For the Soul

As one who recently acquired the ability to lie around and rot my brain while watching more basketball than any on man should, I have started to get caught up on all the new commercials I have been missing the last few years. One commercial that seems to be working, at least on me, is the Corona Light commercial which has a group of twenty-somethings partying on a beach. The sun sets on the party so they pack up their stuff and move to the other side of what turns out to be an island and continue the party as the sun rises. No, the commercial isn't anything out of the ordinary but it is the song selection that got me.

The song they chose to use was Hey You (I Love You) by Michael Franti & Spearhead. It didn't take many times of seeing the commercial and hearing this song before it became locked in my subconscious to the point where I no longer needed my iPod. (See, it supports lack of materialism!) It is a very catchy song, much like California Gurls by Katy Perry except I don't feel like such a sissy for listening to this song. I ended up buying the whole album (All Rebel Rockers) last night and have listened to it almost non stop since and I have to say, I have found a new artist to add to my "always in the mood for" playlist. The previous playlist included only two artists, John Mayer and Jack Johnson. They are two very different artists but both of them have a sound and lyric to their music that always rings true with my soul.

Michael Franti & Spearhead have now joined that shortlist and I'm glad they have. They too have a sound that has a vibe about it which feels right and the lyric used is one I relate to. I find their style of reggae both relaxing and upbeat at the same time. Coupled with messages brought to life in the music of peace, standing up for the down trodden, and being someone that makes a difference and I just want to dance while I listen! But mostly, I'm attracted to the idea of love towards the world and its people the album is saturated with. Love is something I think almost everyone will agree the world could use a little more of. I am tempted to go out and start collecting all the Michael Franti albums I can get my hands on. If you are into a rock reggae sound at all and enjoy listening to music that pushes a social justice message, I would recommend looking into All Rebel Rockers by Michael Franti & Spearhead.