Michael Franti & Spearhead
Yell Fire!
Anti-
The fifth major release to carry the Spearhead name, Yell Fire! finds main man and longtime MC Michael Franti delving deeper into both a traditional troubadour role and further into the cool vibes of Jamaica. And while Yell Fire! sports straightforward and even anthemic rock (the title track) and acoustic ballads, it's the Rasta vibes flowing through the party cut "Hey Now Now".
Jamaican DJ Squid Lee's toasting over the jewel "One Step Closer to You" (also featuring punky-pop hottie Pink) and the sweaty, conscious Trench Town-worthy opener "Time to Go Home" that reign supreme. The latter and several others ("I Know I'm Not Alone," "Sweet Little Lies") were inspired by his recent trip to Baghdad and the Middle East, and the bouncy, booty-swinging "Hello Bonjour" is among a handful catering primarily to the dancefloor. Save the fist-pumping title track, the rock songs take a backseat to the rump-shakers. Yet the simple "One Step" outshines them all on an album that never forgets to entertain while educating. Wes Orshoski
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