Signatures Vol. VI: Bunji Garlin

It's Bunji Garlin. Soca Defender. Lyrical Genius. No intro. Let's go! 

{Next: Queen Omega & Cocoa Tea}

1. 'Differentology'

We ready. As is the norm on these features, we begin with what is likely Bunji Garlin's most recognizable tune to date, the now, ridiculously, over a dozen years old, 'Differentology'. This tune was all-conquering in its day and though I don't even think that I would rank it amongst the top five or so (maybe I would) of songs that you'll find on this list, it has a certain BRUTALLY infectious vibe to it which makes the attraction it garnered not the biggest surprise in the world. Produced by Keron Thompson, the song would also head what is, arguably [PROBABLY], Garlin's most well known album to date named after it and has aged particularly well, still being one of the genre's most popular records altogether.

2. 'Snake Oil'

In charge. Good luck to you getting the first entrant on this list, 'Snake Oil', out of your head anytime soon.... I've been working, unsuccessfully, for the better part of a couple of decades or so. 'Snake Oil' was seriously infectious and it's gone on to hold on to this delightful position within his catalogue. For those who've known it for any kind of time, it is revered not as this ALL TIME CLASSIC, but a sharpened and COOL song which, because of its kind of pulsing pace, is one of a kind from Garlin and an EXQUISITELY put together track.

3. 'Brave'

Fraid nuthin. Sometimes YOU must be the spark. That was the idea behind the explosive fifteen year old smash that was 'Brave'. It had a [VERY] specific core to Carnival and Soca but this one has big long legs. You could apply the sentiment behind 'Brave' to almost anything. It was about having courage and not being afraid to take a risk and not being afraid of failure and it was wrapped up in this high-powered package which remains some of Garlin's most impactful work ever in my opinion.

4. 'The Islands' featuring Patrice Roberts

EVERYDAY! I wish you all the luck in the world shaking this mess out of your head anytime soon (it's not going to happen for you. It just isn't). Prior to creating absolute carnage alongside Machel Montano and family (the single best tune of which was 'Rolling' and I dare you to disagree with me!) and striking gold with the CLASSIC 'Sugar Boy', Patrice Roberts would begin her push to prominence with this CANDY-like Mastamind produced tune alongside her Soca Daimyo cousin, Bunji Garlin (never used that word before, it was time to pull it out). 

5. 'Fiery'

BURNING, BURNING, BURNING! Back in 2008, Garlin would have a lot of fans 'in their feels ' (do people still say that?), when he dropped his big tune of the season, 'Fiery', in honour of fallen Calypsonian, Maestro. I have always had something of a "love hate" relationship with this tune because, although it was sensational (and it still is) what tends to stand out most vividly about it is Garlin would use it to BLATANTLY STEAL Soca Monarch from his own wife who would deliver one of the greatest performances anyone has ever laid eyes on with 'Get On', and still be denied by 'Fiery'! Yes. It still pisses me off on some level, but that doesn't take away from what 'Fiery' was. It was genius and, HOPEFULLY, somewhere Maestro was listening and he was appreciative.

6. 'No Super Hero'

High demand.

"Well I'm no super hero

I'm not demon

Di gyal dem have wi in high demand

Mi doh know if you agree man

Mi gyal named Fay-Ann Lyons 

So I am she man"

It was the ultra fun Soca Strings Riddim sitting behind Garlin's lyrically enthused 'No Super Hero' which headed his album by the name of "Global" from back in 2007. The tune, like several you'll find here, is a PRIME example of some supremely high level wordplay in the midst of absolute chaos. 'No Super Hero' was underrated genius and it was the type of song that you only come across in Soca. 

7. 'Yuh Mad Or Wah'

LAVA! Though, to be perfectly honest, its quality probably doesn't earn it its spot on its list, the PRESENCE and IMPACT of 'Yuh Mad Or Wah' DEFINITELY puts it on such a collection coming from me. The tune was a shot at the curator of lava ground, I Wayne, who had once referred to Soca as "devil music". To the surprise of absolutely no one, Bunji Garlin stood up for the genre and did it in a way which was both kind of brutal also very sensible. He spoke about all of the people that, FRANKLY, Soca music feeds. How it puts money into the pockets of people who might otherwise just not have it or not have it in a peaceful way and the large role it plays in Trinidad. Like I said, 'Yuh Mad Or Wah', from a strictly musical point of view, is no where near Garlin at his best, but when Soca required someone to stand up for it against a... very odd foe, it was Garlin who took up the mantle and dealt with it, as you'd expect him to.

8. 'Carnival Tabanca'

I have it. A rather hypnotic backing, courtesy of Sheriff, played a perfect dancemate with Garlin on 'Carnival Tabanca', which would prove to be a sizable hit for all involved. All the trucks have been packed up and the road has been cleared. Carnival is gone. What you're left with is a feeling similar to losing a good friend and although this friend will be back next year (whether or not you're still here remains to be seen), you still miss them. 'Carnival Tabanca', in a delightfully CHILLED way, perfectly covered that sentiment and, perhaps, has aged as well as any other tune you will find here. 

9. 'Famalay' featuring Machel Montano & Skinny Fabulous

Jumping up together. Along with being a legit hit which would not only net Bunji Garlin his first Road March victory ever AND see Skinny Fabulous secure a very rare Road March for a non Trini artist (and he'd only previously won once in his homeland, St. Vincent), 'Famalay' was still, in a very enthused genre such as Power Soca music, a MIGHTY kick in the ass. On top of that, it had substance of unity to go along with its jump and wave and has already gone down as some of the best work either three have ever done in all of their storied careers.

10. 'Follow Me'

Know me when you see me! 'Follow Me' is in the discussion for being my single favourite song by Garlin ever. It's one of the best songs that he's ever made and, though it isn't respected on that level and never has been, from the very first time I laid ears on this thing, I was hooked! There is something powerfully and aggressively GRIMEY about 'Follow Me'. It is Power Soca of a most intoxicating blend and one of THE greatest of its kind that I have ever heard. 

11. 'Carnival Contract'

Hard like nail. 

"ME AND CARNIVAL HAVE A CONTRACT

EVERY YEAR WE GO HARD LIKE NAIL

I ON THE ROAD WITH TRUCK BIGGA THAN HUMP-BACK WHALE"

The ridiculous KNOCK of the Banx & Ranx produced riddim named after it was a MASSIVE part of my interest in 'Carnival Contract', but still only half. Atop it, Bunji Garlin GLOWED (why isn't "glew" a word???) with an idea that he was CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED to Carnival, each and every year. WHAT! In 2024, Garlin would fulfill that obligation via one of the most hard to shake songs that he has ever done. 'Carnival Contract' was simply somewhere else. It was absolutely dazzling, it still is and, although Michael Teja would have other ideas imprinted on his DNA (biggup Michael Teja), for me 'Carnival Contract' was the runaway winner for the 2024 season.

