Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

Michael Franti and Spearhead, "The Sound of Sunshine"

by Mikael Wood  |   September 24, 2010 11:05 EDT

Artists in this Article

The Beatnigs
Spearhead
Michael Franti
Lady Saw
Manu Chao
Jack Johnson
Jason Mraz

You can't really blame Michael Franti for titling one track on his new studio album "Hey Hey Hey." After all, it was "Say Hey (I Love You)," from 2008's "All Rebel Rockers," that finally brought this Bay Area rabble-rouser his first commercial hit after 20 years of music-making with the Beatnigs, Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Spearhead. No harm in trying again, right? Accordingly, Franti sticks to the good-natured beachside vibe of "Say Hey" throughout "The Sound of Sunshine," which should please fans of Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and the lighter work of Manu Chao. On "All Rebel Rockers," Franti used his party-starting music to address issues of social justice, but here the mood is more personal than political: "I love the way you shake that little extra bit of butter," he sings on "Shake It," an uptempo duet with Jamaican reggae singer Lady Saw.

Up for Discussion

Connect with

More Features

All features

All of Billboard.com's Great Lists

Billboard chart app

Billboard archives

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.