Carnival time isn't the only opportunity to listen to soca music, and this compilation provides many reasons to enjoy these pulsating rhythms all year round. From the rousing opening track, "More Gyal" by Wanskie, to the soothing "That's Where I'll Be" by Rupee, D'Soca Zone covers all the bases. What makes this CD a standout is that besides the expected offerings from Trinidad, there are tunes representing smaller islands such as Barbados, St. Vincent, Grenada, and St. Thomas. There's also a mix of moods, from the rowdy ("Dance & Show Me" by
Square One, "Ah Din Say Dat" by Sheldon Douglas), the sweet ("Call Me" by newcomer Kevin Little and "Sweet Soca Party" by Augustra), as well as the naughty ("Rough Wine" by KMC). D'Soca Zone reflects the many sides of soca music. ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates