When you bring numerous producers together on a compilation album, there is often a lack of cohesiveness from track to track—each brings a personal style and sound that doesn’t necessarily mesh with the other contributors’ sensibilities. But that’s not the case with Revolution, a Cuban music “revival” of sorts that finds six producers—Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim; Guy Sigsworth (Madonna, Alanis Morrissette), Marius De Vries (The Sugarcubes); Cameron McVey and Jan “Stan” Kybert (Massive Attack, Neneh Cherry); Rich File (James Lavelle); and Poet Name Life (Black Eyed Peas)—bringing a Latin beat and tone to these hepped-up hip-hop tracks. In addition, they brought in stellar Cuban players—including Moloko singer Roisin Murphy, emerging talent Janet G and expat Cuban hip-hop act Orishas—to add another level of authenticity. While not drenched in classic Cuban time signatures, the album takes that groove and embellishes it with R&B and electronica elements, resulting in a sexy and danceable offering that is sure to find its place on the Billboard charts.
Must Plays: “Cuba Boom” and “Black Dollar”
