Jamallad – Global Citizen
Reviewed by Sadie O., 4/23/08
Pretty Reggae/African/pop combination with lyrics about globalism and world peace. Singer originally from Ivory Coast, got a degree in music in the US, moved to Hawaii where a fall left him partially paralyzed. He was told the operation he needed would leave him unable to sing again, and the fact that he recovered (he has a distinctive, unpolished sounding voice) probably lends to the celebratory spirit of the record. It’s miles better than most Reggae coming out of Hawaii these days.
NB: tracks often end a few seconds shy.
No FCCs detected. 2, 9 and 10 are my faves.
1. **drum intro, somewhat uptempo Highlife, sweet and happy, sung in multiple languages.
2. ****lilting Reggae with hints of African instrumentation, female chorus, lyrics in French.
3. *downbeat and relaxed pop (not really Reggae), lyrics in English and French, forgettable music but really nice vocals.
4. **pretty midtempo bubble, interesting instrumentation but maybe too much female chorus, lyrics in English.
5. **subdued midtempo pop, with rather quiet vocals, lyrics in English.
6. ***midtempo semi-acoustic pop with hints of West African sounds. Bits of spoken word by a young boy. Vocals again in several languages – vocals really make this track.
7. ***female spoken word intro, then bouncy midtempo bubble, lyrics in English. Music and lead vocals both strong, but my jury is out on the female backing vocals, again.
8. **midtempo (sort of 80’s feel) hard rock, lyrics in English.
9. ****really nice slightly uptempo bubble, anti-war lyrics. Definitely worth the price of admission.
10. ****uptempo skank with hints of Africa, strong playing, lyrics in English. Nice bit of philosophy and lovely singing in West African towards end. Good stuff.
11. **upbeat pop skank, fine vocals in multiple languages.