Michael Franti (being the good natured, generous musician that he is) gave his Facebook fans a preview of his new album, The Sound of Sunshine, a few days prior to the official album release on September 21.
Having been a fan of Michael Franti and his band Spearhead for a few years now, I jumped (or rather excitedly double clicked) at the chance to have a listen to the latest concoctions from the inspirational, peace proclaiming, musical magician.
The Inspiration for the Album
The Sound of Sunshine is the seventh studio album from Franti and his crew, and he sites his time spent recovering from a serious medical condition as the inspiration for many of Sunshine’s songs. Franti explains, “I almost died...I really took a moment to prioritize what’s really important...it’s really about the people I love. Even in that hospital, I could laugh with the people I love, cry with them, and start to find the sun again.” This live for the moment, “take care of the people around you” vibe, clearly shines through in both the up-tempo, pop/reggae beats and feel-good lyrics.
The Sounds of Sunshine
Franti showcases most of his musical influences in this album; hip hop, rock, folk and reggae all make their appearances . The title track immediately gets your feet tappin’/ booty shakin’, lips singin’ (insert applicable body movement here), and the following “Shake It” continues the summertime skankin’ feel as does the slower “Only Thing Missing Was You”. Franti also shows his soulful streak in the carefree, gospel flavoured “Sound of Sunshine Going Down” and the smooth, soulful ballad, “Headphones”. Both “Shake It”, and the uplifting “Hey Hey Hey”, have been a hit with summer festival goers in the U.S. this year.
I find it hard to write anything negative about this incredible humanitarian and inspirational environmentalist. But if I am to be honest, I was a teeny tiny bit disappointed by the album as a whole. Maybe it’s because his 2003 solo effort “Songs from the Front Porch” has been a tried and trusty friend residing in my i-pod for the past six years and has been put on somewhat of a pedestal that subsequently can’t be toppled. I just thought the album needed a bit more variation in it, (a few of the songs sound slightly too similar) and more of the clever, poignant lyrics Franti has shared with us in the past.
That said, I’m not sure The Sound of Sunshine could be more aptly titled. It’s the perfect summer time road trip music to play in a car full of friends to sing along with you, with the windows wound down and the fresh air of freedom in your face. It’s also perfect to put on and turn up if you haven’t seen the sun in a while...
Quotes sourced from Michael Franti’s Official Website: http://michaelfranti.com/
Track listing:
- The Sound of Sunshine
- Shake It
- Hey Hey Hey
- Anytime You Need Me
- I'll Be Waiting
- The Only Thing Missing Was You
- Love Don't Wait
- The Thing That Helps Me Get Through
- Gloria
- Headphones
- The Sound of Sunshine Going Down
- Being Alone Is Better With You
Kirsty Helen - I am an aspiring author at the beginning of my literary career, and I am currently working on building up a portfolio of work in order to ...
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