Yell Fire!

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-01-07 rating:
Painfully undervalued artist
Having been a keen to indulge in the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy (Franti's previous band) in my youth, I baulked somewhat when he went semi-solo with Spearhead and dropped the electric, edgy, intelligent hip-hop for what seemed fairly lifeless soul on 'Home'. However a number of years later I decided it was time to return and listen to Franti as I had respect for his ideology and lyrics. I was not disappointed. This is a superb LP with a vast range of styles which serve to highlight this incredibly huge, humble and talented man. From the agression and guile of the title track to the uplifting west coast alternative rock of 'I know I'm not alone' - the cross-appeal of the music is laid out in full and the lyrics are as dangerous, thoughtful and mesmeric as ever. The only real shame is that there are not more people out there who will get to hear this record. If you are one of them and you own it - share it around for music's sake.

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review by: date: 2006-09-10 rating:
Fantastic
This is an amazing album. It is really funky and very varied - from reggae to U2 like to beautiful ballads. The lyrics are very political, and he speaks a lot of common sense. BUY THIS ALBUM, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED

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review by: date: 2006-08-01 rating:
A Strong Album From An Excellent Artist
This is the first time I have felt compelled to write a review for a CD, one that has not been off my CD player since I fell through my letter box three days ago.

As I pre-ordered it some time ago, so it was with trepidation that I listened to it for the first time as I have yet to read one positive review in support Yell Fire.

Criticisms abound in the national press of it being overproduced, lacking a soul, being overly antiwar, but having no substantial tunes to support the positive messages.

Don't believe the negativity this album has real soul and depth that shows through repeated listening and is as every bit as good as Stay Human.

I for one look forward to singing out "Yell Fire", "I know I am Not alone" when Spearhead tour Edinburgh this Month.

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review by: date: 2006-07-24 rating:
Yell Fire leaves me cold.
Michael Franti has been one of my heroes since I was a teenager, having followed is career since the Beatnigs in the late 80s. Spearhead's 'Home' is one of my favourite Lps of all time. Unfortunately, I have to say that on first listen "Yell Fire" is a massive disappointment. The cool funky grooves and jazzy breaks that made "Home" and "Stay Human" so exciting and essential are completely missing, replaced by reggae-lite and soft-rock. It's a real shame, because there is a serious message to be heard, and Franti can't be faulted in terms of sheer passion and effort. In terms of lyrics, I find his earlier material, where the songs were issued-based but also spoke of personal relationships, far more interesting than listening to a full album of songs about how terrible war is. I just wish he'd stop preaching so much and get back to doing what he does best - keeping it funky, sexy, groovy and socially aware. Please go back to basics, Michael, and rediscover what made you so special in the first place.


review by: date: 2006-07-06 rating:
Firestarter
Returning from a visit to war-torn regions of Iraq, Israel and Palestine in 2004, Michael Franti first put together a documentary called I Know I'm Not Alone, before deciding that the film required a musical accompaniment, hence the creation of Yell Fire!, Franti's most socially conscious album to date. Coming from the man responsible of the Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy that's a bold claim, but somewhat ironically, the trips to Baghdad, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have inspired Franti to create his most uplifting set of songs to date.

As he approaches 40, Franti no longer exudes the rage which marked his earlier albums as a member of The Beatnigs, but that doesn't prevent him using Yell Fire! to drive home important matters like the precarious state of the planet and those who've rendered it so, the fragile condition of human relationships and the urgency with which people need to repair them.

Against the thread of righteous positivity, universal unification of spirit and aphoristic pacifism, Yell Fire! is stacked with deep grooves: the opening Time To Go Home, Everyone Ona Move and Light Up Ya Lighter all exhibit Franti's revolutionary attitude and contemplative lyrics, while featuring Spearhead's enriching cadence.

While the title track and Time To Go Home are calls to action, other songs such as I Know I'm Not Alone (an inspirational volley of hope), One Step Closer To You, which features a soulful backing vocal performance by Pink, and the beautiful Is Love Enough?, all tap into the album's compassionate side.

Yell Fire! succeeds in blurring the lines between Franti's worldview and his music so sufficiently, it makes it difficult to imagine one existing without the other. A tendency to raise the level of his vocals in the mix can leave Spearhead's reggae/funk/dancehall/hip-hop amalgams rather shadowed by their leader, but what Franti is saying here needs to be heard.

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