12. 'King's Arrival'

I am viking. Quite possibly THE SINGLE COOLEST song that Bunji Garlin has ever done, the woefully under-remembered 'King's Arrival' from J-Vibe was both a lyrical and musical masterpiece on a very THICK vibe. It pillaged and plundered and looted its way into my favourites and did so in a way that, though I wholly doubt you'd see it present on many other lists like such, 'King's Arrival' was one of the very first tunes I had in mind when I began putting this thing together. It was spotless.

13. 'Hard Fete'

On a hill. I have been listening to this song, pretty much nonstop, for over two years. That is the biggest compliment that I can possibly pay to 'Hard Fete' which would net Garlin his first (and to date, only) solo Road March title in 2023. Though the competition is fierce, I would probably call it my absolute favourite tune that he has done, ever. 'Hard Fete' is an intoxicant.  It is a drug. It is an addictive substance and all that good stuff. With a HARSHNESS and.... downright ABUSIVE vibe to it, 'Hard Fete' does not care about your feelings. You can hate it. You can love it. That is unimportant to 'Hard Fete'. It will treat you rudely and you will not do a damn thing about it. 

14. 'Clear De Road'

IT BLOCKED. Finally, we end things on the road, drenched in sweat and rain, courtesy of the chaotic 'Clear De Road'. I had this tune and another ('Hold A Burn') in my mind and, intentionally, wanted to force myself to choose between the two. I landed on 'Clear De Road' because there is something entirely UNCOMFORTABLE about it and I mean that in a good way. You cannot sit still while listening to this tune. It is, fittingly, disturbing and aggravating and it would have made for a PERFECT Road March tune had Mrs. Garlin not met his father-in-law that same season. 

What I'm Listening To: LATELY

'Never See Us Fall' by Marlon Asher & Sizzla Kalonji [VAS Productions]

First up this month is a tune which brings together two [THREE] very big names as Marlon Asher links up with the great Sizzla Kalonji.... on a Don Corleon produced track [!] for a big new tune, 'Never See Us Fall'. At the risk of becoming a 'prisoner of the moment' (what I care), I'm going to go ahead and say that 'Never See Us Fall' is the single best tune I've heard from either artist in a minute. On paper, such a combination is truly ridiculous and when you put a wizard at the helm what you expect becomes giant.... 'Never See Us Fall' is giant. 

{Note: Wouldn't be surprised at all if Asher had an album forthcoming this year}

'No Competition' by Daman & Sara Lugo [Soulbeats]

Now look at this one and skip ahead one really quick and then come back.... after seeing who we started with (a combination featuring my favourite artist EVER... produced by, arguably, the greatest producer EVER) and you'll notice that music has been very good to me recently. The great Sara Lugo returns, herself on a combination, this time with an artist I have never come across by the name of Daman (who also produces), for the expectedly delightful 'No Competition'. For me, I took this one as a bit of a 'de-stresser' for life. The thought being that you're not living in a way where you're constantly pitted against someone or something else... EVERYTHING ISN'T OBSTACLE. A beautiful sentiment and one built atop a sweet riddim which has just a hint of old school Dancehall. A fantastic tune.

'Big Fraud' by Reemah [Feel Line Records]

I TOLD YOU! Also on my radars, as it has been for a bit now, is the latest (give me a second, let me confirm that.... yep, it's the latest) from the incomparable, the brilliant Reemah from out of St. Croix, 'Big Fraud'. The song comes via the same Feel Line Records with whom the chanter has been aligned with virtually the entire time since she's risen to prominence and it is of the same MAMMOTH levels that she's displayed.... virtually the entire time she's risen to prominence.

"Wi come to mash and trample every old scheme

Latest on di news is just another smokescreen

PUPPET ON A STRING A WEH DI PEOPLE VOTE IN

Push di dirt unda di table just to keep yuh nose clean

Meanwhile di things you do is contradicting

Di way you play two-sides, oh it sickening!

TO KEEP DI SHEEP POWERLESS, YOU KEEP INSISTING-

A REAL LION HEART WILL NEVA BE NO VICTIM"

The woman is simply on another level from the rest of us. She is evidence of something MORE.

The Wild Crocz Riddim [Swick B]

Probably the nicest piece of new Soca I've come across lately has been the Wild Crocz Riddim which [I THINK] was built by one Swick B from out of St. Vincy. The Wild Crocz is a BOUNCE. It's just all kinds of fun and to maximize the moments some truly big names are brought it. Skinny Fabulous teams up with Jab King, RIDICULOUSLY Problem Child & Lavaman vibe together for 'Doh Bother Me', constant duo Lil Natty & Thunda are joined by the always exciting Muddy ["If you think I ignorant then you hit the nail on the head"], while Keith Currency, Lyrikal and even Patrice Roberts go solo. Every single tune here is at least pretty good and, like I said, the Wild Crocz is VIBES! 

 

"Ganja Man" by Linval Thompson [Irie Ites]

And finally this month, in the place of what is typically some random old set that has gotten my attention as of late is a vintage artist who may just hit vintage levels with his brand new body of work. The legendary Linval Thompson brings forth "Ganja Man" and does so with a pair of some of the most comfortable hands in the entire genre, those of Irie Ites which (presuming this goes up when it's supposed to) (nope! It was a day late) has just been released TODAY and has been dominating a large chunk of my busy morning. Just about anyone releasing an album with II is a really big deal but that becomes magnified several times over because it's literally Linval Thompson, more than half a century into his . Early impressions are good with 'What Time Is It' probably leading the way, but solid contenders come in the form of the title track, 'Marcus Garvey Says', 'Ghetto Youth' and one or two others. Thoroughly enjoying what I'm hearing at the moment and... I may just slap a review on this one in the next couple of weeks or so. Let's see. Eek-A-Mouse and Trinity feature. 

It's. The Most. Wonderful Time. Of The Year!

In case you haven't noticed (you poor, poor soul), it is late in the year and that MAGICAL time where Soca music begins to bubble and blossom as some of the genre's biggest stars begin unloading their arsenals for the forthcoming Carnival season. What happens, in good years is, despite the fact that most artists will wait a few weeks or so to release their absolute biggest tracks, we still get some very good early shots and this year, things are looking bright! I thought I'd take a minute and tell you about a few of my personal early favourites from Carnival 2024 which, if what we've heard thus far is any indication, is looking GOLDEN. Let's go.

'Anxiety' by Patrice Roberts

First up is a tune that I've told you about previously but, in a MOST UNFORTUNATE way, it's taken on an entire new life and also it does remain the single most beautiful piece of work that I've heard thus far. 'Anxiety' is the latest gem from Soca supernova, Patrice Roberts. WONDERFULLY it deals with subjects such as mental health and the overall strength of Soca music and what it does for the masses. If you do not recall or have not heard, last week we lost Ricardo Drue, who transitioned unexpectedly. Drue and Roberts were engaged and, because of that, and just due to the fact that it is absolutely fantastic, 'Anxiety' has become even more powerful and such a noteworthy song not only for Roberts and Drue, but for the entire genre going into 2024. Obviously you don't want to have such circumstances 'fueling' any release of any kind, but even prior to this, 'Anxiety' had the wheels to carry such a heavy weight. It is absolutely fantastic. 

