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.

Track Listing
1. Intro
2. Man Is So Unjust
3. Cleansing Fya
4. H.y.p.o.c.r.i.s.y.
5. Equal Rights
6. Interlude
7. 2 the 1 I Luv
8. Jah Is Alive
9. Pot a Ital
10. R.e.g.g.a.e.
11. Hypocrisy [Instrumental]
12. Give Jah the Praises
13. Poor Man Struggling
14. Remembah
15. Outro