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H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.S.Y.
(SPM, 2004)
Continuing
the "V.I. Invasion" of modern roots reggae emanating from the Virgin Islands
is this debut from Sistah Joyce, a refreshing female voice who joins fellow
Virgin Islander Dezarie at the forefront of conscious
female performers. Compared to
Dezarie, Sistah Joyce (who has an affinity for acronyms) is a bit less edgy
musically and vocally, which isn't necessarily a bad thing; just a different
style. She has a pensive, melancholy sound; if Dezarie is Lauryn
Hill, then Sistah Joyce is more along the lines of Alicia Keys.
H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.S.Y. has a mature roots reggae sound and Sistah
Joyce a maternal feel (see her incorporation of children on the fun ska track
"R.e.g.g.a.e") reminiscent of reggae greats Rita
Marley and Marcia Griffiths.
Even when laying down the law on a track like "Cleansing Fya"
-- where she calls out self-righteous hypocrites by telling them, "You burn out
shoes, you even burn out clothes, and right now you're wearing the most
expensive shoes and the most expensive clothes… All the talk you talkin', I
never seen one of oonuh walk naked" -- she still maintains a serenity that in
its own way is as inspirational as a fire 'n brimstone singer.
H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.S.Y. is a treat for roots fans from start to finish,
both musically and lyrically, with standouts like "Man Is So Unjust,"
"Cleansing Fya," the sufferers' tune "Poor Man Struggling," the
celebration of the ital lifestyle "Pot a Ital," the title track, and my
favorite, "Equal Rights," an intoxicating statement against government
oppression. Sistah Joyce has the
talent to become a major new force in the reggae realm; let’s hope she follows
up on the promise of this debut.
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