Ozomatli - Don't Mess With The Dragon
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Free Music Notes for Don't Mess With The Dragon
Free Music Review: It's like going to heaven...
Hit: 2 Stars
It's like going to heaven and finding God smokin crack...after hearing Ozomatli's latest release on the day it was released [cause I bought it,] Don't Mess With the Dragon. I FELT SO DISAPPOINTED! All I wanted to do was cry. I was looking forward to a new release by Ozomatli after their Live at the Fillmore album, but I wasn't expecting this. I had read in Latina magazine that Ozomatli was trying to go pop, but I thought to myself it couldn't be possible; Not Ozo! On the day of April 3, 2007 it was CONFIRMED Ozomatli had sold out! Track after track was disappointing, however they did throw in ONE track [#10 Creo] for the true fans and that wasn't really 100% Ozomatli. I have followed this band for quite some time and been to many of their concerts and I love their music.
When you think back to other true underground artist most of them have produced a record like this the unthinkable the unfathomable "sell out" record. I hope Ozomatli and their 10 band members get this pop thing out of their system because the world doesn't really need another Black Eyed Peas.
Free Music Review: Good, but not Great
Hit: 4 Stars
Ozomatli is a band whose real strength is live. They are an amazing live act with a huge amount of energy and first-rate musicianship. One thing missing from a lot of these reviews is that these guys can flat out play their instruments. The horn section smokes.
Don't mess with the Dragon is a solid effort. The songs have good grooves. There is a mix of styles. You get an old-school R+B song (like After Party) mixed with rap, mixed with funk. My 13-year-old heard this in the car yesterday and wanted to borrow it, so they must be doing something right.
That said, this CD does not have lots of songs that beg to be played over-and-over. If you're new to the Ozo sound, get Street Signs. If you're an old fan, buy the CD and enjoy.
Free Music Review: A great installment in the evolution of their career
Hit: 5 Stars
Ozomatli did what they precisely set out to do with this album. They made an album that's more accessible to a wider English-speaking audience, while maintaining their diverse style and positive message with a socio-political (but non-overbearing) edge. While this isn't their best album, it is a great installment in the evolution of their career.
Tracks:
Can't Stop: 10/10
I've always loved this track when they played it in concert, and the studio version is absolutely infectious. This is the perfect first single for their album. It combines rock, hip-hop, and pop with a little bit of world music flavor. If this doesn't get played on radio stations throughout the country, then they must think people don't want to listen to catchy music with a positive message.
City of Angels: 7/10
While I enjoy the instruments/music, I was really disappointed in the lyrics of the song. This is supposed to be an anthem for all of Los Angeles (including the grittier side) that's an update to the old Randy Newman song. However, after listening to song, it still leaves the listener wondering what L.A. is like. People from other large cities often criticize L.A. for not having any "soul." This song does little justice to the city. You really don't get a sense for the city's diverse neighborhoods or culture its people live. Aside from the name of a high school, a few streets, and a restaurant, you could get a similar sense of L.A. from various generic mid-90's rap songs.
After Party: 10/10
A great modern interpretation of 1960's R&B with a little bit of perfectly intertwined hip-hop. This is a great catchy anthem that's a hit at their live shows.
Don't Mess With the Dragon: 8/10
This is an Ozomatli version of reggae that combines rock and Asian influences. This song is about avoiding addictions (Don't mess with the Dragon, because it breathes fire and you'll get burned). I like the music and the lyrics, but there's something about the chorus that doesn't quite make it as catchy as other Ozomatli songs.
La Gallina: 10/10
Ozomatli's first cumbia song (not counting "Mi Gente") since their first album is one of the best tracks. Continuing in the theme of avoiding addictions and taking control of your life, the song's message is perfect for its great music and upbeat tempo. I believe this is the first song where Asdru and Raul each have their own verse.
Magnolia Soul: 10/10
This song is dedicated to New Orleans and features great music, a great chorus, and solid socially-conscious hip-hop verses. The horns are played in the style of New Orleans funk, and compliment a great bridge in the song.
Here We Go: 9/10
This is a reggaeton-style song with primarily singing instead of rapping, Asian influences, and some nice mariachi style horns during the bridge. Jabu's style is a perfect mix during the rap portion of this song. Overall, this is a catchy song and a different twist on reggaeton.
La Temperatura: 10/10
The second of 3 Spanish-only songs (La Gallina & Violeta) is probably the most up-tempo song on the album. While this song was inspired by the immigrant rights marches during the summer of 2006, its message is spread with a positive vibe that everyone can enjoy.
Violeta: 10/10
This is primarily a ballad that is lyrically one of the best songs Ozomatli has ever written. It tells the trials and tribulations of a soldier in the Middle East. The gang chorus toward the end is a great touch that really rounds out the song well.
Creo: 8/10
This song contains a catchy chorus, socially conscious rap lyrics, and a nice bridge from Asdru. My complaint with this song is the music itself. It's a little bit too simple for my tastes, and I wish there was another instrument added to the mix. Ultimately, the beat isn't that catchy.
When I Close My Eyes: 10/10
This is a modern ska song that combines great keyboards, horns, and the most rock-driven guitar riffs I've heard in an Ozomatli song. The lyrics and music are excellent, and the song ends up sounding great.
La Segunda Mano: 9/10
This song features vocals from Martha of the great band Quetzal. It's the first song that Jabu gets to rap on his own, and this is a fan favorite. I love the music and the chorus. My only complaint is that Martha's lyrics seem too deep and poetic for Jabu's goofy lyrical edge.
Overall album: 9.3/10 (4.6/5)
This may not be the best Ozomatli album, but it's still great. If they don't make it big with this album, they never will. I can't imagine them making a more accessible album without starting to abandon who they are as a band.
Free Music Review: Don't Mess With The Dragon
Hit: 4 Stars
"Don't Mess With The Dragon" is Ozo's latest full-length studio album. I hesitate to call it "full-length" though, since it clocks in a just over a half-hour long. But I'd rather have a compact, tighter album than an overly long, drawn-out, watered-down 75-minute affair.
I would agree with some of the other reviewers that this isn't Ozo's best album. But it is still solid. It's upbeat and fun. Don't Mess with the Dragon is a party album, a feel-good record.
One complaint - the rapping is below average and has been for quite awhile now. They could really use a guest appearance by Chali 2na, of Jurassic 5, again. I could do without rap on any future Ozo albums.
Overall though, it's not mind-blowingly great, but it is good. And it's way better than 95% of the other new music you could be buying. So pick it up. It's hard to sit still and be unhappy when Ozo's coming through the speakers.
Free Music Review: Not their best...
Hit: 4 Stars
in fact, I have to say it is my least favorite album of Ozo's. That is not bad, in my opinion. I would rate their previous three as five stars. Some of the songs get a little repetitious and are rather short. However, I saw them live three weeks ago (my 15th time) and their songs have much more energy live. My personal favorite is "La Gallina". I heard it first live, and it blew me away.
As good as all their recordings are, the only way to really listen to Ozo is live. I never miss a chance to see them. If they are ever in your neck of the woods, go! But be ready to move and dance!