Paragons' "On the Beach" and the Jamaicans' "Dedicated to You" are included along with fine marginalia such as the early Gladiators number "Live Wire," Leroy and Junior's cover of the Stylistics hit "Break Up to Make Up," and an intriguing studio conversation between Reid and U-Roy. And in addition to U-Roy's DJ send-up of the Melodians' "Rock Away," organist Winston Wright's mod instrumental "Tonight" and Dave Barker's James Brown-inspired workout "Funky Funky Reggae" complement the collection's many smooth vocal cuts. Also worth mentioning are strong performances by Paragon singer Tyrone Evans, future roots reggae star Freddie McKay, and the lovely and underrated Phyllis Dillon. With superb sound (Heartbeat gets all its material from original master tapes) and faultless track selection, More Hottest Hits qualifies as an essential disc for lovers of rocksteady and early reggae. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide