Posted on 07/28/2009
By definition, a revolution is characterized by a sudden change in power or abrupt shift in organizational structure. A Bronx poet declared 38 years ago that the revolution would not be televised. Prior to that, a group of British icons sarcastically asked the masses if they wanted a revolution. The latest proclamation of revolt comes from a collective of Cuban producers, aptly titled The Revolution, whose mission is to bridge the cultural gap between standard American music and the sounds of the Caribbean island.

The Revolution is made up of six producers, all of whom are respected artists on their own. The group includes Norman Cook, or Fatboy Slim; Guy Sigsworth, who has worked with Madonna and Alanis Morissette; and Poet Name Life from the Black Eyed Peas. On Revolution, the group aims to put Cuba on the map for something other than the notorious dictator with the iron fist. However, the album doesn’t play out like a rebellious call-to-arms, but a methodical and assorted blend of samba, hip-hop and pop — strong enough to entertain newcomers as well as those familiar with the Cuban culture.

Revolution begins with “Shelter,” a mid-tempo hip-hop track produced by Norman Cook that features prominent drums, blaring horns and a rousing piano loop. This song features Lateef The Truth Speaker, who proclaims “I need shelter, to breathe shelter, anything besides police shelter, to be centered; I need to provide for me, just need help to get the opportunity to eat better.” But as suddenly as Lateef looks for shelter, the listener is taken to the night club on the next two songs, “Crazy Love” and “Cuba Boom,” both produced by Guy Sigsworth. On “Siente Mi Ritmo,” producer Cook returns with an ultra jazzy song that is characterized by an infectious rhythm, subtle electronic piano and smooth bassline. The album’s last track, “In Time,” is produced by Richard File and is a deep and brooding number with a haunting guitar riff. But, while Revolution has some good tracks, it drags quite a bit in the middle and often slips into moments of monotony.

The Revolution has the right idea on its debut album. Just the title of the group and its recording could conjure images of exasperated residents overthrowing a government that has forgotten about them and their plight. Revolution is not about that at all. It’s about spreading the word and raising cultural awareness through song. However, while the group has it mostly figured out on this record, it moves a little slow as some of the songs play much longer than needed. Still, The Revolution has created an impressive opus and provides another snapshot of the beautiful music that Cuba has to offer.

- Marcus Moore