Stay Human

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Music reviews of Stay Human

Music Review: Michael Franti is more conscious than you.
Rating: 4 Stars

Franti still needs a little help with his spoken word-cum-Gil Scott Heron vocal delivery. I keep waiting for him to find a voice of his own. Still, I admit that even though he sounds a bit derivative, he is at least consistent.  

The album is loosely structured to resemble a broadcast from a progressive listener-supported radio station. Brother Soulshine (Franti) and the Nubian Poetess (Nazelah Jamison) take up the cause of the impending execution of Sister Fatima, a fictional faith healer who was convicted for the murder of a prominent businessman and his wife.  As many community activists take up the charge of Sister Fatima's innocence, the issue becomes the pivot around which an upcoming gubenatorial race takes place. Woody Harrelson (yes, THAT Woody) does an amazing G_____ W. B___ impersonation as the heartless, politically opportunist and frighteningly dimwitted governor of an unnamed state. If his statement that certain types of people need to be controlled through execution doesn't make you question the motives behind the death penalty in the United States, then you have no heart.

I won't spoil the ending in this little melodrama, but I will say that Stay Human represents the best Spearhead/Franti offering to date.  There are some evocative, provocative, and just plain emotionally and spiritually uplifting tracks on this CD.  'Oh My God' hearkens back to Marvin Gaye with a 'What's Going On' message of social outrage couched in lumbering beats, soulful, almost bluesy acoustic guitar and Mary Harris' gospel-tinged backing vocals.  Other choice tracks include Soulshine -- a track that if given enough airplay or exposure could quite easily be the summer anthem for the progressive set.  'Skin On The Drum' exists as the most musically challenging and sneaky track, as it sinuously weaves its way through between your ears while quietly building and increasing in intensity. The song gets better with each listen.

On the whole, Stay Human is an effort that preaches to a liberal left-wing progressive choir yet remains musically accessible enough for those who may not be as politically astute.  Franti and Spearhead are the perfect guides to any political awakening -- and they'll get you there with your head bobbing and feet tapping.

Description of Stay Human

Blues CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop
• R&B
• Rap & Hip-Hop
• Rock