All Rebel Rockers is an album that reflects Michael Franti's peaceful and political standpoint, having moved on from the anger and acerbity of his Disposable Heroes days. This latest album was recorded in Jamaica and is imbued with a sense of laidback activism. The lyrics speak of the necessity to fight against the injustices in the world and are layered onto music that is annoyingly accessible. The blend of reggae, rock and hip hop is instantly familiar, and you'll find yourself singing along to some of the tunes before the song has finished on the first listening.

The sensibilities of peace-loving, yoga-practising, barefoot Franti are all good and maybe by being innocuous you can infiltrate the consciousness of people that are already bombarded with the atrocities of war, but the music - although uplifting and bouncy - lacks a certain punch. For an artist with a background of experimentalism, who worked with William S Burroughs and created music that shook people out of apathy, All Rebel Rockers is one sun salutation too many in the direction of happiness. Instantly memorable and then instantly forgettable. (Jacqueline Wild)

Recommended track:
Track 6 - 'Say Hey (I love you)'

Watch the video to 'Say Hey (I love you)':



Disposable Heroes of Hypocrisy - Television the drug of a nation:

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/spearheadvibrations