Soca 2023

Okay so, we gave you a brief taste last time, in saying Happy New Year, with what HAS to be my current favourite tune this season, 'Come Home' by Nailah Blackman & Skinny Fabulous, but there're a few other early tracks sinking their teeth into me at the moment. I'll likely come back later and do a big wrap up (maybe a top ten, don't think I've ever done that) but, for right now, here're.... let's say FIVE Soca songs getting Carinval Season 2023 off to a GORGEOUS start. 

'A.C.T.A [Across The Stage Again]' by Bunji Garlin [Smiddy Smith Music]

I've never actually seen the very popular show "Stranger Things", but when I saw that there was a riddim, made by Smiddy Smith, clearly based on it I was very curious as to just how derivative it was and, now listening to it (for the very first time right now), Smith actually did a very good job in my opinion in Soca-fying the sound. The best usage of the Stranger Things Riddim, unsurprisingly, comes via Bunji Garlin who puts it through its paces with 'Across The Stage Again' with what is sure to be a familiar them this season with things returning to a more 'in-person' forum after a few virtual years. Mrs. Bunji Garlin also does quite well with her tune, 'Stage Is Yuh Name', but we'll hear from her a little later with something even stronger.

'Party Time' by Fay-Ann Lyons [Bad Beagle]

Why not do it right now?? Garlin also does an excellent job on the Dramatic Riddim from Slip Into Greenz with his 'Lift', but I think his wife actually outdoes him in this case because her track, 'Party Time' is RIDICULOUS! She's had her eye on you since you walked in the place and she's not liking what she's seeing out of you 

"I put the F back inside di Fete and like you doh want to party

I bring di energy fi yuh sweat and like you doh want to party

Yuh energy just make mi upset and like you doh want to party

Is best you didn't come in this fete cuz like you doh want to party

It seems so incredible, never could understand

How you could bear to come in di fete and stand up like is a fan

YUH HEAD ONLY MOVING SIDE-TO-SIDE LIKE IT'S SCANNING DI BAND

SO NOW THAT YOU KNOW YOUR HEAD IS WORKING, WHAT HAPPENED TO YUH HAND?

Artist come after artist and they giving mad energy

10,000 PEOPLE INSIDE THIS FETE, TELL ME WHY I SEEING THREE

Hands in di air, alone, somebody tell me man could it be

THE 9,997 WAITING ON ME?!"

She isn't crying or whining. She is DEMANDING your participation.... and you will give it to her.... NOW!

'Pieces' by Patrice Roberts, Problem Child & Super Blue [Problematic Music]

As is her norm, already shining early this season is Patrice Roberts who is doing it, particularly, via combinations. Tunes alongside Alison Hinds and Kes have demonstrated an almost early-Patrice/Machel level of accuracy and she's also done well on the solo side. MAYBE her finest effort thus far, 'Pieces', comes alongside Vincy vet, Problem Child, and the legendary Super Blue (who is the father-in-law of her cousin - so what does that make them?). This one breaks [EVERYTHING] no new ground at all, but what it does is to amplify the fact that sometimes you just need to BREAK SOMETHING and sometimes, when you do it, it can have a very nice melody. Check this one for a great example (and notice everything going on in the background on this song. It is SO detailed).

'Welcome Home' by Machel Montano, Voice, Agent Sasco & Travis World [Monk Music]

Come on now.... You know I was CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED to include this tune. You knew it! Stop it.

'Mood' by Shaggy & Kes [VP Records]

And lastly (I think this is a pretty good way to end, even though i have two more to write... and I'm not sure what one of them will be right now), is a HUGE combination as Reggae star, Shaggy, links with one of Soca's most consistent lights, Kes. This tune is just COOL! It is COOL as hell and, with the names on board, you could probably have arrived at that conclusion on your own. I didn't have to tell you that. It's also damn infectious and I am currently listening to my Daughter singing along with it (her father's joining in too). You play this video and you'll come in as well. Apparently (though unsurprisingly), VP Records have taken an interest in this one (after a year with neither Soca Gold or Reggae Gold) and will OFFICIALLY release it on the 13th of January, but you need not wait until then to enjoy what is certain to be a highlight of this season - it already is. 

Also check: 'Remedy' by Destra, 'Long Live Soca' by Voice, 'Pump' by Skinny Fabulous and 'Drones' by Miss Alysha