Album Review: Vote Dem Out by Tyrone Hernandez
Alright, let’s talk about Vote Dem Out by Tyrone Hernandez. This little gem comes straight outta Trinidad & Tobago, bringing that Soca vibe with a sprinkle of Folk, World, and Country flavors. It’s got just two tracks—yeah, you heard me right—but don’t let the short playlist fool you. Sometimes less is more, and this album proves it. Released under the Fishe label, it’s one of those projects that sticks with you even after the music stops.
First up, the title track, “Vote Dem Out.” Man, this song hits different. It’s got that upbeat Soca rhythm that makes your feet move before your brain catches up. The lyrics? Bold and unapologetic. Tyrone isn’t shy about calling out the need for change, and honestly, it feels like a rallying cry. You can almost picture him on stage, mic in hand, crowd chanting along. It’s catchy as heck, and I found myself humming it hours later. There’s something raw and real about how he delivers the message—it’s not polished to death, which makes it feel authentic. Like, he’s talking to you, not at you. Respect.
Then there’s “Vote Dem Out (Instrumental).” Now, instrumentals can sometimes feel like filler tracks, but not this one. It lets the production shine, and wow, does it ever. The drums slap, the horns blare, and the bassline is so smooth it feels like butter. Without the vocals, you really get to appreciate the layers of sound Tyrone and his crew put together. It’s like a party in the background of your mind. I caught myself nodding my head to this one while cooking dinner, spatula in hand, pretending I was in a Caribbean kitchen instead of my tiny apartment.
What stays with me about these tracks is how they balance fun and seriousness. On one hand, you’re dancing like nobody’s watching. On the other, there’s a message here about standing up and demanding better. Tyrone doesn’t beat around the bush—he tells it like it is, and somehow, it works perfectly with the music.
Reflecting on this album, I gotta say, it made me think. Music doesn’t always have to be about love or heartbreak; sometimes it’s about shaking things up and making noise where it counts. Plus, who knew two songs could pack such a punch? If you’re into Soca or just wanna hear something fresh from Trinidad & Tobago, give Vote Dem Out a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up dancing in your living room—or yelling at your TV during election season.
Oh, and random thought: If this album had a smell, it’d probably be sunscreen mixed with jerk chicken. Yeah, I said it.
