Wyclef Jean - Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant

The carnival is still under construction

Despite Wyclef Jean still having no problem scoring hit singles, all his albums released after The Carnival have been pretty lackluster. Now he's trying again with Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant.

Scooter McGavin is on point with his review, but I'll say that by looking at the title alone, it appears that Clef himself realizes the quality of said albums, which is why he's possibly reverting back to his old formula. But considering that the original Carnival came out over ten years ago, the problem lies within that formula now sounding dated. But Clef isn't actually going back that far per se: there's no rapping on this album (well, not from him, anyway). The problem is the same problem he usually has: he's trying to mix too many styles at once.

The thing is, every song on this album is so different from the last that it almost makes you wonder if you're listening to a Now That's What I Call Music compilation. This is especially evidenced by the unfocused "Touch Your Button" medley, as well as the Chamillionaire-assisted "Hollywood Meets Bollywood", which is about as accessible as a Panjabi MC song. And when Clef reunites with people that helped him make hits in the past, the results don't carry that same spark. The Shakira-assisted "King & Queen" doesn't go anywhere, and "What About the Baby" (with Mary J. Blige) is just plain weird (it's a tad better than "911", but that's not saying much).

There are only four songs on here that stand out: the first two singles ("Sweetest Girl", even though it really isn't about anything, but hey, what would a hit song be without Akon and Lil' Wayne?; and "Fast Car"), and the two-in-a-row of "Any Other Day" (with Norah Jones) and "Heaven's in New York". Speaking of the latter, though, that's the only song on the whole album that doesn't feature anyone. Carnival II is better than a lot of the albums Wyclef has been releasing lately, but it can't compare to the original Carnival. Maybe he, Lauryn and Pras really should get back together and this time release an entire album instead of just a single.

Anthony Rupert April 27, 2008

MUSIC FOR LIFE

WOW! ONCE AGAIN, WYCLEFF JEAN PUTS ALL THE TRACKS WELL TOGETHER.
THE LYRICS ARE CLEAN AND INFORMATIVE AND THE RYTHM MAKES YOU WANNA MOVE...
I LOVE THE ENTIRE ALBUM! I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE...

April 5, 2008

Amazing Album. See him live.

Not only can I not stop playing this album, but if you get a chance to catch him live, DO IT. He was onstage for over two hours, Akon came out to perform, his sister sang some Sam Cooke, it was the most energetic show I have ever seen. Wyclef has made an album that feels great to listen to. Pick it up! March 5, 2008

Another Ecleftic Carnival!

On "Carnival Vol. II Memoires of an Immigrant", Wyclef is as eclectic (or should that read ecleftic) as ever, with a lyrical theme of Immigration and an armada of guests. A rock-tinged intro touching on the dire state of the world since his debut solo CD in 1997. That's not all that has changed in the 10 years since his multi platinum debut. His sales have plummeted too, not a reflection on his music, mind you.

The sound is as diverse as ever with various world influences; Opening cut proper "Riot", is given a rock edge (interspersed with a dub break and ending on a dub note) by Serj Tankian (whose guitar playing adds tension and drama) and featuring Sizzla. I love it! Lead-off single is the highly melodic acoustic tinged "Sweetest girl" which features the ubiquitous Akon, Lil Wayne and Niia (providing ethereal harmonies). In a similar vein is the acoustic "Slow down" featuring T.I., a look at the degeneration of the society. "I see then the whole world turn into a war zone/no love in the city" he sings. Returning the favour for appearing on her chart topping hit "Hips don't lie" is Shakira on "King & queen".

Paul Simon appears on the poignant folk/reggae "Fast car", and appearing on the similar "Any other day" is Norah Jones adding her elfin vocals to the acoustic sound. The stunning "What about the baby" teams him up again with Mary J. Blige (who turns in a fiery delivery) telling the touching story of a deadbeat dad who wants to get to know his daughter, while "Hollywood meets Blooywood" featuring Charmillionaire is given a Bollywood tinge by use of Indian sounding percussion, strings and guitar.

Taking a look at his mortality (and the lone song not featuring a guest artist) is the acoustic "Heaven's in New York" which sees him singing about "wanting to go back in time and put the twin towers back in the skyline" against a background of soothing harmonies and gentle percussion. Soothing and reflective. "Selena" (featuring Melissa Jimenez) is a tribute to the late Mexican diva, even featuring her "Bidi bidi bum bum" quote. It starts off as a reggae song before shifting tempo into a carnival soca bounce, with lyrics having Clef wishing he had met her.

Closing is the star studded "Touch your button", a raucous energetic song (for the most part) featuring will.i.am, Melissa Jiménez, Machel Montana, Daniela Mercury, Black Alex & Djakout Mizik. The thirteen minute epic comes in movements, starting off with nice scratchy guitars, a bouncy beat, and hollering in the background, taking on a soca/Cuban feel after about four minutes, taking a mournful turn with choir-like harmonies and lyrics in French with sprinklings of trumpet after another four minutes, and ending with a fantastic electric guitar solo. This song is deeply moving, and summarizes the sound and concept of the album; from light hearted bouncy fun, to sombre reflection.

It is sad that a brilliant album like this should flounder sales-wise, but that is a reflection of the state of the music industry. A thoroughly enjoyable carnival with Clef!
March 4, 2008

decide for yourself

this is my first wyclef cd. I had heard the big single a million times on the radio, and loved it. ill be honest, the first few times i listened to this, i couldnt relate to it at all. then it started to grow on me. now, what i love about it is its incredible diversity, and complexity. every single time i listen to it (frequently) i hear something i havent heard before. I think the reviewers who are panning this for being 'pop' are off the mark. no, its not a tupac cd (god rest him), theres no cursing or talking about shooting people. it is music of the heart. i find it very uplifting and thought provoking. thanks wyclef---im a fan for life! February 27, 2008

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