'Devotion' by Destra

I'll name you others (including almost everyone in this same post), but make no mistake about it: My favourite Soca artist is and has always been the divine Destra and she has come out for Carnival 2024 blazing on the power of the typically brilliantly chaotic 'Devotion'. This tune is downright exhausting! IT WILL WEAR YO ASS OUT! This action movie of a song easily ranks amongst Destra's finest from any season in recent memory and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for the season (check another nice set she had not too long ago by the name of 'Rosie'. Very nice song). 

'Big Stage' by Skinny Fabulous & Olatunji

No post such as this one could be incomplete without the inclusion of Vincy blowtorch, Skinny Fabulous who has three or four new tunes about already and the best of them, to my opinion is 'Big Stage' which finds 'Godzilla' linking with Olatunji in a big way. This one actually took a bit of time to grow on me. There's sort of a unique progression to 'Big Stage', if you allow yourself to get into it. They're talking about being kids and experiencing the vibes and being bitten by that bug and how, as not only adults but adults who actually make the music, that experience has changed. The tangible result of that in terms of sound is a BEAUTIFULLY moody selection which ramps up and down in intensity throughout making for, perhaps subtly, one of the most distinctive tracks I've heard in a minute. 

'TGIM' by Lil Natty & Thunda

Speaking of distinctive tracks, take a listen to 'TGIM' by surging Grenadian duo Lil Natty & Thunda. The pair have given me a number of personal favourites in recent times such as 'Top Striker', 'Get In Your Section' and 'The Ambush' just last year (or this year, technically) and they're adding to the lot in 2024 with this offering. You've heard of people celebrating Friday as it ushers in the weekend where, presumably, you might not have to work and can go out and enjoy yourself. Natty & Thunda, on the other hand, are lifting it up for Monday, because who cares! 

"THANK GOD IT'S MONDAY!

AND IT'S CARNIVAL SOMEWHERE!" 

Remember everyone: Be thankful for every moment you have because IT IS CARNIVAL SOMEWHERE!

'Richter Scale' by Fay-Ann Lyons

You knew she was coming. Aza Sefu's early efforts have been outstanding as you would expect (because they always are) and my favourite by the slimmest of margins (with respect to 'Miss Bitch') is PROBABLY 'Richter Scale'. Despite its ridiculous energy, 'Richter Scale' is fairly straight forward in its... absolute madness and it also has a more visual quality to it. You get a picture of Lyons performing 'Richter Scale' in your head and the lack of common sense it will inspire. 

"When wi pull up - well everything start break"

Everything will break and it will be fun!

'Miss Bitch' by Fay-Ann Lyons

Okay, so I kept listening to it and.... maybe 'Richter Scale' isn't better of the two. So, in order to offer you your own opportunity to make a decision, here's FAL's other great tune from the season thus far, 'Miss Bitch'. Unlike 'Richter Scale', this drop is a bit more spiraling and it goes in several different directions. What stand out, however, is the overall sound and lyrics. Backed by the golden Do You Riddim courtesy of DJ Avalanche, Lyons is sure to remind all to THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK to her. 

"I doh care how you feel about

I doh care what you think about

Just doh let it come out yuh mouth"

'Carnival Day' by Voice & Patrice Roberts

I wasn't going to mention this one but, to be fair, by all registerable levels and qualities that I use to measure how good a song is, 'Carnival Day' has it to spare. EASILY one of the finest tracks that I've heard thus far, Voice and the aforementioned Roberts come together to produce what HAS to be considered an early favourite for Road March.

'Carnival Contract' by Bunji Garlin

And then there's the boom.

"MI AND CARNIVAL HAVE A CONTRACT: EVERY YEAR WI GO HARD LIKE NAIL

I ON DE ROAD WID TRUCK BIGGER THAN HUMPBACK WHALE"

I do want to say that while I do expect something madder from reigning TnT Road March king, Bunji Garlin (and you could well say that THE tune that will receive the biggest push might be 'Forward', but I think he goes even further than that), I am just as confident in saying that whatever it turns out to be will lack the overall RIDICULOUSLY EFFORTLESS LYRICAL ASSAULT that comes in the form of 'Carnival Contract'. 

"I tell my wife, I love your vibe and you should come along

She send invites to all wi likes, now wi bout forty strong"

Also, produced by one (two, actually) Banx & Ranx, there is something about the beginning bounce of 'Carnival Contract' which every so faintly reminds me of a tune called 'Get On' by Garlin's wife, the aforementioned Sefu; literally one of the greatest songs of all time. In a class like that, it has to be top notch as Bunji Garlin, once again, SCORCHES.

THE VAGABOND!

Rest in peace to one of the COOLEST talents Soca music has ever produced. Mr. Ricardo Drue!

What I'm Listening To: Therapy! Therapy! Therapy!

'Family' by Cali P [Evidence Music - 2023]

This post actually started as a post all about two tunes by the great Cali P and it morphed into what you see here (because I took too damn long to get around to it), so getting us started is... the great Cali P (and his new look), who gives us the first of a pair of big new tunes, 'Family'. Coming courtesy of Derrick Sound and Evidence Music and their golden Fight Again Riddim (which also featured big tunes courtesy of the likes of Lutan Fyah, Chezidek, Bugle, LMK and others). 'Family' is an IMMACULATE unity piece which, for me, really holds is place as it lifts up every single aspect of FAMILY. There isn't Mother and absent Father or ill-behaving child ["Family! I proud of you just like you proud of me"], it is fully-functioning and entirely beautiful UNIT. Let me tell you something with this tune and the interesting one I'm about to tell you about next.... Cali P in 2024.... yep! 

'Up All Night' by Cali P [Evidence Music - 2023]

Cali P and Evidence, this time, link with Gold Up from out of Canada for the very colourful and infectious 'Up All Night'. You're likely to hear it called Dancehall (which is fair, there's elements of that), but it's probably slightly more to the Hip-Hop side, which isn't my favourite, but this one works for me. It doesn't have that.... kind of rigidity that I usually associate with the genre; it's far more free and versatile and a very nice change of pace. Like I said (though I have nothing in the way of inside information on the topic), keep an eye on (and an ear on) Cali P going into the new year with material like this.... oh and all of that other stuff he's been doing for the last 15-20 years. There's always that stuff too ["SO IF YOU LOOK FUH MI, MI RIGHT ROUND DI CORNAH!"]. BOOM!

'Keep On Moving' by Pete Lawson & Sara Lugo [Novo Sonic - 2023]

All things pause as we hit yet another traditional favourite of ours SARA LUGO [WHUTTTTTTTTTT!] who teams up with another talent originally from out of Germany (although I think 'Funky Comfort' calls France home these days), Pat Lawson, who is entirely new to me, for 'Keep On Moving'. 'Keep On Moving' has a purpose, it has a direction - in terms of progression and development in life but you'll have to work on siphoning that out just a bit because, definitely, the star of the tune is its sound. It's just a lovely vibes (especially that chorus) and, in case you haven't noticed: This is a new song from SARA FUCKING LUGO!

