Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Listen to this

Media Credit: Julian Lim

Mind Control spreads knowledge without controlling minds.
Corrupt governments, smoking the ganja, poverty and the overall themes of staying true, spreading joy and love. One should not expect anything less from a Marley CD.
Stephen Marley is back with his new album "Mind Control." This CD blends thought provoking lyrics with various sound and styles of music---reggae, rock, R&B, nyabinghi rhythms, flamenco and hip-hop.
The unique sound of CD comes from Marley's political fire lyrics. This is most notable on the first track of the album, "Mind Control." The lyrics state, "It's mind control, mind control, corruption of ghettos, destruction of your soul. Don't let them mold ya man, they want to control mankind, seems like their only intention is to exploit the earth, ey and you trust in their deciet, your mind becomes your defeat, and so you become an invention, broken lies is a plaguing our lives." If those lyrics weren't though provoking enough in the crazy world we live in, the song continues with harder hitting lyrics in the second verse.
The second track on the CD "Hey Baby," features Brooklyn emcee Mos Def. It is a lighter track than the first one. It provides a mellower beat something to sway back and forth to. Don't get it twisted, "Hey Baby," isn't a love track or about trying to "holla" at a woman. The track is about the journey of man, "I'm been gone a while away from you and I hope you overstand, that I got to do what Im must do to be your betta man. 'Cause if was to just act a fool do nothing with myself and all my blessings would be cursed my world would crumble down... please don't fuss I must go through what I must go through, Hey baby don't you worry." The title of the track may be misleading but the meaning behind it is an important one.
Overall, the CD is great. There are tracks on the CD that are straight fire both lyrically and beat wise. The CD also features quite the list of special guests. Along with Mos Def, Marley borrows the soothing voices of his brothers Julian Marley and Damian "Jr Gong" Marley. Ben Harper also lends his voice and guitar skills on the track "Inna Di Red."
So if you have $15 dollars burning a hole in your pocket, go pick up Marley's "Mind Control," for some beautifully lyrics placed over beautifully done tracks. Spread love, peace and Jah bless!

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