26 October 2011

Review: Superheavy 'Superheavy'













SUPERHEAVY
Superheavy
[Universal]

Superheavy is the self-titled debut album from an unlikely grouping of genuine music superstars - Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones), Dave Stewart (Eurhythmics), Damian (son of Bob) Marley, Joss Stone and Indian performer/composer A.R. Rahman. Self-described as "a mad alchemist type experiment", SuperHeavy seems to aim to please everyone, with its open-handed approach to blending Western-styled rock and soul, reggae music's rhythmic pulse and the spiritual ound of Indian and Middle Eastern influences - but, as the old saying intones, you can't please all of the people all of the time. The main problem with this album is SuperHeavy seem unsure as to who they're appealing to. Reggae fans won't be impressed with Jagger's snarling, while Marley's patois-inflected toasting will be a stretch too far for Stones fans. At their best, SuperHeavy is a fun romp; but at their worst, they sound like they're rehashing Live Aid, and that's neither super not heavy.

2 and 1/2 stars from 5

(Originally printed in the Waikato Times)

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