'Anxiety' by Patrice Roberts [Xplicit Mevon - 2023]

Ah feeling. So it's coming. If you've been paying attention, you're noticing that early entries for the 2024 Carnival season are slowly but surely rolling out and, unless I'm really forgetting someone and something, the early favourite for me comes via a most familiar and dependable source as decorated Trini super nova, Patrice Roberts recently set out and succeeded in ridding the world of some extra 'Anxiety'. I'm not going to go too deep on this one, because I'd probably end up crying and I don't feel like doing that right now; but there is an INHERENT aspect of Soca music, in my opinion, which is so powerful in dealing with just cheering someone up or mental health, in general. When the music is at its best, there is NOTHING in the world that I know of which can pull that type of feeling out of me and while you don't hear it addressed so often, lyrically, how many HUNDREDS of songs have you heard with artists talking about how much they love Carnival and Soca and how much they miss them! 

"Soca mek wi stronger together!"

"Lyrical Faya" by Cali P [Pow Pow Productions - 2008]

Lastly (because why not???) I've [very] suddenly rewound the clock back a decade and a half to "Lyrical Faya", the album debut of the aforementioned great Cali P, as I tend to do maybe once a year or so. These days, as I alluded to, I'm stuck on the all kinds of wonderful SWEET Dancehall-ness of 'Right Around the Corner', but you know that despite the fact that this album was PACKED, you still have a difficult time finding a soft moment in its run. I think 'Redemption' might be the biggest remembered tune from "Lyrical Faya" but, again, there were so many as the venerable Pow Pow cracked open their vault of top notch riddims and delightfully Cali P took aim. 

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

While We Were Sleeping: SOCA!

Okay so, Last Time we told you about some of the more interesting Reggae and Reggae-ish projects that were released during our long time away and, as I said then, we'll probably get around to telling you about a few more that we missed at some point in the future as well. Today, however, we're going to take a look and a listen to some of my favourite and more interesting Soca songs that jumped and waved during that same time, while we were taking a nap. So, here're about fifteen songs which have , for one reason or another, impressed the hell out of me over the past five years or so. 

{Note: Songs appear in no particular order and were not written in the order they appear}

{Note 2: Will  probably do this again at some point also}

{Note 3: Post #1500 on this blog}

'Run Wid It' by Mr. Killa [2019]

Step 1: Grab something

Step 2: Pick it up

Step 3: Run with it

Mr. Killa did not care what it was that you picked up, nor was it at all important to him where you ran to after you picked it up. You could pick up an empty can. You and your friends could get together and pick up a car. While on your way to pick up that car with your friends, you could stop and pick up one of them. You could go to one of his shows and, as I've seen before, you could get on the stage..... and pick HIM up. It was not important. Just pick up something [anything] and run with it. Do it now. Thank you

{Note: This song was fucking dangerous!}

'Judgement Stage' by Patrice Roberts [2019]

From ever since her days spent as sidekick to Machel Montano, featuring alongside the superstar on such tunes as 'Band Of De Year', 'Tempa Wine', and the MASSIVE 'Rollin', what I have most wanted to hear from Patrice Roberts has been that single moment where she LOSES HER ENTIRE MIND! She's come close a few times, most notably with 2018's 'Sweet Fuh Days', but back in 2019, Patsy got in right with 'Judgement Stage'. I love her music. I love her more aggressive songs and her beautiful Groovy ones alike, but 'Judgement Stage' may've become the best one that I've heard from Roberts altogether. It was melodic. It was kind of angry. It was rough around the edges and it was gorgeous from beginning to end. I have literally spent hours at a time listening to NOTHING but this one. One of my favourite Soca songs ever. 

'Mad City' by MX Prime [2021]

I had forgotten all about this one and had to go back to the list and alter it (bumping out Iwer George and Kes in the process), because for the vast majority of last year, MX Prime's 'Mad City' was running right over me! The artist previously known as Maximus Dan linked with The Ultimate Rejects and produced this angry ass unforgettable moment which, though it may have lost some steam for me these days, once was a song I spent virtually every waking hour singing in my head in one way or another.

'Famalay' by Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin & Skinny Fabulous [2019]

I feel contractually obligated to mention 'Famalay' because, at least on paper, it may be THE single biggest song in the entire genre over the past decade or so. It's definitely in that discussion. The tune brought together Soca supernovas, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and Skinny Fabulous on the same damn tune. Previously Montano had worked with both artists and Skinny and Garlin would go onto do the maddening 'Reckless' afterwards, but 'Famalay', as its title would suggest, brought together three of the biggest names in the genre and they did not put a foot wrong. I've always thought that it was Garlin's star who shined the brightest here ["Well let me tell you one time: Family is family and that's different from bloodline"] amongst the three, but he alone did make it a winner as all three would show up properly in delivering the biggest tune of that year and almost any other year as well. 

'Not A Drill' by Muddy [2017]

In terms of people who weren't really on my radar at the start of our hiatus, Grenada's Muddy may actually be the best 'newcomer' over the last few years for me. He's had several really big songs that I've enjoyed over the last half-decade or so such as 'D.S.A.', Raging Bull', 'Madada' [MAD] and others, but my choice for his inclusion on this list (because he had to be here) was this TRULY ridiculous piece from five years ago, 'Not A Drill'.

"If you find I ignorant then you hit the nail on the head!"

If you and I meet and you come way thinking that I am a damn fool - RIGHT ON! You are correct sir/ma'am! I completely agree with you! We reward thoughts like that around here and, each and every year, I'm certain to keep an eye and an ear on what Muddy is up to.

'Brain Tun Off' by Lavaman [2017]

Leave it to the wholly one of a kind Lavaman to turn his brain completely off and find a way to be rewarded for it. Lavaman is one of those types who we may overlook in terms of his actual level of TALENT because his hype can be so overwhelming, but his 2017 cut of Wetty Beatz' Punch Bag Riddim, 'Brain Tun Off', demonstrated precisely what the Grenadian is capable of in the midst of some of the most infectious chaos consistently churned out in the genre (I'd also recommend 'I En Done' from 2017 as well). 

'Soca Saved My Life' by Destra [2019]

You know I had to include Destra in here somewhere. If you asked me my favourite Soca artist at this moment, I would probably say Skinny Fabulous (and that has probably been the case for.... maybe five or six years now really), but if you asked my favourite of all time - that distinction belongs to the diminutive fireball from out of Laventille, Trinidad, whose melodically masterful choas enhancers helped me in initially becoming a fan of a genre that has given me and my family SO much joy throughout the years (I grew up listening to Soca, but didn't really gain a taste for it until right when I entered adulthood basically). She's made a three or four songs that I have liked more than 'Soca Saved My Life' in recent times, but I choose to mention it over those (like 'Stage Party') (and 'NOW' with Nadia Batson) for its impact. While it didn't quite "save" my life, I would not want to imagine being without what is, by far, my favourite musical drug of choice... damn living, breathing adrenaline rush. 

