Soca, a contraction of soul and calypso, is the preferred carnival soundtrack of Caribbean nations like Trinidad. Though it shares some characteristics with dancehall, namely the gruff patter of the MC, soca is more upbeat — way more upbeat. In fact, it can veer dangerously closer to the type of music played in cruise ship commercials than something you'd hear in a dance club. So, if you have a sensitive sweet tooth, tread carefully.