Joining a new label in J Records didn’t see a change in the way Wyclef Jean approaches music. While most rappers rely on rhyming through the chorus or finding someone else to sing it, Jean still uses his own voice for the job on “The Preacher’s Son.” No, he’s not going to be hired to teach a course on singing, but his unique intonation when it comes to singing shapes the way Jean is seen as a musician.

Jean is also not afraid to speak his mind and also cover some unconventional topics. “Industry” deals with the “what-could-have-been factor, such as the death of TLC’s Left Eye, the feud between Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. and the ever changing lineup of Destiny’s Child. “Baby Daddy,” featuring Redman, is a tribute to step-fathers.

There are some noticeable differences compared to his three other solo albums. There is a lot more reggae-inspired music, with appearances from Buju Banton and Rah Digga, as well as dancehall, as Jean collaborates with Wayne Wonder and Elephant Man. Jean is often compared to Bob Marley, but it has never been more apparent than with “Who Gave the Order.”

Jean also strays away from cover songs. There are no Bee Gees, Tom Jones, or Bob Dylan hits on this album. It’s all Jean. That doesn’t mean you won’t be humming some choruses after listening to this album. “Next Generation,” “Rebel Music,” and “I Am Your Doctor” all have the remedies for that craving.

You’ll also be hooked on “Party to Damascus” with Missy Elliott. And if you liked that, you’ll like the remix, which is also included, since it sounds the exact same.

And while this album certainly is good enough to make up for last year’s disappointing “Masquerade,” this album falls short in topping his first solo album, “The Carnival.” But it’s doubtful than anything Jean ever does will top his debut, whether it’s by himself or with the Fugees.

4*
J/BMG

Track Listing:
Intro
Industry
Party To Damascus (feat. Missy Elliott)
Celebrate (feat. Patti LaBelle and Cassidy)
Baby Daddy (feat. Redman)
Three Nights In Rio (feat. Carlos Santana)
Class Reunion (feat. Monica)
Baby
I Am Your Doctor (feat. Wayne Wonder and Elephant Man)
Linda (feat. Carl Restivo)
Take Me As I Am (feat. Sharissa)
Grateful
Next Generation (feat. Scarface and Rah Digga)
Rebel Music (feat. Prodigy of Mobb Deep)
Who Gave The Order (feat. Buju Banton)
Party By The Sea (feat. Buju Banton and T-Vice)
Party To Damascus Remix (feat. Missy Elliott)






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