'Geh Meh Mad' by Fay-Ann Lyons [2018]

Because she simply had to be here, for Fay-Ann Lyons' representative, I chose this MOODY, pulsing track from 2018, 'Geh Meh Mad', which was produced by veteran Keskeys. I don't know if would go as far as to call it one of the best songs she's ever done (that is saying a TON if you know what this woman has been up to for the last couple of decades or so), but what I will say is that from the very first time I heard it in late 2017 roughly, 'Geh Meh Mad' put me in a damn trance or something. It has this amazing hypnotic quality to it. Sit there and listen to it two or three times and you will find yourself kind of robotically singing along on the chorus

"..... geh meh mad

..... geh meh mad

..... geh meh mad

..... geh meh mad" 

Maybe that was the intention or just what happened with it, but 'Geh Meh Mad' was fucking dangerous! Do not listen to while operating machinery or holding a small child. 

'Lunacy' by Gabrielle [2018]

I didn't know much about Gabrielle Palandy when she dropped the seriously underrated 'Lunacy', a few years back... and I still don't know too much about Gabrielle, having heard very little from her (maybe just one song since this one, actually, and that was from just last year. 'Congo Gal', nice song). 'Lunacy' was just SO DAMN COOL with Gabrielle fully embracing and CELEBRATING the ridiculous side that is, at least hopefully, alive and thriving in us all. It definitely brought her to my attention and chances are you probably didn't hear it - now is a good time to become acquainted. 

'John Wick' by Skinny Fabulous [2021]

GRRR! 

A big credit definitely goes in the direction of Kay Frass Production and the larger than life Lavaman (who should be in here, somewhere, with a tune of his own), who is responsible for the blazing Legends Riddim which carried the latest in the line of equally GIANT, powerful tunes from my current favourite Soca star today, St. Vincent flamer, Skinny Fabulous, 'John Wick', which follows such unforgettably energized pieces as 'Head Bad', 'Duracell', 'Cave', 'Monster', 'Beast Leh Go', 'Di General', 'Mash Up International', 'Fyah Anthem', 'Godzilla', 'Scary' (which is my favourite), 'Ignorant', and others (DAMN!). If you love power Soca, Skinny Fabulous has probably done more for you than anyone besides.... well, I was about  to say Montano, but I think he's topped even the monk in recent times. 'John Wick' in particular was MADNESS! It was a beautiful piece of carnage just like the movies it was named after (they keep making the same movie over and over again, basically, but I thoroughly enjoy them).

"IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MOVE THEN YOU WILL GET TRAMPLED!

DO NOT FOLLOW US CAUSE WI IS BAD EXAMPLE!"

'Pieces' by Skinny Fabulous [2021]

If you've suffering from some type of cabin fever or pandemic blues over the past few years, you were most certainly not alone and Soca music, in full, was there for you - making several big tunes in observation of the moment. The biggest? It was probably Skinny Fabulous who swore to every one who could hear him that after "so long we've been waiting":

"THE FIRST PARTY WE TOUCH, IT AHGO MASH UP INNA PIECES!"

Not the most aggressive track on this list, but with Hunta Flow's fittingly middle of the road vibed Say When Riddim, 'Pieces' was as forecastingly DESTRUCTIVE as one could have hoped and I'm sure the man kept his word. 

'Into You' by Patrice Roberts [2020]

After Skinny Fabulous Patrice Roberts may just be my second favourite Soca artist going today (Fay-Ann would also have something to say about that as well) and she has come to that point largely based on a wonderful consistent ability to churn out SWEET Groovy masterpieces. While we were away she continued right along, business as usual, serving up DIAMONDS such as this wonderful track from 2019, 'Into You'. Precision Productions lent their delicious part old school Dancehall, part Soca riddim, the 10x Over to  the songstress and, in turn, she gave them a BEAUTIFUL song which, at least in my opinion, is one of her finest ever! That's saying a lot when you consider her catalogue, but 'Into You' was THAT good.

'The Struggle' by Bunji Garlin [2020]

Lest you ever forget just how lyrical Soca music can be and how it isn't just about jumping, waving and misbehaving, there will always be Bunji Garlin and he will always have performances like the Jus Now helmed 'The Struggle' from just a couple of years back (well, maybe not exactly like it. This one was special). 'The Struggle' was a mammoth chunk of GENIUS! It was so damn smart and, ultimately, has gone on to become one of my favourite Garlin songs from the last decade or so and maybe even ever. The tune was not only very lyrical, featuring downright immaculate wordplay, but it was pure, authentic Soca music. It wasn't Dancehall-ish or -esque or any of that shit. It featured Garlin with his incomparable wordy arsenal in full display in a way we have rarely, if ever, heard on a song before (I'm sure we have, the man has had some GEMS). 

'Savannah Grass' by Kes [2019]

While it was definitely difficult not to get lost in the buzz created by the mammoth 'Famalay' in 2019, one of the tunes which not only faired very well for itself but THRIVED during the time was this, in my opinion even stronger, effort from Kes, the downright STUNNING 'Savannah Grass'. The tune has topped the still mighty 'Wotless' from a few seasons back to become Kes' biggest hit to date (at least as far as I can tell) and with great reason: It was absolutely phenomenal. I know people (two in particular) who think 'Savannah Grass' is the greatest piece of Soca ever created -- by anyone, ever -- and while I couldn't quite go that far, such compliments are not totally outlandish for this instant classic.

'Hookin Meh' by Farmer Nappy [2019]

Woman. You are looking entirely too damn good and this food you just cooked tastes entirely too damn good for me us to break up. I'm sorry. I will do my best to improve as a man and make some changes... but, nope. We are not breaking up right now.

That is the sentiment behind this WONDERFUL track from underrated Trini star and one of Soca' most consistent acts, Farmer Nappy, 'Hookin Meh'. Riding the infectious Purple Heart Riddim courtesy of De Red Boyz and Country Life Music, 'Hookin Meh' became a definite winner from the Farmer in a career that, whether you realize it or not, is absolutely BRIMMING with hits of varying degrees. This was one for the vaults and a mighty task you'll undertake in trying to forget it (trust me, I just failed at forgetting it). 

