Known for his sweet voice, dark skin, and multitudes of gold jewelry, Baron is one of the favorites among the ladies. His topics are rarely political, sticking more to love songs, tales of risqu‚ encounters, and global messages about peace. Every album is good. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

Known for his sweet voice, dark skin, and multitudes of gold jewelry, Baron is one of the favorites among the ladies. His topics are rarely political, sticking more to love songs, tales of risqu‚ encounters, and global messages about peace. Every album is good. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide [-] Hide

From Montserrat, Arrow got his start as a first-class calypsonian in the traditional Trinidadian style but soon began exploring ways to bring the music to an international level. Always an innovator, he played around with mixing elements of cadence, salsa, and American R&R guitar into his music. In 1983 he experienced his first pan-Caribbean... [+] Read More

From Montserrat, Arrow got his start as a first-class calypsonian in the traditional Trinidadian style but soon began exploring ways to bring the music to an international level. Always an innovator, he played around with mixing elements of cadence, salsa, and American R&R guitar into his music. In 1983 he experienced his first pan-Caribbean success, "Hot Hot Hot" (a song that later became an international hit). Since then he has branched out to include a wider array of world-music elements, from hip-hop to the sounds of various African nations, while concentrating on lyrics that act predominantly as a vehicle to drive the music to a higher frenzy. A late-'80s contract with Island/Mango Records has made him the soca artist most widely distributed and most easily available in the States. His 1992 release, Zombie Soca, was notable for including three songs with social commentary lyrics. Unlike those of most calypsonians, Arrow's early releases, including those preceding the Island/Mango albums, are still easily available. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide [-] Hide

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There are many calypso lovers who await Shadow's annual release more than that of any other calypsonian. Like Stalin and just a handful of others, Shadow is a totally unique calypsonian; there is no other like Shadow. Since 1974 and his landmark composition "De Bassman," he has never failed to deliver some of the toughest basslines, most... [+] Read More

There are many calypso lovers who await Shadow's annual release more than that of any other calypsonian. Like Stalin and just a handful of others, Shadow is a totally unique calypsonian; there is no other like Shadow. Since 1974 and his landmark composition "De Bassman," he has never failed to deliver some of the toughest basslines, most infectious grooves, and most original compositions of anyone in the Caribbean. On top of all this, he has a low, authoritative voice that lends an air of truth and finality to all he sings. His social and political commentaries are delivered in such a clever way (and propelled as they are by his unique soca beat) that the messages often sink in subliminally, a testimony to his unique lyrical skills. With this in mind, how does one narrow down his nearly 20 records to a handful of recommendations? ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide [-] Hide

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Arrow's latest exploration of Caribbean rhythms includes an excursion to Guadaloupe entitled "Zouk Me." ~ J. Poet, All Music Guide

Arrow's latest exploration of Caribbean rhythms includes an excursion to Guadaloupe entitled "Zouk Me." ~ J. Poet, All Music Guide [-] Hide

Bursting with hot rhythms made for "wining," Lee's annual offering of the year's popular Carnival songs never disappoints, and Soca Frenzy is no exception. As his 17th album in a succession of ska, reggae, calypso and dancehall soca hits, this record shows that Lee remains at the forefront of all that's fresh in Caribbean music. From the... [+] Read More

Bursting with hot rhythms made for "wining," Lee's annual offering of the year's popular Carnival songs never disappoints, and Soca Frenzy is no exception. As his 17th album in a succession of ska, reggae, calypso and dancehall soca hits, this record shows that Lee remains at the forefront of all that's fresh in Caribbean music. From the hip-hop-inspired "Footsteps" to the smooth lover's-rock vocals on "Jump Up" to 1998's Carnival anthem "Aye, Aye, Aye," with its call for all West Indians to "wine it!," this album covers all the bases. ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, All Music Guide [-] Hide

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