Love So Divine b/w Version Anthony B

Released in the early days of Easy Star Records, "Love So Divine" serves as a benchmark for the label's foundational commitment to conscious roots reggae. The single features Anthony B, an artist who emerged in the mid-90s as a leading voice of the "Bobo Ashanti" movement, bringing a fiery, uncompromising energy to the dancehall. At a time when the genre was often dominated by slackness, Anthony B's performance here exemplifies the "prophetic" style that defined his career, blending melodic sensibilities with a stern, unwavering lyrical focus.

The A-side, "Love So Divine," is built over a steady, driving riddim that leans into the classic 70s roots aesthetic while maintaining the crisp production standards of the turn of the millennium. It's a track that prioritizes substance, focusing on spiritual themes rather than club-friendly tropes. The B-side, credited to the Easy Star All-Stars, provides the "Version"—a stripped-back dub that highlights the label's internal production prowess. This instrumental highlights the rhythmic architecture that would eventually become a signature sound for the label as they transitioned into more experimental, concept-driven projects.

For those tracking the Easy Star catalog, this release acts as a vital bridge to the label's broader compilation history. "Love So Divine" was notably featured on EASY STAR VOLUME 2: DANCEHALL CULTURE⁠, placing Anthony B alongside other foundational roster artists like Luciano, The Meditations, and Sister Nancy. This era of the label was defined by these high-profile collaborations, establishing a creative ecosystem that linked veteran Jamaican legends with the emerging New York reggae scene. It remains a definitive piece of the label's "Deep Dive" archive, representing the raw, authentic roots sound that preceded their later global crossover success.