Most Wanted: 2015

When it comes to albums, 2015 will have some serious work to do if it is at all to serve as a proper chaser to the monster that has been 2014. Along with the overall quality of the releases we have seen, we also have had a downright staggering range of variety and levels of names as well. In simple terms: In any given year where we can get three albums from Sizzla Kalonji, at least three from Midnite and a major release from Bunji Garlin (…and two from Pressure Busspipe) (…and an Etana album) (…and one from Tarrus Riley) (…and Bugle's debut album) (…and I-Octane returned too) (…and I think there was someone named Sara Lugo!) there exists the high potential for something very special which is EXACTLY what we saw this year and are still seeing. So, although it will be a massive act to follow, we still look ahead to what next year will bring and, obviously, we have a few ideas as to what might make it another tremendously impressive run. Thus, we submit for your approval (or disapproval - I don't care) ten people who we'd really like to hear from next year. Most Wanted: 2015

{Note: Intentionally excluded were everyone from last year's list and anyone already scheduled or 'tentatively' scheduled to have albums}

Most Wanted: 2014

#10. Reemah

Though she appears at #10 on this list, if ALL of these albums were actually to arrive in 2015 (and they all won't, 2-3 of them will), I wouldn't at all be surprised if Reemah's was of the highest quality. She actually appears here more as a precaution as I'm still finding new and interesting things about her MAMMOTH debut, 2012's "Check Your Words" to enjoy, so I have not begun to experience a Reemah- withdrawal. HOWEVER, if you look at some her peers - female artists from out of the VI - the track-record of inactivity is distressing. Names such as Dezarie, Mada Nile, Nubian Natty, Lady Passion and so many others, while they may remain active performing, do not seem to release very much in the way of new music consistently and I would HATE such a fate to await Reemah. 2015 might not be the year for a new album (though it may) but, in any case, I'm hoping that she is more present and continues to display what may just be, already, one of the sharpest pens in all of Reggae music. 

#9. Ras Attitude

King me! Because their work has been so damn impressive, it is beginning to become one of my most anticipated occurrences in Reggae music to see just who, exactly, the Zion I Kings collective might turn their attention to next and, as always I have a favourite of who I'd like to see that be (along with Jahdan Blakkamoore, NiyoRah, of course Lutan Fyah and a female artist). This time I'm going with Ras Attitude with good reason. Though it hasn't been a very long time from last we heard from the ridiculously gifted Cruzan chanter - it does kind of seem like it has. His last album was 2012's solid "Hold The Vibes" which, predictably, has vanished (because… no one really knew it existed) and it seems like a perfect time for a next BIG project to emerge from Attitude. In 2014, I Grade Records (the "I" in Zion I Kings) fulfilled what seemed to be a most obvious link in the making when they released the DEVASTATING "The Sound" from Pressure Busspipe another one would surely be the first full Ras Attitude/IGR project. I'm almost certain that it will happen at some point but damn it would look SO nice in 2015!

#8. Skinny Fabulous

If there were any chance -- any at all -- that Skinny Fabulous might release an album next year (or the one after that or the one after that or the one after that) he would surely be considerably higher on a list like this, much like who is likely to be the next entrant here. But we all know that the chances of him doing that are virtually non-existent. And that's too bad for a project which was rumoured (if I recall correctly) (and I never do) way back as early as 2009-10. Since then, Skinny's star has not only gotten brighter but, in my opinion, so have his skills and today the Vincy star exists as one of the most talented and CONSISTENT figures in all of Soca music. He scored mightily in 2014 with 'Behaving The Worst [BTW]' which was a little different from his previous destructive hits (so is 'Like No Tomorrow', check it out), but regardless of the style, he does that every year. You would assume that EVENTUALLY he would release an album and, should he wait just a few more years, you may end up with a project brimming with Soca Monarch and Road March winning tunes. Until then (and even after then), Skinny Fabulous remains someone who you cannot afford to NOT pay attention to.  

#7. Lady Sweety

I know what you're thinking and you're right to think it. In regards to the amount of music that she does, I probably pay too much attention to Lady Sweety and you're probably right but, like I said, I don't care! To my opinion, Sweety's voice is the feminine side to blindingly talented stars such as Tiwony and Admiral T and Saïk, to whom she is every bit as talented. And, year after year, despite the fact that she named her next album, years ago, and released a single for it, we're still waiting and we'll keep waiting if we have to (and we will). It is worth mentioning, however, that the Gwada ace did give us a taste earlier this year when she did a big tune, the heavy 'Parle Moi' (which might be a good picture to go here for her) (biggup Bredz). No, it's not an album and, yes, it was back in April or so but as a STARVING fan of Lady Sweety's it's been significantly more than we've usually gotten for the last few years. 

#6. Patrice Roberts

If you haven't been paying attention (shame on you), long-time Achis Reggae favourite, Trini Soca highlight Patrice Roberts has gotten REALLY good over the last few years and the ever-present eventuality of a new album from her (which would be her third to date) is something I also very much look forward to every year. Currently riding high with 'Soca Wedding' alongside Zan, Roberts has, perhaps quietly, become someone making some of the best music in the genre and this is past the days where she was boosted every year by virtue of having a guaranteed hit with Machel Montano. She's certainly had help, but she's done it largely on her own as her abilities have progressed. And this is also worth mentioning because we have eyes, but Patrice Roberts has put on a little VERY FITTING weight and, these days, she looks incredible… almost as good as she sounds and hearing it on another full album, stocked with GIANT songs, would be a joy!  

#5. Damian Marley

A few years ago, Damian Marley's name topped an edition of this list and, again, he's another person who would be higher here if I thought the likelihood of an album manifesting was higher - but I do not. 2015 will make it a DECADE from Mr. Marley's most recent solo album, "Welcome To Jamrock", which is an astonishing fact! Still, the youngest Marley brother remains, arguably, the most popular living Reggae artist and a new Reggae album from him would be so nice for so many reasons. Will it happen in 2015??? Probably not but I'm usually wrong and I hope I am here.  

#4. Fay-Ann Lyons

Though I am slightly more sure about #2 on this list, I am rather confident that, at some point during the twelve months of 2015, we will FINALLY have a new album from long time Soca superstar Fay-Ann Lyons. Earlier in 2014 the newly branded 'Azu Sefu', followed her husband, Bunji Garlin, in signing with VP Records and, as the label figures to continue to focus on Soca music in the new year, Lyons' name should be a pillar within that push. Also, I recently read that in the works was not only ONE album but a pair which would feature the Silver Surfer within both Soca and Pop platforms. She can do either without a problem but a Soca album from, easily, one of the genre's most successful and vivid practitioners EVER should be golden! I think we'll get it in 2015 and I cannot wait! BOOM!  

#3. Busy Signal

In 2012, Dancehall ace, Busy Signal, released an album which would prove not only to be his greatest to date, but also the greatest from anyone in the genre during what  was a sensational year. "Reggae Music Again" was somewhat unexpected in its style but not in its quality and even the fact that it was unexpected wasn't unexpected. Busy Signal has become one of the most unpredictable figures in the entire history of Dancehall music - you just never know what he is going to from track to track and, on a next album, I have no idea what would come. I would like to find out in 2015, however, and when looking around for big names who might be up to the task next year, surely Busy would make perfect sense. Coming off of what was a very impressive year, musically, from the DJ - another giant album would seem to reaching at a very appropriate time and should he reach the levels of his previous release (or somehow manage to outdo himself)… it would be the latest in a career full of surprises. Expectations be damned! 

