MC Solaar:
Mach 6

Release Date: 3 May 2004

Reviewed By: Kate Watkins

1. Introspection

2. La Vie Est Belle

3. Hijo De Africa

4. T'Inquete! (intro)

5. T'Inquete!

6. Guerilla

7. Jumelles

8. Jardin D'Eden

9. Au Pays De Ghandi

10. J'Connais Mon Role

11. Cash Money

12. Today Is A Good Day - feat, Darina

13. Souvenir

14. Sauvez Le Monde

15. Bling Bling

16. Ca Me Hante

Ciara - Goodies
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When I was asked to review MC Solaar’s latest album, ‘Mach 6’, I was a bit skeptical. A French rap star?

MC Solaar has achieved a fair amount of international success since bursting onto the music scene during the early ‘90s, and was probably first introduced to the commercial hip hop world on Missy Elliot’s hit ‘All In My Grill’. With this being Solaar’s sixth album, I decided to give him a chance to see just what all the fuss was about.

I must confess, I know only a limited amount of French, a definite issue when listening to French rap, so I probably missed some major lyrical points. What makes MC Solaar unique is he can still connect with fans who do not speak his native tongue by way of music. For example, his latest single, ‘Au Pays de Gandhi,’ infuses a Pop-like beat with African and Indian undertones. Although this isn’t the first time such sounds have been blended together, for example the Bhangra-pop phenomenon, the effect of the combination of sounds is still fun.

In ‘Today Is A Good Day,’ you can’t help but be reminded of Nelly’s ‘Ride With Me.’ The song gets in your head and there is no escaping it. It’s annoyingly good because it lingers after you for hours after hearing it. The music is playful, yet something truly unique is missing as it abruptly ends and leaves you almost hanging, waiting for more.

His last album, ‘Cinquieme As’, was regarded as a somewhat dark album in tone and lyrical nature. By contrast, ‘Mach 6’ is full of light melodies and is very pleasant to listen to from a musical standpoint.

‘Sauvez Le Monde’ appears to have some dark undertones, as displayed on ‘Cinqueieme As’. MC Solaar uses the verses as a build up to the chorus where you feel like you are almost being screamed at. The use of crescendo is gripping and pulls the listener in. It’s almost haunting as the music creates a feeling of cynicism.

In contrast, the following track, ‘Bling Bling,’ has a distinctly Caribbean feel, with Solaar blending a children’s chorus with the sound of steel drums. The melody is upbeat and the music gives a relaxed feeling.

Overall, ‘Mach 6’ is a fun album to listen to. However, its major downfall is that it lacks musical creativity. The melodies all feel like something we have heard a million times before and will hear again. It should be added that the lyrics may have some originality but due to my ineptitude in French language mastery, this cannot be fairly assessed. Nevertheless, ‘Mach 6’ is a solid musical effort from a seasoned artist.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Favourite Tracks:
3) Hijo De Africa
9) Au Pays De Gandhi
10) J’Connais Mon Role

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