Search - Wyclef Jean :: Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book

ECFLEFTIC is the Total Package!

Kenneth M. Jackson | Chicagoland | 09/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wyclef is back and better than ever! If you thought he expressed musical diversity on "The Carnival", he comes back to the roots this time out."Ecleftic" is exactly what it sounds like - Wyclef being eclectic. Songs to definitely peep:Kenny Rogers/Pharoah Monch Dub Plate - Who else could pull off a jam with the great C&W Kenny Rogers and lyrically talented Pharoah Monch but Wyclef. The beat will have that noggin bobbin'.911 - Soulful song w/the queen of hip hop Ms. Mary J. Blige. The hook will have you singing with'em. I would love to have heard Lauryn singing with him instead.Pullin Me In, However You Want It, Where Fugees At? - With these tracks Clef takes it back to the streets to let the fans know about how his "12 disciples" sold him out, crucified him or just straight up used him and turned around to dis him(read: Lauryn Hill, Pras, Canibus). This is some old Battle rap format - definitely what's needed. How will they all respond, enquiring minds want to know.Hollyhood to Hollywood - Clef addresses his those in the entertainment industry that claim street credibility yet display "hollywood" mentality. And how they get no respect in the 'hoods they claim. I like the hook, "Don't wear your colors here/that's cemetery gear...". When I heard this song I was like "IT'S ABOUT TIME!"Don't sleep on the other tracks. He comes correct with Earth, Wind & Fire (Runaway), The Rock & Melky Sedeck (It Doesn't Matter) and other tracks.Overall, this CD definitely has more street appeal than his solo debut. Where "The Carnival" had more melody, "Ecleftic" has harder beats. Think of this as "The Score - Part II" minus the Lauryn and Pras.As Bob Marley once said, "Don't let'em fool ya, oh no...". Naysayers will sleep on this CD but I come to tell the truth - Wclef brings the "Earth, Wind and Fire" this time out (pun intended).Enjoy!"

Clef Does It Again

Groovemasta | Washington, DC USA | 08/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Sheer Genius!

Matthew | Minneapolis, MN, USA | 08/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wyclef Jean is a revolution in Hip Hop music. In 1997, The Carnival was enjoyed by critics and many music fans. Wyclef was able to satisfy fans of rap, hip hop, R&B, reggae, rock and more. He was successfully able to combine fantastic music with meaningful lyrics and satisfy everyone. Guess what folks? He's back. This is probably my most anticipated album all year. I picked it up the second the stores opened today and was 150% satisfied. I bought the CD at Best Buy and received a 3-song sampler along with Ecleftic. What a deal. Wyclef once again satisfies all genres of music. In the pop-covered It Doesn't Matter, 'Clef mixes hip hop and pop with WWF superstar, The Rock. If that's not your type of music, check out Perfect Gentleman. The club flavored song with an electronic symphony in the background makes a hit for any dancefloor anytime. If you like rock influenced rock, listen to Something About Mary or the Pink Floyd cover of Wish You Were Here. Diallo is quite possibly Wyclef's best song he's ever released. Dedicated to the race-related murder victim by New York Police Officers, it brings soul, heart and pain to Wyclef's voice. 911 with Mary J. Blige is also a treat on this disc. I really believe that Wyclef Jean is the king of Hip Hop, and with or without the Fugees, he will continue to shine. Guaranteed."