Disco de Wyclef Jean: “The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II A Book”

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.

Haitian-born Wyclef Jean is one of the rare artists who appeals equally to the hip-hop nation's sometimes clashing factions -- East Coast vs. West Coast, North vs. South, jewel-encrusted "playas" vs. incense burning poets. Whether recording as one-third of the Grammy-winning Fugees or solo (1997's Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival), Jean has used his albums as a bully pulpit for his questioning, uplifting raps. But he never forgets that a message without a beat is often ignored. So when Jean rails against the glorification of gangsta life, on The Ecleftic's "Thug Angels," he sets his sermon to the jacked-up rhythms of hot Southern rap. His edgy, self-reflective soliloquy on "Pullin' Me In" pairs up with a rugged rhythm that's just right for blasting from a jeep. The album leaps gracefully from ska to rock to R&B to reggae and protest music (on "Diallo," a hushed elegy to the African immigrant gunned down by New York City police in 1999). Jean's delivery sounds uncomfortably similar to Bob Marley's, and he makes his points over and over again. But these are minor distractions from the intelligence that permeates this strong, complex collection.

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

When i saw this cd in the record store i picked it up because i liked the duet with Mary J Blidge entitled "911", & when i listened to the cd i was amazed. Wyclef brings funk, soul, real positive Hip-Hop on this cd. He shines on tracks such as "Thug Angels", "911", Runaway", "Pullin Me In", "Perfect Gentlemen", "Something About Mary" & the list goes on. The key point of this album is that wyclef is real, & in hip-hop that is hard to define, he has unlimited styles & is a great lyricist. I have to admit i have never heard any hip-hop or r&b artist quite like wyclef, & he just surprises you more & more as he goes. This is by far one of the top 5 cd's of 2000, so dont front on it. Hes got something on this cd for everyone, so if youre a hip-hop fan then pick up this cd...