2008 Woodie Awards
Carnival Vol. II
5 stars
Jessica Bakeman
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: FUSE
Originally published: 12/6/07 at 6:44 PM EST
Last update: 12/6/07 at 6:42 PM EST
There is not one bad song on this album.
Wyclef Jean will please a diverse pool of listeners with the musical variety in "Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant."
Not only does he blend sounds of reggae, rap and the traditional ballad, he incorporates a parable of collaborators, including Lil' Wayne, Shakira, Mary J. Blige and Norah Jones.
His intro includes a phrase that essentially describes the mood of the album: "the world's in panic mode."
Many tracks serve as social commentary. The lyrics are sophisticated politically without being overbearing or pretentious.
"Riot" is captivating from the first second of the song.
A great sound of electric guitar and steady percussion support the extremely talented Jean as well as Serj Tankian and Sizzla, who join him on track.
Consistent with the style of much rap music, the rap verses transition into a melodic refrain.
The different styles of music in just this one song accurately represent the make-up of the rest of the album.
"Cash rules everything around me/ Dolla dolla bill ya'll" - with a phrase that might be considered shallow, Jean nonetheess produces a fantastic track that undoubtedly blares from iPod speakers around campus.
Jean includes his cronies on almost every song, including "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)." Akon, Lil' Wayne and Sizzla add to this tune.
Along the lines of social commentary, "Welcome to the East," also featuring Sizzla, reports: "Welcome to the devil's penthouse/Overlooking hell's view."
The song has a wonderful theme and is pleasing to the ears.
The next song continues the political motif. "Slow Down," featuring T.I., discusses war and alludes to the tragic events of September 11.
Shakira comes in on "King and Queen," a creative hip-hop love duet that stands out due to unique rhythmic qualities and her unmistakable voice.
"Fast Car" includes acoustic guitar and harmony. The track, which features Paul Simon, is an example of what gives the album flair - variety.
Mary J. Blige adds her power to "Carnival" in "What About the Baby," a song about Jean's absence from his daughter's life.
"Hollywood Meets Bollywood (Immigration)" discusses the nature of America as an immigrant nation and the injustices that surround those ethnic peoples who travel here. This is also a socially relevant piece but enjoyable musically, as well.
A new twist comes along in "Any Other Day," which features the sweet tone of Norah Jones.
"Heaven's In New York" and "Selena" hold up to the quality of the rest of the album. The first song gives listeners a slow, soft melody, and the second a percussive electric jam tune.
"Touch Your Button" is a 13-minute long jam session worth spending the time.
Jean's album is the best and most diverse rap/hip-hop album to be released in a long while.
Listeners - enjoy! It's inevitable.
Wyclef Jean will please a diverse pool of listeners with the musical variety in "Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant."
Not only does he blend sounds of reggae, rap and the traditional ballad, he incorporates a parable of collaborators, including Lil' Wayne, Shakira, Mary J. Blige and Norah Jones.
His intro includes a phrase that essentially describes the mood of the album: "the world's in panic mode."
Many tracks serve as social commentary. The lyrics are sophisticated politically without being overbearing or pretentious.
"Riot" is captivating from the first second of the song.
A great sound of electric guitar and steady percussion support the extremely talented Jean as well as Serj Tankian and Sizzla, who join him on track.
Consistent with the style of much rap music, the rap verses transition into a melodic refrain.
The different styles of music in just this one song accurately represent the make-up of the rest of the album.
"Cash rules everything around me/ Dolla dolla bill ya'll" - with a phrase that might be considered shallow, Jean nonetheess produces a fantastic track that undoubtedly blares from iPod speakers around campus.
Jean includes his cronies on almost every song, including "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)." Akon, Lil' Wayne and Sizzla add to this tune.
Along the lines of social commentary, "Welcome to the East," also featuring Sizzla, reports: "Welcome to the devil's penthouse/Overlooking hell's view."
The song has a wonderful theme and is pleasing to the ears.
The next song continues the political motif. "Slow Down," featuring T.I., discusses war and alludes to the tragic events of September 11.
Shakira comes in on "King and Queen," a creative hip-hop love duet that stands out due to unique rhythmic qualities and her unmistakable voice.
"Fast Car" includes acoustic guitar and harmony. The track, which features Paul Simon, is an example of what gives the album flair - variety.
Mary J. Blige adds her power to "Carnival" in "What About the Baby," a song about Jean's absence from his daughter's life.
"Hollywood Meets Bollywood (Immigration)" discusses the nature of America as an immigrant nation and the injustices that surround those ethnic peoples who travel here. This is also a socially relevant piece but enjoyable musically, as well.
A new twist comes along in "Any Other Day," which features the sweet tone of Norah Jones.
"Heaven's In New York" and "Selena" hold up to the quality of the rest of the album. The first song gives listeners a slow, soft melody, and the second a percussive electric jam tune.
"Touch Your Button" is a 13-minute long jam session worth spending the time.
Jean's album is the best and most diverse rap/hip-hop album to be released in a long while.
Listeners - enjoy! It's inevitable.
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