Wyclef Jean Carnival Vol 2 : Memoirs Of An Immigrant

Posted on 12.4.2007

Wyclef Jean
Album : Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant
Released date : December 4th 2007
Label : columbia Records

Review :

Wyclef who founded the legendary ensemble the Fugees — returns to Columbia Records with The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant, the artist’s first full-length album for the label since his third solo album, Masquerade, entered the Billboard Top 200 at #6 in June 2002. The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant is slated for release this autumn.

With The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant, his sixth full-length studio album, Wyclef Jean continues the autobiographical musical odyssey he began a decade ago with his 1997 triple-platinum debut solo album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival Featuring Refugee All-Stars (aka "The Carnival"). Wyclef gave his fans their first taste of "The Carnival II" with the release of the album’s lead-in single, "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," featuring Akon, Lil’ Wayne and introducing Niia. Released in August, the single rapidly made its first Billboard chart appearance entering the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at #3. "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" is now available digitally.

According to Wyclef, The Carnival II is "a continuation of ’Gone Till November" (his 1997 Top 10 signature hit from The Carnival). I focus a lot on the songwriting." For his much anticipated new album, Wyclef has once again called upon his friends, showcasing his musical dexterity as he draws from an extraordinary and diverse roster of collaborating guest artists including Paul Simon (on "Fast Car"), Mary J. Blige, T.I., Norah Jones, Akon, Serj Tankian (of System Of A Down) (on "Trouble Again"), Lil’ Wayne, and Shakira, to name a few. Wyclef produced the entire album with his long-time production partner, Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, with whom he has worked since the beginning of the Fugees.

The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant is the first full-length album from Wyclef Jean since 2006, when the artist struck a chord in mass pop consciousness with "Hips Don’t Lie," the chart-topping Grammy-nominated international smash hit duet with Shakira.

The first single is "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" featuring Akon, Lil Wayne & Niia.

Track listing :

1. Intro
2. Riot (w/ Serj Tankian)
3. Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill) (w/ Akon, Lil Wayne & Niia)
4. Welcome To The East (w/ Minister Louis Farrakhan & Sizzla)
5. Slow Down (w/ T.I.)
6. King & Queen (Shakira)
7. Fast Car (w/ Paul Simon)
8. What About The Baby (w/ Mary J. Blige)
9. Immigration (w/ Chamillionaire)
10. Any Other Day (w/ Norah Jones)
11. Heaven’s In New York
12. Selena
13. Touch Your Button Carnival Jam (w/ will.i.am)
14. Outro