Wyclef Jean Album: “Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book [Germany Bonus Track]”

In an age of tightly formatted radio and niche marketing, it is rare to find an artist who crosses all boundaries, and shatters all preconceptions and simply makes music. There's hardly a musical genre that doesn't get thrown into the mix, and there's hardly a song on this album that isn't bangin'. Wyclef is a product of hip-hop, and as such, this record an amazing statement about the power of the music and the culture and how far it was come. Kenny Rogers puttin' it down over a slightly rocked out reworking of the "Simon Says" beat? But it works. Amazingly enough, the best tracks on here are the ones that take the greatest chances, straying furthest away from traditional hip hop. "911" with Mary J. Blige is essentially a pop/rock ballad, that Clef sings like a Calypso folk song. To round out the mix, Mary throws down with a straight soul workout. Clef makes an incredible nod to 70s funk/soul on "Runaway" with Earth Wind and Fire adding just a little more authenticity (not to mention what still might be the tightest horn section in the buisiness). "Diallo" is equal parts blues, folk and calypso and showcases Clef's growth as a songwriter. There's even a remake of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" which Wyclef manages to put his stamp on while maintaining the tone of the original. The cut that took me the longest to appreciate is "Perfect Gentleman". Classical stings backed by an eccelerated techno beat, and lyrics about a stripper? At first it's easy to write the song off as a musical joke of sorts, but after a few listens it starts to sink in. It is a real song, carefully constructed musically, and with lyrical heart. This album is a must for any true music fan.

I'd hate to write a bad review for Clef, I have much respect for this man. I was disappointed with his latest effort. Maybe "The Carnival" made my expectations a little high. Wyclef's first solo ablum was an excellect & creative blend of hip-hop, r&b, & island; a great showcase of Clef's lyrical, as well as musical, talent. His latest is not as strong, though definitley not bad. I can't enjoy this CD like I enjoy "The Carnival"...It seems Clef is getting a little too pop-like lately. But don't get me wrong, this CD is still worth the buy if you like Wyclef. He is still working to move hip-hop, & music in general, forward out of the rut it has been in lately. A truly creative, talented, eclectic, intellegent artist worthy of your attention.

"Diallo" is one of my favorite tracks. Clef did an exceptional job on this one...touching lyrics that tell of the murder of a young man by the police. He goes back to his roots for this one.

"911", "Thug Angels", "Perfect Gentleman", & "Runaway" are other honorable mentions.

My advice is, if you enjoy hip-hop (real hip-hop), r&b, island, & even some pop influence, or if you love Clef, get this album.

why can't yall do it like this here? do you see what a little time and skill can do for a man? this here is a reveal-looshin! this a release of finominal pereportions a feast of music and a peace of mind this is songs in key life this is ecleftic . and to think i doubted him thankyou wyclef thankyou tell these emceestake a class and check this book out justin l@quane.

I mainly picked up Wyclef's new album because i loved the Fugees album. The only song i had ever heard off this record was "It doesnt matter" with the Rock. But after hearing the rest of the album... That song doesnt even compare to half the songs on the CD. Wyclef showed his diversity with different beats and different styles and it flat blew me away. I was reading the other reviews about "the ecleftic- 2 sides 2 a book" and everyone seemed to neglect the final track on the CD. It is a cover of Pink Floyd's "wish you were here" But it is not like any other remake. Puff Daddy should take notes on how Wyclef remade a song but didnt ruin the integrity and greatness of a true classic. This cover of Pink Floyd and the use of Earth, Wind, & Fire in "runaway" showed me that Wyclef truly has respect for the people that have come before him! Plus the great club style beat and catchy chorus in "Perfect Gentlemen" will be bouncin' in your head all week. And finally... i dont have much to say about the track "Something about Mary" except- Wyclef can play a guitar with the best of them. Yo go check out Wyclef's newest and best effort ever!

later- WALKER

Wyclef and the Refugee Camp hold a cross-genre fan base, being one of the influences of the hip hop world that can truly be said to have very high level of acceptance and support from non-hip-hop heads. Eleftic demonstraits why this is so beautifully. Wyclef comes with a strong album sporting an array of music that is as diverse as it is well crafted. Inspirations from classic rock, regae, soul, R&B, Dance and many other sources are noticable all over the album while successfully maintaing a very hip hop feel throughout the entire thing. This genre balancing act can be tricky but Wyclef does this wonderfully, and possibly even better than on his last solo album. The lyrics and rhymes range from not bad, to pretty good, and the singing is good as well. But the real star here is the music. The beats are diverse and enjoyable and will satisfy almost anyone. Songs like "wish you were here", "Run away", "911", "Doesnt matter", and "pulling me in" all sport styles that are different and have unique flavors to them and "Diallo Diallo" showcases wyclef's social conscious edge to his work.

All things considered some hip hop heads will argue that there isn't enough rap, or that it doesn't suit thier tastes. But Ecleftic can hold a rare title of being "hip hop for people who dont really like hip hop". And for me, and many other hip hop fans, elecftic will represent something different and a little innovative with great production work. Beats catchy enough to make you bob your head and enough soul to make you want to sing along, and plenty of culture - Wyclef proves once again on Ecleftic that hip hop is an artform that can be effectively used as glue to hold together many elements of several different musical genres at the same time, and bring it all together in a melody that's different pieces oddly compliment one another beautifully.