Gregory Isaacs - Reggae Anthology: Gregory Isaacs - The Ruler [1972-1990] (2011)

Released almost a year after his death at the age of 59, The Ruler: 1972-1990 is a fantastic 40-track collection covering the smooth reggae crooner’s best years. Heartbreak, heartache, and occasional social commentary were well within Gregory Isaacs' grasp, with all of it delivered in a convincingly reserved tone, earning him the nickname “The Cool Ruler.” The quintessential numbers are almost all here, with “My Only Lover,” “My Number One,” “Mr. Cop,” “Night Nurse,” “Rumours,” and “Red Rose for Gregory” making this one stellar track list. The stern uprising track “Slave Master” is here, too, although in a live version. Still, it’s a very good version and the compilation’s excellent second-tier selections more than make up for it; plus, to get some extended mixes as well is absolute gravy. Buy the physical release and a live 1984 show from the Brixton Academy is included on DVD, and the booklet features a welcome essay from Steve “Serpiente” Stromberg along with track-by-track commentary.

Tracklist:
01. Gregory Isaacs - My Only Lover (3:05)
02. Gregory Isaacs - Do You Ever (3:21)
03. Gregory Isaacs - All I Have Is Love (2:18)
04. Gregory Isaacs - Lonely Soldier (2:49)
05. Gregory Isaacs - Love Is Overdue (3:07)
06. Gregory Isaacs - Never Be Ungrateful (5:34)
07. Gregory Isaacs - Ba Da (3:13)
08. Gregory Isaacs - The Sun Shines For Me (4:51)
09. Gregory Isaacs - Set The Captives Free (2:58)
10. Gregory Isaacs - My Religion (3:06)
11. Gregory Isaacs - Philistines (3:36)
12. Gregory Isaacs - My Number One (3:42)
13. Gregory Isaacs - Tumblin' Tears (3:26)
14. Gregory Isaacs - Special Guest (3:53)
15. Gregory Isaacs - Border (3:37)
16. Gregory Isaacs - Storm (3:47)
17. Gregory Isaacs - Mr. Cop (Extended) (7:34)
18. Gregory Isaacs - Sister Love (Extra Special) (3:09)
19. Gregory Isaacs - My Time (4:00)
20. Gregory Isaacs - Slave Master (Live) (3:02)
21. Gregory Isaacs - Let's Dance (2:33)
22. Gregory Isaacs - John Public (3:02)
23. Gregory Isaacs - Soon Forward (4:57)
24. Gregory Isaacs - Tune In (3:39)
25. Gregory Isaacs - Top Ten (3:32)
26. Gregory Isaacs - Permanent Lover (2:56)
27. Gregory Isaacs - Front Door (3:54)
28. Gregory Isaacs - If I Don't Have You (4:09)
29. Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse (3:59)
30. Gregory Isaacs - Private Secretary (4:31)
31. Gregory Isaacs - Let Off Sup'm (4:41)
32. Gregory Isaacs - Private Beach Party (4:15)
33. Gregory Isaacs - Victim (3:10)
34. Gregory Isaacs - One Man Against The World (3:22)
35. Gregory Isaacs - Rumours (3:20)
36. Gregory Isaacs - Red Rose For Gregory (3:56)
37. Gregory Isaacs - Big All Around (feat. Dennis Brown) (5:17)
38. Gregory Isaacs - Jealousy (feat. Jimmy Cliff) (3:58)
39. Gregory Isaacs - My Native Woman (3:25)
40. Gregory Isaacs - Too Good To Be True (4:05)