Spearhead is:
Michael Franti - Vocals, guitar
Carl Young - Bass, keys
Dave Shul - Guitars
Manas Itene - Drums
RadioActive - Rhymes, beatbox
Bob Crawford - Keys
Roberto Quintana - Percussion
After an overall listening I must say that the album is really 'funky' and really touching on the same time. I had a discussion with 3 of my friends and we all agreed that Michael's lyrics get stronger and more intense every record. 'Everyone deserves music' illustrates this very well. There are many songs on this album that make my flesh creep. The music and the lyrics are so pure and honest. Undescribable! In my opinion this album is going to be a classic pretty soon...I thought that Stay human was really a strong album, but this one is even better. (because of the previously mentioned facts) The sound of the album is again different than the previous ones, there are even some electronical effects featured on this album. When I listened to it the first time I was shaking almost the whole time, it even has the 'live-vibe' in it, which is really difficult to obtain!
'What I be' is in my opinion better than the live version. When I heard this song live I wasn't impressed by it, but the CD version is warmer and more swinging. It has a fat beat with a nice piano/synth theme on it which gives an extra dimension. Great opening song! 'Do you love someone, than hold that one!!'
'We don't stop'. I don't know if this is an ode to the Clash song 'Magnificent 7', but surely this song sounds like it a lot. Which is no offense, cause if you know the Clash song, you know it rocks! Spearhead gives it an extra swing to make it a really funky and danceable song. The refrain is really powerful and is made to sing along. Great ass shakin' song!
'Everyone deserves Music'. The titel song of the album, which is an obvious choice. It's a really warm and honest song. In this song Michael goes to the deeper core of the heart. The music to it fits brilliantly with the lyrics. The songs doesn't have the funky vibe of the previous two songs, but it is a lot more intense and gives a great impression on how things should be: Bring music to everyone and bring people together through music!! Awesome!
'Never too late'. This is already a classic to me. It is like I said one of those songs that makes my flesh creep. I heard this song twice live before and I was amazingly impressed by it. The lyrics are so touching, I can't describe it actually, you should listen to it!! Whenever you're down, listen to this song, it gives you strenght to get on with your life. I'd like to thank Michael for that. The lyrics are one of the most amazing ones I've ever heard, truely! The music to the song is again really intense and gives again an extra dimension to the lyrics. 'Don't fear your worst friend, cause a worst friend's just a best friend who has don' you wrong!' Brilliant song.
'Bomb the world'. I don't think this song needs my impression. The ultimate 'peace song' with the already classic refrain: 'You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace' ! Could it be more true?
'Pray for grace'. My favourite live song last months. I don't know why, but I think this song swings and I can't stop singing the refrain. When I listened to it the first time I was thinking :'what are those strange computer 'bleebs' and sounds doing there?', but they're so funny and after the second listening I really liked them! In my opinion one of the greatest songs on this album. Strange thing is I can't explain why, it simply gives me a happy feeling for some reason! The great thing is that radioactive sings the lovely lyrics he sings live too. This song really has the 'live vibe' I mentioned before. 'To all my people in the back I say , heeyheey!!'
'Love, why did you have to go away?'. In my opinion the least song on the album. Although I can't explain why. I think it's a bit too 'bombastic' sometimes, but this has to do with the music I guess. Michael's lyrics are really touching again. Don't forget it's just my feeling about this song, don't feel offended if it's your favourite...'I never wanted you to go'
'Yes I will' Again a really funky song. The vibes in this song come really close to the live version. It really makes me smile! I definately like the guitar and bass part on this one. Again one of the best songs on this album. It's a powerful song in two ways: It really swings and it's difficult to keep your leggs calm during the song and on the other hand the lyrics give strenght to everyone who's sad for some reason. Listen to this song and I'm sure a smile will appear on your face!! 'When you're lost and alone, that's when the rainbow comes!'
'Feeling free' I always thought that there would never be a greater version of this song than the reggae version, but I must admit I was wrong. This is a really great up-tempo version of this amazing song (especially the refrain, sort of a 'the Cure' beat like on 'Close to me' for those who know the song) and it really swings. I think the drums are amazing on this one. From slow to fast and visa versa, awesome!! This version really rocks in a way. 'Take a bow when you feel like a superstar'!
'Love invincible' Simply amazing!! It has an amazing vibe in it. The great -almost disco- beat and an amazingly funky guitar make this song the funkiest song on the album, I was shaking during this song the whole time I listened to it (and after 7 times I still do) Also the violins makes this song into a disco-ish song. THE party song!! Brilliant! 'Love is invincible'
'Bomb the world' (armageddon version). The other published version of this classic song. Really intense and rocking! Radioactive really rocks on this one! This version is played the whole time on Studio Brussel (Belgian radiostation).
Crazy, Crazy, crazy. The last song on the album, but in my opinion the best song ever!! This is for me the most touching song, so pure and intense. Really simple and direct with amazing lyrics and great percussion (this is really awesome!) This is already my all time favourite. I can't say it enough, Michael's lyrics are the best on this album, and especially this song, argghhh I LOVE IT!!! Great, greater, greatest!!! ' No live's worth more than any other, no sister worth less than any brother!!' -> Could you ever say anything that is more true than this??
Taxi Radio, feat. Sergent Garcia. My Promo has this extra song, which isn't featured on the sleeve. I don't know if this will be on the album. It's the most swinging song on the album though. If you know Sergent Garcia you'll know what I'll mean by that. Great song, Michael mixed with the Spanish lyrics of Sergent Garcia, 'Oweeooo Taxi radio' Oleé! Now I'm sure it's on the CD too and stated on the sleeve. By the way, the booklet is A-W-E-S-O-M-E...
You should surely get this album in your closest record shop. It's the best Michael Franti & Spearhead album in my opinion (it certainly features the best song ever: Crazy, crazy, crazy) It's well worth your money!! Trust me you won't regret it! Keep on going Michael! Love and peace to you and all Spearhead crew. (and a special thanks to Gina and Catherine for all the great work they're doing!!)