Mach 6 [Import]

MC Solaar | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 10, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Wea International
• ASIN: B0000U6JN2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,222 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #86 in Music > Rap & Hip-Hop > International Rap

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More catchier than earlier work, but still edgy, April 21, 2004

By 

A. Schulze "anastasia_ks" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mach 6 (Audio CD)

If the first song on Cinquieme As, "Solaar Pleure" was an eloquent description of hate and despair, then it's opposite can be found in "Jardin d'Eden" on Mach 6. In fact, all of Mach 6 seems to be a lighter, more positive album in response to the darkness and hardness of Cinquieme As. Indeed, in some tracks on Mach 6 he samples songs from Cinquieme As, as if to bring out the contrast between these two, seemingly polar opposite, albums. Don't get me wrong. I liked Cinquieme As, but it was heavy (in terms of sound, lyrics, mood). But what Solaar has lost in heaviness of sound, he hasn't lost in edginess. On the surface, Mach 6 is peppier, with more upbeat rhythms and catchy tunes, but don't let that fool you. The lyrics are just as serious and thought-provoking as they have always been. The music sounds happier, but Solaar is his same old cynical but eloquent self.

Another thing that struck me about Mach 6 is its more international flavor. "Au Pays du Ghandi" picks up Indian beats, while "Cash Money" is a great modern samba, and "Hijo d'Africa" is one of the best Afro-Latin songs I've ever heard. This is not the first time Solaar has used ethnic sounds and patterns, but it's the first time he's been able to do so beyond the superficial level. In Mach 6, Solaar proves that he understands the music of other cultures, that he can break it down, explore its nuances, and then re-construct it in his own way.

If you like Solaar, this is a must-own album. Truly brilliant, from a brilliant musician.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alias le Cinquième As, June 10, 2006

By 

Frederick "deleteriousdee" (Rutgers, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mach 6 (Audio CD)

This album speaks. It speaks about different messages, whether it be the current hostility of the world, where people resort to using missiles to end crises, or if it's about a modern girl... how she spends her cash money.

In this album, the MC's beats progress... to somewhat of a mix between classic and modern. He recorded this album in Russia, which explains the Cyrillic symbols decorated over the case and the CDs themselves (plural if you get the Limited Edition). Many of the songs on "Mach 6" are filled with orchestrations: a quartet in "Souvenir", among other things, like consistent fusions of hip-hop and symphony.

I found this CD wasn't the same as Cinquieme As... not all artists' efforts come off that way. Most notably, MC Solaar's just about the only person on this album. Sure, he's got his choruses covered by Eric K-Roz, Audrey Chanu, and Julia Sarr, but there's one thing missing... the same kingly spirit of Cinquieme As. Of course, if you want to take it back a bit, nothing about the man himself has changed. He's just cooling down, and it is here he makes wise introspection his number one task. From what I understand, he was pissed off when he made Cinquieme As.

Production is handled solely by Claude MC (that's Solaar), Eric K-Roz, and Alain J. That being said, there's not as much diversity in the beats or liveliness as there was in Cinquieme As (as part of that progression from hip-hop to classic-hop). "La Vie est Belle" is a classic, though, following in the footsteps of "Solaar Pleure" in more than one way. But, as for sounds, you've got the aforementioned, and a bit of jazz worked in with "J'Connais Mon Role".

Another thing that's really interesting is the fact that Solaar took lines from Cinquieme As and made them into new songs. "Hijo de Africa"? That's Spanish, as mentioned in "Hasta la Vista Mi Amor". "Jardin d'Eden"? Mentioned in/sampled from "Solaar Pleure". And, there's probably some I haven't caught yet. If you manage to get past that, you'll find that this is a solid album. I've caught myself waiting for another album that probably isn't coming.

Despite all of the times I might have implied that Cinquieme As may be the better album, I can always find myself coming back to the tranquility and simplicity of Mach 6 (I had it first). Consider it taken down a few notches... 'cause, there really is nothing bad coming from this album.

Either way, if you want this one, get it now... because, it is one of the cheapest listed here; and, you'd be surprised how quickly these Solaar albums sell out.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Total Package, April 28, 2006

By 

Frederick "deleteriousdee" (Rutgers, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mach 6 (Audio CD)

I couldn't be any happier with this three-disc compilation. There's the album, the booklet with lyrics and liner notes, and a bonus disc with a selection of instrumentals (not the selection I would have chosen, but it will suffice) and bonus tracks. Also, as the description entails, there is a bonus DVD. But, it's in PAL format... however, you should have NO problem playing it in your region 1 DVD player, as I did not.

I know, I bought the last one, so why am I telling you this? You should be informed. Of course, I had my doubts... but, Amazon came through and I was treated with what could be called a masterpiece. On more than just a few tracks, Solaar finishes his verses early so that the music can play through. Instrumental solos are common, but not in mainstream rap music.

Overall, the CD was worth the wait and the purchase, because it's the best thing I've heard all year (surely). You'd be lucky to get any kind of three-disc CD set for the price Amazon was offering, and this one made the grade. I'm shocked that the barebones edition was selling for about twice the price of this one.