How does one determine the best album for any carnival season? What determines the best, "baddest" album for fans? This is a topic some of us like to avoid. Not so at Sokah2Soca.! Here we are stepping into it and stating the obvious: Big Links Riddim is the best Soca album for Carnival 2025!
Nothing you say will sway those who have firmly established themselves in their chosen camp during this conversation. The reimagining of Soca and the return to the roots of Calypso music captivates some. Immediately, one can tell that those who love this will definitely select the "Tilden Hall Riddim.". However, this blogger begs to differ; when one takes all the songs into consideration, the obvious conclusion is that the "Big Links Riddim" tops all comers! Tilden Hall and Pineapple Riddim surpass all others, but we can confidently assert that each song on Big Links Riddim is exceptional! We can't say the same for every song on the others (you can take the field)!
Everyone is talking about the Tilden Hall Riddim produced by De Red Boyz, so we decided that we will look at both riddims: Big Links vs. Tilden Hall.
The Big Links Riddim:
Artists: Features Machel Montano, Kes the Band, Yung Bredda, and Full Blown.
Standout Tracks: "Good Spirits" by Full Blown and "The Greatest Bend Over" by Yung Bredda are particularly popular. However, MM's recent video visualizer for "The Truth" is making waves and we have already remarked that it is the best Soca music video released for Carnival 2025!
Production: Known for its high-energy, infectious beats that capture the essence of carnival. The lyrical content is superior for this riddim.
Reception: Received praise for its fresh ideas and the evolution of Yung Bredda's sound. All eyes are on you, as said by Kes, but you should know better. Just remember, 'Greatest Bend Over' is tearing up the charts. Which song in Tilden Hall is doing that? This album is dominating with music plays online... just saying!
Tilden Hall Riddim:
Artists: Includes Voice, Lyrikal, Motto, Anika Berry, and Machel Montano.
Standout Tracks: "Retro" by Voice and "Bet Meh" by Machel Montano are notable. However, our favorite on this album is Saddle by Anika Berry.
Production: Produced by De Red Boyz, known for its tribute to the iconic Tilden Hall venue and its high-energy, infectious beats. This return to Calypso rhythms is finding favor with fans. Retro is back and making Soca sound even sweeter.
Reception: Highly popular, especially among DJs and listeners, with a mix of both established and emerging artists. Those who love this vibe will talk about the vibe of the music. Lyrically, the songs are not as good as Big Links, and not all of them will impact the charts.
Which is better?
It really depends on your personal taste and what you're looking for in a Soca album. If you prefer a mix of established and new talent with fresh sounds, The Big Links Riddim might be your pick. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tribute to Soca history with a mix of popular artists, Tilden Hall Riddim could be the better choice.
What we think (you may not care much about our thoughts):
We are going on record to state that we do love the return to Calypso and the vibe it brings. Having said that, we had to look at every song released for each album. In that regard, there is no comparison. Every song on the Big Links Riddim is superb. However, I can't say the same about the Tilden Hall Riddim. Indeed, our appreciation for music is subjective, but if you appreciate quality music and seek a comprehensive package, Big Links is an excellent choice. We posted both albums here for your listening pleasure.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Album Title: Big Links Riddim
YouTube Music Player/Curated & Mixed by: Brem Music
Produced by: Full Blown Entertainment
Bass: Josh Richardson
Guitar: Kyle Peters
Mixed & Mastered by: N.M.G. Music
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca
Songs/Riddims:
Big Links Riddim
The Truth—Machel Montano
No Sweetness—Kes
The Greatest Bend Over—Yung Bredda
Good Spirits—Full Blown
Tilden Hall Riddim
Saddle—Anika Berry
Pantry—Motto
Kettle Pot—Yung Bredda
Dotish—Lyrikal
Retro—Voice
Bet Meh—Machel Montano
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
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