SuperHeavy [Deluxe Edition, Extra tracks]

Kind of a 21st century version of Travelin' Wilburys this interesting project brings together 5 artists rooted in quite different areas. From superstar Mick Jagger to more 'alternative' third world musicians like Damian Marley and Indian composer A. R. Rahman.

What makes the record so succesful is actually the dominant role of Marley and Rahman. Marley's rhythm section provides a heavy reggae atmosphere through out while Rahman's elegant orchestrations add depth and beauty. Jagger is absolutely on top of his game while Dave Steward's always intelligent guitarplaying binds everything together. And even if Joss Stone might be struggling a bit to keep up with 'the guys' she provides the needed feminine touch.

Seems as if many people will love to hate this group but in fact it's a suprisingly artistic and un-commercial album. Filled with strong songs - although the obvious 'hit' might be missing - and an abundance of unusual ideas and arrangements. While in the long run this might only be a small footnote to the legend of The Rolling Stones it's actually a very creative and well executed experiment.

The genesis of this particular venture can be traced back to 2004's soundtrack to the film Alfie on which Mick Jagger forged collaborative partnerships with both Dave Stewart and Joss Stone. It wasn't obvious then, of course, but now we can look back on that otherwise neglected album as a kind of precursor to SuperHeavy. And what's to be made of SuperHeavy? Well okay, I'm biting the bullet & giving it 5 stars, with no reservations. This is a classy & worthy 5-star album in just about every respect that really counts: good songs, great vocals, top-class musicianship, ample doses of kick-ass energy and a high level of inventiveness at every turn. On first listening I lost count of the number of times my attention was alerted to something unexpected (at least half a dozen times, for sure, during the amazing 'One Day One Night'), but what impressed me most was the variety of musical genres that the 5 members of this 'supergroup' have thrown into this blended soup of a sound. In fact, SuperHeavy succeeds in completely redefining the parameters of reggae-rock here by beefing it up into something that sounds brand new. This genre-bending quality is evident throughout and works to this listener's pleasure far more often than not. Jagger is superb- especially on his 'solo' turns 'Never Gonna Change' & 'I Can't Take It No More' (the latter featuring a dynamite Joss Stone opening expression which is certain to be never heard on the radio on account of the f-word). As is Joss Stone herself, whose backing vocals are often a match for those of Merry Clayton on the Rolling Stones' classic 'Gimme Shelter' & that's high praise indeed. When it's her turn to lead, she does so with immediate authority. This is a musical environment in which she sounds more at home than she has since her debut outing on which Betty Wright & her seasoned friends supplied the appropriate settings. Damian Marley is ultra cool even when the others are giving it some stick & his rhythm section is nigh faultless, while A.R. Rahman is the supplier of inspirational tastes of both the far east and street rap, delivered with impressive aplomb. Dave Stewart takes the lowest profile, as is his wont anyway, but deserves credit for some very tasty guitar work. All in all, then, as complete an album as any I've heard this year, perhaps even a classic. What's more, there's no filler to be found- unless, that is, you purchase the DeLuxe edition with 4 bonus tracks, in which case the album will not be rounded off by the anthemic 'World Keeps Turning' but by 4 extra tracks that might well have qualified as filler had they been included in the main fayre. But surprise surprise- these are pretty damn good in their own respective rights also! I was prepared to be disappointed, cynical even, but am neither. Instead, I'm won over.

I'm going to start reviewing this album by saying that it's not for the people who don't listen to a lot of different genres. You definitely must be an avid music lover to appreciate this album.

While there are some reviews ranting about the unusual reggae/rock/soul/eastern fusion, I'm just going to say that this is one of the best and creative albums I've heard in a while!

You just have to hear and experience it as a whole. After listening it for a few times it definitely left me in a great mood, and widened my horizons music-wise.