Everyone Deserves Music

Franti is one of modern music’s most conscientious writers, consistently questioning and interrogating global malaise. Ever since his Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy first exploded onto radio dials and ironically, TV sets, with the extraordinary ‘Television the Drug of the Nation’, Franti has been relentlessly kicking against the pricks. This breakthrough anthem still stands up as one of hip-hop’s finest four minutes, yet since their demise, Franti has kept up the fight with the more commercial and slick sounding Spearhead.

Everyone Deserves Music is a both an enormously passionate and compassionate record. In addition to the biting invective, there is a preoccupation with reaching out to comfort individual pains and stresses. The title track is a fabulous feelgood pop nugget, casting Franti as the conductor of happiness in the face of adversity. There is a new depth and assurance to his vocals, which will thrill long-term fans and surprise those who think he just trades in several shades of anger.

But while the lyrical content is wonderful and the songs are mainly great, the over-obvious production lets the side down somewhat. It’s a case of no grit and all studio polish, which makes for a succulent and smooth listen but doesn’t allow for any sonic trump cards. Everyone Deserves Music is a pleasant and sometimes powerful experience, but with a few more rough edges, it could have been much more potent.