This is a solid social commentary calypso from Squeezy Rankin; the song is titled "Rat Race." This song does not hold back; it serves as a blistering and classic social commentary that presents the truth directly. This song simply forces the listener to confront the uncomfortable truths shaping Trinidad and Tobago's society. Although it is uncomfortable, the truth will ultimately set you free from all bondage.
"Rat Race" comes from Q-Ban Productions, delivering a steady musical pulse that mirrors the pressure cooker lifestyle that is the experience on the streets today. He sings "rats with human faces," using this metaphor that becomes a powerful device, one that captures a sense of danger and survival in the poverty-stricken areas.
Lyrically strong, the song was written by the team of Anthony La Fleur and Angelo Pantin; they crafted a narrative that is both intimate and one that also has an international feel. This is classic calypso songwriting, which is why it will be in the Calypso Monarch finals and at Calypso Fiesta. It’s a portrait of a country wrestling with itself, and Squeezy delivers it with the clarity of someone who has lived the story.
This song is musically strong; take a good look at the production notes—it is rich with talent. Squeezy Rankin's emotional vocals never overpower the classic music. The engineering, done by Q-Ban Productions, keeps everything tight while Diamond Sounds Studio polishes the production with the final mastering of the song.
This song resembles a sermon, yet it avoids preachiness! It is a solid social commentary, lyrically sharp but never loses its calypso core. The ending is the kind of song that judges remember, not because it is sensational but because the words are true and tell the story of life experiences.
At the end of the day, this is a classic social commentary calypso. If this calypso style wins the monarch title, expect to see Squeezy etching his name in the history of the Monarch competition for Trinidad and Tobago. This is how strongly we feel about Calypso. Kaiso, Kaiso! Yes, Kaiso.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Rat Race
Singer/Performed by: Squeezy Rankin
Produced by: Q-Ban Productions
Written by: Anthony La Fleur & Angelo Pantin
Guitars by: Kwami Kwamz Morrison & Angelo Pantin
Brass By: Dan Clark
Background Vocals by: Kizzie Huggins
Mixed by: Q-Ban Productions
Mastered by: Diamond Sounds Studio
Music Video Directed By: Kevan Gibbs & Nic-kelson Williams
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
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