#2. Spice

I love Busy Signal. I love Agent Sasco. I'm very fond of the music of a few other people (okay maybe not "a few", but one or two) but I have to admit that, in my opinion, NO ONE is making better Dancehall music than Spice is these days and I think that one of the greatest gifts that 2015 WILL give us is an album which will may just be one of the greatest Dancehall sets from a female that we have EVER heard. Spice has that type of potential and she has now displayed it for years. Along with her qualities, if it is possible (and obviously it is) her profile has seemingly raised throughout the years as well, including in 2014 and such a release may even attract the always coveted 'mainstream attention' (if they're smart it will). She has scored hits and hits and hits and has done so in a variety of different ways all, however, steered by a level of determination and SKILL which provides her with very little in the way of actual peers in Dancehall music. Recently (yesterday) VP Records released "So Mi Like It", Spice's debut EP and they don't tend to do such things (on VP RECORDS, NOT VPAL) without a bigger plan ahead. THAT should be a full album which we should be able to count on receiving in 2015. FINALLY! 

#1. Kabaka Pyramid

Read a couple chapters. Kabaka Pyramid beat the great Chronixx to it in releasing an expanded EP and… not actually calling it an album when, last year, he dealt "Lead The Way" which was ten tracks in length (and had a deluxe edition stretching it to 13). In 2015, what I am most looking forward to, that has a chance of happening, is for the shedding of the "EP" tag and a full-fledged album from one of the most remarkable new talents Reggae has produced in a VERY long time. If you read my work to any degree, you know just how much I respect the power of the spoken word and individuals who are capable of demonstrating that talent to music have my undying attention. Kabaka Pyramid is now one of those people and I FULLY place him in current categories alongside names such as Sizzla Kalonji, Lutan Fyah, Midnite, Jah9 and others (her name is Reemah!) who you HAVE to focus on EVERY word. And I'm not the only one, fortunately. Kabaka Pyramid's profile has also been on the rise and I think that, at some point during the next twelve months (thirteen, technically), demand will meet opportunity and Kabaka Pyramid will make a giant play for album of the year when he releases his 'official' debut set. 

The Vault Reviews: "Looking Hot" by Patrice Roberts

I speak so often about the progression and development of young artists and how it is so crucial for them and their management to bring them along in various stages in order to, hopefully, make them superstars at some point in their careers. Whether it is in the offering to have a big album or just strong singles for an extended period of time, certainly we’ve discussed all of these situations for young and up & coming artists. Of course just about every time until now (and probably after now) we’ve talked about it, we’ve been dealing with Reggae and/or Dancehall artist but, as is ‘normally’ the case, when you start dealing with Soca music even the broadest and seemingly most general of rules and conditions just don’t apply most times. This is for several reasons (not the least of which is the fact that the Soca album still remains, for a large part, a very rare creature indeed) but, I think, it’s largely due to the very ‘seasonal’ nature of the music itself which kind of tends to make for ‘bringing someone along slowly’ very difficult. In Soca, it seems to be much more of a ‘pedal to the medal’ (biggup the clichés) type of mentality as entire careers can pretty much be set into motion by virtue of a single massive hit (biggup Buffy). Of course there’s still the matter of developing talents and over the past few years in Soca while we’ve seen artists just apparently GROW in terms of what they’re able to do - Such as, most notably Fay-Ann Lyons, but also Skinny Fabulous (excellent example), Blaxx and maybe even Problem Child - To my opinion, as far as taking an artist from being a very young project to being someone who is one of the biggest names in the business, definitely the finest example over the past five years has been what Machel Montano and the HD Camp has done with Ms. Patrice Roberts. Previously she was kind of known as Montano’s rather photogenic ‘sidekick’ of sorts, which was, I imagine, a pretty big honour, in and of itself, at her age - To be playing CONSISTENTLY with arguably the biggest name in the genre - But across the past two or three years now, what we’ve seen from Roberts is her develop into one of the biggest names herself. She’s unarguably one of the most popular Trinidadian Soca artists and, again, touring constantly with Montano and HD, she’s performed and continues to perform worldwide with an ever increasing bag of hits at her disposal. So, while building a Soca star in this day and age is somewhat tricky, it definitely isn’t impossible - See Patrice Roberts.

Hear Patrice Roberts. Roberts’ style is one of the most dynamic in the game today. While I think that, ultimately her talents will prove most formidable in the slower and more laid back type of Soca vibes (and see her winning a Groovy Soca Monarch one of these years), she has enough HEAVY ‘jump and wave’ type of hits under her belt, with and without Machel Montano, to even further well display her diversity as an artist. And, in case you haven’t noticed (and if you haven’t, shame on you), she also happens to be one of my own personal favourites. Each and every Carnival season now, I’m definitely looking forward to her releases almost as much as anyone else (not named Destra), particularly because she’s shown herself to be one of the most consistent and ACTIVE artists in the Trini Soca scene, which is saying quite a lot for the young Patrice Roberts/ While certainly she’s come a long way, it is worth mentioning that at (by my count) the still very young age of twenty-four, Roberts already had the decent (and very light with just six vocal tracks) ”Blossoming” album to her credit. That debut dropped way back in 2003 (and is now, RIDICULOUSLY, available digitally for you to scoop up), before Roberts had reached either the heights of her talents or her popularity, so you know that somewhere down the line that there simply had to be a next installment. Such an installment would drop half a decade later when, after linking with Machel Montano and HD and rising to a status she’d previously never enjoyed (more on that in a second), Patrice Roberts released ‘another’ debut album, 2008’s ”Looking Hot”. I call it another debut because seriously she had become a completely new artist by that time and while you can go back and listen to the ”Blossoming” album and then compare it musically to the second release and not be overwhelmed by how different the two are (because they aren’t, one is just a significant progression over the other and not that the first was bad either) (big tunes on ”Blossoming”), what you won’t notice on the first album is a STAR and by time ”Looking Hot” rolled through, Patrice Roberts had become a STAR. I think that’s something that’s also evident in the actual music itself. Besides certain things that you might expect (i.e. better and stronger vocals and things that come with growing up physically), what you hear on this album is an album with an extreme level of CONFIDENCE, but at the same time I think it’s going to be hard for someone to take her music in and call her arrogant which is a claim you often hear in regards to the ‘Batman’ to Patrice Roberts’ ‘Robin’, Machel Montano. She always, at least to me, comes off as an artist who is still well within her developmental stages, but one who, at least these days, is well in charge of that development and well aware of the power she does have an that is completely evident throughout "Looking Hot”. So if you haven’t figured by now (and if you haven’t, again, shame on you), I’m pretty high on the album and have been for the two years since it dropped. To my knowledge, Roberts is the only vocal member (non-instrument playing/producing) of Montano’s HD Camp to have a solo album, although last year they did drop the ”HD Family“ album and maybe it’s something they should think about again because to my opinion ”Looking Hot” is probably one of the better Soca albums that I’ve heard in quite some time (if not ever).

