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Michael Franti & Spearhead - All Rebel Rockers
- Michael Franti moved from band to band before he created Spearhead in 1994. Michael Franti, lyrics and guitar; Cherine Anderson, vocals; Carl Young, bass; Dave Shul, guitar; Manas Itiene, drums; and Raliegh J. Neal, II, form the band. The band usually fuses hip-hop, funk, rock, and reggae. This album has more of a reggae feel to it and it never misses a beat. The album touches on themes of political activism and positive human attitude.
“All Rebel Rockers” is a smooth, steady sounding album. The song that sticks out for me is “Say Hey (I Love You).” The fun rhythm combined with the beautiful lyrics, I find I can’t help but bop along with the music. It gives me a warm feeling inside. The band even deliveries on the solid, firm tempo like in the song, “Life in the City.” “Soundsystem” which adds a little hip-hop to the vocals reminds me of the rap rhythm in Blondie’s song, “Rapture.” I am a fan of the slower songs, “Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong” and “Have a Little Faith.” His scratchy vocals with the guitar really pull the emotions out and help the listener understand the meaning of the songs.
“Rude Boy Back in Town” is a great song to start the album; it does help the listener adjust into the reggae feel, but the lyrics pulled me in and out of the song. Some of the beats can feel lazy and rely on cliché lyrics like in “I Got Love for You.”
Some of his lyrics can be a little repetitive at times; there is always an opportunity to sing along. The music is always uplifting, danceable, head and body bopping. I recommend this album. The musicians are talented and can hook the listener in with the beat.
Reviewer: Marjorie Quinn
new
Reviewer's Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 9.25
Reader's Votes: 4
Added: 10-Sep-2009
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