A collection of works from artists under the banner of the Jubilee Debt Campaign. A number of artists provided new works decrying the evils of the current system of debt repayment in the Third World and calling for the erasure of said debt for poor countries. The point here is to bring added exposure to the Jubilee movement, as the lyrical content of the songs drives home again. Each and every song here is an original, purpose-built for the cause. The music sits largely within the large heading of
singer/songwriter
music, but all with the flavors of the respective countries of the artists. The focus shifts primarily between
African
music and
Brazilian
, though there are bits and pieces from elsewhere as well (France, Japan, Cape Verde). Some of the heavy-hitters in
world
music are represented here, with songs contributed by
Chico Cesar
,
Oliver Mutukudzi
, and
Cesaria Evora
. Perhaps more musically exciting, though, are some of the smaller groups and singers:
Soledad Bravo
Tiken Jah Fakoly
, and the like. The highlights here come mainly from the breaks from the
mold, as
makes use of some odd
a cappella
portions and
the Massilia Sound System
infuses a deep
techno
beat into their work. For the cause of the Jubilee Campaign, it's rather surprising that
Bono
doesn't make an appearance, but nonetheless this is a solid album. Give it a listen for the music and prepare for the wealth of pleas for jubilee. ~ Adam Greenberg