This Is Book’s Music

VP Records has released two brand new compilation CD’s highlighting the latest in reggae and soca, each one featuring a DVD as well so if you’re into the music of the Caribbean, you have a choice to pick up either or, or both.

Reggae Gold 2009 is surprisingly the weaker of the two as most of it is very pop-flavored R&B, not exactly reggae or dancehall in a traditional sense. But what you do have on here are some decent tracks by Jazmine Sullivan, Elephant Man, Mavado, Queen Ifrica, and I Wayne, and T.O.K.’s “Couple Up” isn’t a bad song either.

For a good pumping time, I was surprised that I liked Soca Gold 2009 more than the reggae comp because I’ve always been into reggae and dancehall, and this album sounded a bit more lively and fresh. Most of the album is in the tempo of some of the hits that have become American sensations, but the first four tracks are that fast soca that people go nuts over, including Skinny Fabulous‘ “Head Bad (On The Spot)”, Edwin Yeargood’s “Handle Ya Bizniz”, Roy Cape’s “Tusty”, and a song I wish would get more American exposure, the super fun “Bacchanal” by Destra Garcia. The beats are furious, the energy is spot-on, and it’s all about moving to the beat if you can keep up with the rhythms, bass-heavy when necessary and full of Latin influences that are also directed to the heart of Africa through the wonders of the Caribbean.

Both albums make good summer music, especially Soca Gold 2009. i think Reggae Gold 2009 would be better if it was called Jamaican Pop/R&B 2009 since that it consists of and while Jamaican pop and R&B isn’t a bad thing, some of the songs aren’t as strong as they could be. I’ll wait for 2010, but if I wait I’ll miss the heap of Jamaican songs that will become classics when next year rolls around.

Reggae Gold 2009
Soca Gold 2009