by Michael Franti & SpearheadMichael Franti is an artist I have respected for a long time. His work in Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy showed me that hip-hop could be a vehicle for much more than what was coming over the radio and television waves at the time, and I have watched the Spearhead side of his career with interest.
This is a pretty standard, high-quality Spearhead album. Much of the production has been handled by Sly & Robbie, giving the album a more islands feel, which fits nicely with Franti's voice and sound.
As usual, these are political songs which wrap Franti's beliefs and ethics in catchy rhthyms, making them easily digestible and enjoyable. There are some very beautiful songs on here - 'Hey World (Don't Give Up Version)' is a lovely indictment of our environment and youth culture. 'Life in the City' chants "One day Guantanamo will fall", giving the album a slightly prophetic feel, seeing as it was released in the tale end of the Bush era.
I've had this album on pretty steadily since it came out in the fall, and I must say that I've never gotten tired of it.
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