Drawing in equal measure from roots, Philly soul, and contemporary English pop, this frequently overlooked movement documents a pivotal point in British social history. However, Greensleeves' latest archival compilation—mostly comprising tracks from the label's own offshoots, Cool Rockers and UK Bubblers, but also taking in sides from the Fashion and Ariwa imprints—reveals a more obvious distinguishing feature. In all its many varieties, reggae was, and still remains, a predominantly masculine field, but here such highlights as Donna Rhoden's "It's True," Carrol Thompson's "I'm So Sorry," and Deborahe Glasgow's "Knight in Shining Armour" detail an unprecedented and seductive period of feminine pressure.

That's not to say the guys don't get their turn, though. Keith Douglas's "I Specialise in Good Girls" is a charming montage of calypso horns, supple bass licks, and lyrics so deliciously naive they could've been written by a grade-school kid; meanwhile, Peter Spence's "Don't Leave Me Lonely" plays honeyed vocals full of yearning off against a rich steppers' rhythm. Still, the women win out with Alpha's "Can't Get Over You": Simple, sultry, and universally relevant, it's the kind of breakup song that's almost sweet enough to heal a wounded heart.