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Taken from The Campus Press (Oct 17, 2008)
Calling All Rebel Rockers
A review of Michael Franti and Spearhead's latest CD
by Sara Handing
 The typical Michael Franti album is all about peace, love and politics, but this time he is returning to his reggae roots for a pop-rock, reggae-dance infused album that does not only send a message but makes listeners dance.
For his latest CD since "Yell Fire" in 2006, Franti joined Spearhead and released "All Rebel Rockers" on Sept 9.
His attempt at his first dance-style album includes a variety of rock, folk and dance genres.
"All Rebel Rockers" can also be seen as a commentary on our freedoms as Americans.
In "The Future," Franti describes what he believes the future is coming to with lyrics like, "They told you before it's the same freaking lies they'll tell you some more, they searching your bag as you board the planes, and they telling your neighbors that you ain't insane. I wouldn't believe that this is all coming true...bring it on bring it on, the future's coming."
In parts of the album he writes about his challenges in a touching and sincere way as he remembers sending his son off to live on his own. In "I Got Love for You" he writes, "...to somewhere hope you find the peace of mind, so you can for in the back of a greyhound it'll take you far, in a back of a greyhound bus you can be who you are, la lala la la I got love for you."
Franti and Spearhead's unique use of hip-hop and reggae beats sets them apart from mainstream pop music. Franti still incorporates his emotionally-filled political statements but nicely complements them with personal reflection and straightforward lyrics that are relevant to listeners with lyrics such as, "Hey world don't give up on me, just believe in me like I believe in you. Tell me why this child soldier, tell me why they close the borders, tell me why won't you please."
On a few of the 13 tracks on the album he mixes up his traditional style with collaborations from artists Cherine Anderson and Zap Mama.
"Say Hey (I love You)," featuring Cherine Anderson, is his first single and is undoubtedly his best collaboration. It's chill yet it's fun; it's modern yet it's inspiring. His new music just fits in all the right places.
"All Rebel Rockers" switches to more relaxed acoustic songs in the middle of the album. Franti and Spearhead make an honest, though only semi-successful, attempt to conquer the "love song."
His lovely lyrics resemble that of a cheesy elementary-aged love poem and capture about that much passion.
"Have A Little Faith In Me," "All I Want Is You" and "I Got Love For You" are mediocre tracks for Franti fans because the repetitive chorus is nothing amusing to listen to. Lyrics like, "Don't tell me you love me if you don't really love me," just don't have enough pizazz to compare them to his other classics.
This album is balanced between passion, peace and a party. His views are tagged on to catchy choruses and even though one might not completely agree with the messages, there is little room to disagree that Michael Franti and Spearhead's latest album is proof they are breaking through to the mainstream population as a serious pop-rock reggae band.
Catch Michael Franti and Spearhead in concert. They will headline at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on Nov. 28 and 29. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
General Admission tickets are $27.50, and to purchase advanced visit: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Michael-Franti-Spearhead-tickets/artist/836768.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sara Handing at sara.handing@colorado.edu.
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