Spearhead, Franti, Michael, Michael Franti - Stay Human

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Track Listings

1	Oh My God
2	radio segment
3	Stay Human (all the freaky people)
4	radio segment
5	Rock The Nation
6	Sometimes
7	radio segment
8	Do Ya Love
9	radio segment
10	Soulshine
11	Every Single Soul
12	radio segment
13	Love'll Set Me Free
14	Thank You
15	radio segment
16	We Don't Mind
17	radio segment
18	Speaking Of Tongues
19	radio segment
20	Listener Supported
21	radio segment
22	Skin On The Drum

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There aren't many hip-hop artists out there today who give a damn about putting positive messages in their music, but Michael Franti is one of them. Ever since his days with seminal group Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Franti has infused his sounds with insightful and thought-provoking lyricism, and this latest Spearhead joint is no exception. Stay Human tackles, among other things, the subject of capital punishment. Through a make-believe community radio station, Franti tells the tale of Sister Fatima, a healer and activist who is being put to death for a crime that her community believes she didn't commit. The "live" broadcasts act as elaborate skits between Franti's insouciant, soul-rap hybrids and help to expose the arrogant nature of America's judicial system and the brutal finality of the death sentence. Musically, Franti has created a richer, more string-laden backdrop for his tracks, creating some of his best idiosyncratic, feel-good vibes to date. But while the funkadelic edge of "Rock the Nation" and laid-back ballad style of "Do Ya Love" are worthy in their own right, Franti's real genius lies in his ability to weave opinions into compelling narratives so that we don't feel we're being battered over the head with someone else's ideas. Emotive, soulful, and opinionated, Spearhead are almost single-handedly keeping alive a tradition epitomized by Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Bill Withers. Don't sleep. --Paul Sullivan

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 5 x 0.25 inches; 3.44 Ounces
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Six Degrees
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2006
Label ‏ : ‎ Six Degrees
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00005BGUT
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

Best Sellers Rank: #15,484 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #47 in West Coast Rap
- #70 in Experimental Rap (CDs & Vinyl)
- #277 in Pop Rap (CDs & Vinyl)

Customer Reviews:
4.4 93 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5

93 global ratings

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Mixes Glory of the R&B Past with Political Present

Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2002

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I heard Spearhead play live on a local radio station and immediately bought the cd on Amazon. I don't buy hip-hop per se but this album transcends categories. There are wonderful influences here, Al Green, Commodores, Marvin Gaye, gospel. And there are hip-hop influences as well. I recommend that you listen to "Every Single Soul" and "Love'll Set Me Free." These are melodic, refreshing, soulful songs that deal with the themes of redemption and the transcending power of love using lyrics that are never trite or sappy. For example, in "Every Single Soul," Franti sings, "No matter where I roam, every single soul's a poem written on the back of God's hand." The song highlights Franti's talents as a story-teller and a gifted singer who deals with the themes that matter most. Most importantly, the song will melt your heart. All in all, there are six tracks I play all the time. In addition to the previously mentioned, I play "Skin on the Drum," "Speaking of Tongues," "Do Ya Love," and "Oh My God." I've been playing the disc for ten months and still find nourishment from it. Even discs I often recommend usually don't have this long-lasting appeal.

18 people found this helpful

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Peter Weiss

Venerable

Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2002

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This album is an incredible compilation of reggae, hip-hop and soul yet to try and define it is limiting. It raises the standards on each form. It is catchy but deep and emotive. His words and lyrics drive already great music. Much like LKJ redefined reggae with poetry, Michael Franti captures you with his magical-baritone voice that is powerful both when he speaks and when he sings. He defines it pretty well himself, "I speak low but I am like a lion roaring" His words are also beyond the normal-imagine "it's not who you love-it's do you love".
A friend played me "Rock the Nation" in the car. It was good but I had no idea how good the rest of the album was. Songs like "Oh My God" and "Stay Human" are captivating no matter how oftne you hear them. Really, I would put this album on my top ten list and I have over 1000. Lastly, I tried to go back and appreciate his earlier work. It was fine but not the classsic that this is. Venerable.

11 people found this helpful

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Nathan Bales

Good quality CD

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2019

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This CD was pack very poorly and arrived seriously damaged. I am amazed that all the music tracks play, considering the case was totally wrecked! I didn't realize this CD was coming from Germany. . .

