Wyclef Jean - Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant
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Free Music Notes for Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant
Free Music Review: good cd, back to good roots
Hit: 4 Stars
wow, I came to read some reviews because I really liked this cd and was surprised not to find any. So, though I didn't come here to do it, I'm writing one now! Well, I've been a Wyclef fan since the fugee days, and I bought the first Carnival twice, because I gave my first copy away, then I missed it. I liked Wycleftic alright, but then I bout Masquerade a few years ago, and didn't like it much. I ended up selling it at a garage sale or something, and I haven't missed it at all. So I was wondering, had Wyclef lost his zeal, his zest? So I got this new cd for Christmas, and was delighted to find that Clef hasn't flamed out, instead, he has found what he used to have: exuberant and compelling, fun music. The immigration theme is great, seems to fit his attitude and music style well, and its topical to everything thats going on these days. 'Welcome to the East', 'Fast Car' are some of my early favorites, but the whole thing is pretty darn good, and I really haven't found much to dislike about it. So, for you fans who liked the first Carnival, you'll probably like this one, and for someone looking for something new, clef covers some new areas, so you'll like it too.Free Music Review: just ok
Hit: 2 Stars
10 years ago I was digging the Carnival and it appeared and seemed like Wyclef might be onto something,but with each passing album there after while he stayed versatile, he didn't bring the Good and he pretty much hit his peak/Prime a decade ago. this album is over-Produced and has a bit too many guests which while interesting in some ares especially with Paul Simon on board, but overall it just never connects and feels like a bunch of ideas with some interesting parts but never fully developed. Clef has been able to stay afloat on the Porduction side,but as a Artist it just isn't there anymore and this album while his own tribute to his own journey, just makes the Carnival seem like a long,long,long time ago.Free Music Review: Genius!
Hit: 5 Stars
Wyclef is a musical Genius! I must admit, when I seen him on TV, and the whole "Carnival" concept, I thought the album was going to be corny! But this album is very tasteful, very unique, you'll be grooving all the way through it. Its a mixture of reggae, R&B, and hip-hop, but its sooooo Wyclef! You can put it on while cleaning your house, or put it on on you down days to cheer you up. From listening to the intro, Clef actually wanted to accomplish this. Well.....MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!Free Music Review: can't wait to see him live!
Hit: 4 Stars
i've been listening to this cd nonstop. who knew it would be such a challenge to sing "let me touch your button" 5 times fast! my least favs are the collaborations with blige and shakira but the rest of the cd is fantastic. can't think of a better way to spend $10!Free Music Review: Very well thought out album
Hit: 4 Stars
Wyclef is in my opinion a musical genius. The ideas and concepts that he uses within his production work and within his rhymes/lyrics are fantastic. The problem with Wyclef is that he sometimes overdoes things. His albums tend to be "all over the place" in nature which doesn't always endear the listener to him. CARNIVAL VOL. II: MEMOIRS OF AN IMMIGRANT also maintains Wyclef's "schizophrenic" ideas, but the order of the tracks and the nature of the album feels like Wyclef is always in control, moreso than some of his other work. There are moments where CARNIVAL II falls flat, but they are very few and nothing is outright terrible here.
"Riot", the first official track, features an odd combination which includes Sizzla and System of a Down frontman/solo artist Serj Tankian. The mashup between the opposite genres should be disastrous, but in this case, "opposites attract". The track is a brilliant, creative, and innovative opening track which lets you know that CARNIVAL II might just turn out to be 'Clef's best album in a while. First single and highlight track "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" is among Wyclef's best tracks in years. It features an all star cast which includes the ubiquitous Akon and Lil' Wayne as well as introduces singer Nia. The hook is addictive - "I'm gon' tell you/like you told me/cash rules everything around me/ about a dollar bill y'all...". It is no wonder the track has been the radio hit it has been.
"Welcome to the East" features Sizzla once again, and is the third consistent track. The production has a very tropical/middle-eastern flavor. "Slow Down" featuring T.I. is average at best, but not bad. "King & Queen" feat. Shakira isn't the caliber of say "Sweetest Girl", but it is definitely a nice performance and collaboration. "Fast Car" once again pairs Wyclef with an odd collaborator, this time via Paul Simon. It works once again, but not quite the way the collaboration pairing Serj Tankian with 'Clef did. "What About the Baby" features Mary J. Blige and is a welcome surprise. Here, 'Clef sings and Mary J. Blige tears the house down with her powerhouse vocals. Truly, both artist make the somewhat average song sound much better than it should. The contemporary R&B production is appreciated and serves as a nice change after all the tropical-infused production numbers.
"Hollywood Meets Bollywood (Immigration)" features Chamillionaire and serves as an instant hit with Chamillionaire's low voice mixed with Middle-Eastern production work. "Any Other Day" features the lazy vocals of the fantastic Norah Jones and proves to be solid as does the solo Wyclef track "Heaven's in New York". Neither are the strongest tracks of CARNIVAL II, but both are consisten to say the least. "Selena" features a very nice vocal performance from Melissa Jimenez while the lengthy but worthwhile "Touch Your Button Carnival Jam" features an all star cast (including Jimenez again) and ends CARNIVAL II on a high note.
CARNIVAL II does have its drier moments but for the most part, Wyclef got it right this time. It's a shame it couldn't have sold more than 46,000 copies its first week, but that's just the way it goes. 4 stars Wyclef.