Just like its cousin dancehall, soca went through an exciting period in 2004. Although the genre is notorious for its slow evolvement, it has made some attempts to stay hip with the street, making it not just carnival party music but also something the youth can get jiggy with. It's exciting to hear the slight hip-hop production touches on the frantic "Get On Bad" by Onika and gruff vocalist
Bunji Garlin. Just as energizing is hearing H2O Phlo croon like
Wayne Wonder on "A Little Closer." All these new angles make the overabundance of "It's carnival time!" and synthesizers-not-off-their-presets numbers that are easier to take for the soca non-faithful. Even when the music falls into clichés, there's usually a humorous lyrical chant or enough exuberance to carry the song. This is fiery party music, so don't even approach the collection if you're not feeling lively. Doubly so for the rapid-fire, bonus mix CD. ~ David Jeffries