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Jessica

A Must-Have for Soulrockers

Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2020

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If you don't already own this album, you need it in your life. It has everything you'd expect from MFSH: Funky beats and relevant lyrics, with a thought-provoking take on capital punishment. The radio segments interspersed throughout the record offer different perspectives of the complicated issue, but for me they don't overpower the amazing music. Each song is so good and together they make an incredible album. A must-have for sure.

One person found this helpful

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Donald E. Gilliland

Daring and Different

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2014

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I bought this CD when it first came out and liked it a lot at the time. I'd been a fan of Franti and Spearhead and this fine album was another winner. Going back and listening to it again over a decade later I think it still retains its edge, vibrancy, and most important of all; the message. Oh yes, this was back in the day when Michael Franti was bold and brilliant, putting out great tunes, all of them sparked by razor-sharp lyrics with political or socially-conscious messages. When I listen to the CD now, though, I find myself now skipping the "Radio Segments" that tell the story of Sister Fatima. But the first handful of times you hear those bits, you can't help but feeling moved --- and angered --- by such situations. And sadly, these things STILL continue in America, and around the world, even in this "enlightened" new decade. Come back Michael, we need your wisdom and energy. Maybe not the best album to start with, if you haven't heard Spearhead or Franti before, but this one is a must listen for those that have liked the other things he's done.

3 people found this helpful

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J S

great music, great set of songs, with a great theme overall.

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2013

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this has been a replacement for an earlier CD purchase which somehow has gotten damaged. I'm glad is still available and the music ages well. I look forward to listen to some of his newer offerings. I believe he's a great musician and also has a great team of musicians on this particular CD. I will probably purchase more of his music in the near future. I will probably buy more of his music on CD when I do.

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greasergrrl

The full potential of music

Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2001

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This album is meaningful, cathartic, touching, and inspiring, while still being butt-movingly groovy. Michael and crew truly outdid themselves this time - most definitely their best release yet. This proves how important creating your own company is - there is nothing watered down and no message lost. They did it their way, and it's sonicly polished but emotionally raw and real and true. This is simply some damn fine music. Every song is wonderful and shows you what the full potential of music really is.
Please please please do not miss their live show if you have an opportunity to catch it! You will leave feeling truly a part of the human race. Michael is truly a beautiful human being and brings out the best in all of us!

3 people found this helpful

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C. Shook

So good!

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2005

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Michael Franti and Spearhead has yet to let me down. This album is yet another that not only is a showcase for their amazing musical talent, but it also tells a strong story that spurs the mind to think about the world in which we live. As a long time advocate for abolishing the death penalty, this record tells a tale that I will never forget in my arguments to abolish the death penalty. Yet another record of targeting a specific population, and ignoring white collar crime (which in my opinion effects the population much more than anything other crime).

4 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

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Client d'Amazon

Exquis

Reviewed in France on August 3, 2017

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D'une rare qualité.
Tant sur le format que sur la musique.
Chaque morceau retranscrit l'émotion de l'interlude radiophonique précédent avec force.
Très bien produit.
Je recommande.

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Schneider Monica

Stay Human !!! bleib menschlich !!

Reviewed in Germany on May 7, 2014

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eine super CD, die ich jeden Tag hoeren kann.mit der gelungenen Mischung cooler grooves, Radio interviews und politischen, aber auch sehr ans Herz gehenden Texten.Die Texte bringen nicht nur zum Ausdruck wie ungerecht und menschenverachtend die westliche Gesellschaft sich entwickelt hat und bringt es mit dem Titel Stay Human auf den Punkt
Bleib menschlich !! absolut hoerenswert; a real treasure !! thank you Michel !!

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Julian Rutter

love this album!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2012

Verified Purchase

Stay Human
This album is the bees knees! I bought it years ago and loved it then. Lost it and had to have it again. Great price for a fab album - plenty of make-you-feel-great songs to dance and sing to. Very "feel good" even with the amazing heart renching radio segments between... I have transfered to my mobile so I only get the music and not the dialogue. take a journey and enjoy. :)

Filippo

This album... the sound, the lyrics ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 13, 2017

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This album...the sound, the lyrics and the way it is structured..it's just amazing

anymouse

Stay Human

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2014

Verified Purchase

The radio inserts are a bit annoying after a few rounds of listening but otherwise its great!!! Stay Human everyone!!

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Price		$10.03
AmazonGlobal Shipping		$9.57
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Stay Human

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