Editorial Reviews

People say that reggae has only one rhythm, and they're wrong; once you learn what to listen for, you realize that there are at least five or six basic reggae rhythms. People also say that soca only has one rhythm. In this case, they're right. It's a really fun rhythm, but there aren't very many significant variations on it. Which means that while a nice long soca single can be an essential element to a great party, an entire soca album might be a bit too much for most normal people. What distinguishes good soca from mediocre soca? Usually three things: tunes, horns, and hooks. The latest soca compilation from VP delivers good and mediocre in pretty much equal measure. On the plus side are Poorsah, whose "Hairy Bank" is tight and tuneful and nicely balances a relentlessly upbeat chart with lyrics of economic despair, and Kevin Little, whose "Turn Me On" is a great fusion of soca and lovers rock delivered in combination with an uncredited DJ. On the negative side are Tony Bailey's "Tina," which starts off powerfully and then, over the course of three minutes, stays in that same powerful mode without the slightest variation in tone, tempo or texture, and Super P's "De Curry," which wastes a beautifully spare bassline on a lame melody and throwaway two-chord vamp. If you know you like soca, you'll find some gems here. If you're on the fence, best to start elsewhere. Rick Anderson, All Music Guide

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