As you might’ve imagined, the album is pretty much a compilation of the singer’s biggest hits to date, with most of them (at the time) being newer, however there’re a couple of ‘blast from the past’ type of moments mixed in as well and should you never have heard of her before, this is definitely the place to start. Not too surprisingly getting things started on Patrice Roberts’ second debut album, ”Looking Hot” is the very cool title track which I believe was one of her tunes for 2008 Cropover. You can’t really find much at all to complain about on this tune, it’s probably not one of my personal standouts, but it’s to a quality level where it is just so SLEEK and so well done that it’s damn near intoxicating, so while I’m not I LOVE with it, I definitely have a crush. I don’t fall in love until we reach the second tune on the album, its biggest effort and in my opinion Roberts’ biggest tune to date, ‘Sugar Boy’. If I recall correctly, this very very cool and groovy tune took THIRD in TRINIDAD’S Road March back in 2007 and if you know how a Road March winning tune sounds (that year it was Machel Montano with ‘Jumbie‘), then you should well know that this is NOTHING like it. That just speaks to how BEAUTIFUL this song was in my opinion and for what it is; it’s probably one of the biggest such tunes since the turn of the century and I think it was the moment where everyone really started taking a note of the talents of Patrice Roberts (as a solo artist) and JUSTLY so. HUGE TUNE. Then we start the ‘wukking segment’ with the very strong ‘More Wuk’ from 2008. This is another highlight on ”Looking Hot” for me as, again, it’s just so well carried through, very well arranged and just a sterling piece of tune. The song earned Roberts her biggest catch of Soca Monarch to date as, despite being the very first performer competing on the night, she took second to Shurwayne Winchester with in 2008’s Groovy Monarch. It was gorgeous then and it definitely still is. Big beginning to the album.

Certainly being from the HD Camp, it’s no trouble at all to find artists with whom to link Patrice Roberts and the lineup assembled on ”Looking Hot” who join her is nothing less than special. Machel Montano, himself, jumps in on two different tunes, both of which were huge hits. The first is the mega shot that was ‘Light It Up’ which is just madness! It is my choice as the best combination on the whole of the album (yes, even better than that other one), because of the vibes that it pulls which kind of has this ‘soothing’ type of aura around it besides that kind of ‘normal’ beat my ass on the road type of vibes (which it also has) (and the tune also appears on Machel‘s ”Book Of Angels“ album). That type of song is that “other one” on which Montano joins, 2006’s Trinidad Road March, ‘Band Of D Year‘. Another winner (duh) is this one and even though it is more stereotypical and what you might expect, there’s definitely nothing wrong with that to my ears. It’s a wonderful tune and it was (I THINK) the first warning shot that what we had between Montano and Roberts has to be regarded as one of the strongest duos in the still very short history of Soca,. Seriously I look forward to THEIR tunes each and every year and these two tunes are big reasons why. Patrice Roberts also makes a very nice duo with her cousin, the mighty billion time Trinidad Soca Monarch, Bunji Garlin, who joins his little cousin on the big tune, ‘The Islands’. This is one of the older songs on the album (it appeared on Garlin’s 2005 album, ”Flamestorm”) and it is also one of the biggest. To my opinion it’s even stronger than ‘BODY’ and if you wanted to call it the biggest combination on the album, even, I might not put up too much of a fuss either. It’s a huge vibes and it’s also one with a message of a nice but MAD type of unity. HUGE! ‘Wukking Up’ is a big tune which appears earlier on the album and its remix is here as well and on it, Patrice Roberts links Jamaican Dancehall diva Macka Diamond. I think I prefer the original, but it’s close - The Diamond definitely adds another dimension to this already quite fulfilling tune. Zan is another very talented member of the HD Family and he also chimes in on two tracks on ”Looking Hot” with Roberts, the remix to ‘Always Be’ and ‘Til Tomorrow’. The later is the more addictive and BETTER of the two tracks, but the former, which is a much more bubbly version of the sleek original is also quite nice. Zan is talented, like I said, but I’ve never been too high on him (his performance at Monarch 2009 certainly didn’t help), but it’s songs like these which make you simply have to pay him a bit of attention. All in all, there isn’t a single bad song amongst the six on the album - Not one - they all are pretty good at worst.

There’re two more undeniably big moments on ”Looking Hot” to my opinion and they’re probably two of the biggest as well. The first is ‘Thundah Waist’ from 2008. This one is a just a big piece of whining tune which is probably Roberts’ specialty sans Montano and it definitely serves its purpose well. And there’s also one of my favourite, but a bit more ‘quiet’ tunes from her, ‘Come Over’ from 2008. ‘FRESH’ is the best word I can come up with in reference to this one. It’s romantic (it’s probably the best kind of groovy sounding piece on the album after ‘Sugar Boy’) and it certainly was a real winner with us and it’s also the type of song that, when she fully comes into the height of her powers in a few years or so, Patrice Roberts will seemingly be able to do with VERY little effort and score at the same time with.

The two tunes on the album which I’m not very thrilled with (strangely enough), ‘Loving Again’ and ‘Hunger For Love’, also just happen to be the two tunes that receive remixed versions at the end of the album. ‘Loving Again’ is actually a pretty good song, even in its original form. It’s kind of R&B, which isn’t too far from Roberts’ style, but I just kind of feel she could do it better (especially nowadays). ‘Hunger For Love’, on the other hand, is kind of that ridiculous and over-energetic kind of Euro-Pop/Electric type of stuff and despite the fact that I don’t like it, it isn’t COMPLETELY useless. And as you probably expected, both remixes are kind of Soca versions of both tunes. The remix for ‘Loving Again’ is actually quite good, somewhat skeletal (it’s like a Soca one-drop), but still good and arguably better than the original. And ‘Hunger For Love’ becomes a bit more pedestrian (kind of skeletal also, actually), but my ears still aren’t overjoyed by the remix.

Overall, they (my ears) are, however, pretty enthused by the whole of ”Looking Hot”. It’s simply, from beginning to end, one of the stronger Soca albums I’ve probably EVER heard. It’s not that it is so divinely spectacular and groundbreaking, because it isn’t, but what it is, is an album which so wonderfully plays to the strength of the artist. And because of the way it’s compiled, that’s definitely a trait which you can say about Patrice Roberts on the whole - She probably hasn’t become what she’s going to become just yet (again, just twenty-four by my count) - But what she is, she and her producers and managers seem to know EXACTLY what works. I also would like to mention something about the DESERVED inevitability of ‘crossover’ discussion in regards to Roberts - Certainly at her age, that’s something she’ll have the opportunity to at least attempt, but honestly I think the generation of artists AFTER Patrice will probably have a better chance of taking Soca music to the proverbial ‘next level’. As for her, however, with tunes like what is to be found on this album, Roberts’ future seems to be quite secure, as the future Queen of Soca Music. Not a bad place at all if you ask me.

Rated 4.5/5
Ruff Rex
2008
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