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Carnival II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant - Wyclef Jean
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. RapReviews.com
    90
    Those who have slept on Wyclef Jean's catalogue may need to give it another look after listening to Carnival Vol. II.
  2. Mojo
    80
    Jean's sonic scope is breathtaking, complemented by imaginative lyrics. [Dec 2007, p.102]
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  3. All Music Guide
    80
    Carnival, Vol. 2 strives to give the immigration problem a face, turning those thousands of marchers seen on the news into a thousand personal stories of struggle and hope. It does so while pulsating with life and displaying an unabashed love of music that's rich, daring, and delightful.
  4. Village Voice
    80
    Just when Carnival II begins to feel comfortable in hip hop, Paul Simon hops onto the mournful 'Fast Car' and a massive Bollywood ensemble powers the roiling 'Immigrant.' [Dec 2007, p.108]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    It's a breathtaking, ambitious ride through a carnival of global music too rarely explored.
  6. Billboard
    70
    Carnival II sounds louder when it's quieter.
  7. The New York Times
    70
    Mr. Jean's sixth solo album, is yet another mishmash, this one a cosmopolitan hip-pop grab bag full of big-name guests, baffling miscalculations and bursts of inspired songwriting.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    Carnival II manages to touch points all over the musical map successfully, while also dropping science and making people dance in equal measure.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Such transcendent moments are rare on the exhuasting Vol. II. [7 Dec 2007, p.76]
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  10. Blender
    60
    As Clef drops mostly trite lines about green cards, strippers and police harassment, this strategy either succeeds brillantly--or goes haywire. [Nov 2007, p.153]
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  11. Q Magazine
    60
    He's still no Jay-Z, but the roll-call of guests reflects his savvy, anything-goes approach. [Dec 2007, p.124]
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  12. The Guardian
    60
    The reggae-lite production is seductively summery (especially on the gorgeous 'Slow Down'), if slightly aimless at times; despite the influence of Wyclef's conscience, his eye is too firmly set on a carnival atmosphere to ever sound preachy.
  13. The A.V. Club
    58
    Immigrant goes down smooth. Just don't expect it to linger.
  14. Spin
    50
    The former Fugee throws hip-hop, reggae, synth pop, and heavy metal into his trademark melting pot with little worry that the results might not blend. [Jan 2008, p.98]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. DaveyJ.
    6
    A decent if bland RnB album, but nothing of what makes Wyclef Wyclef - no innovation, no humour, nothing. It's overproduced mass-market hip-hop, like you get from countless other artists. This isn't worthy of the Carnival name - that album was ground-breaking and unique. This is hip-hop by-the-numbers, and Wyclef rests on his laurels and lets the various guest artists take over. We want our Wyclef back!… Full Review »
  2. nutralnutraly
    9
    A great album, a great style with diversity of songs. i like most of the songs, great hiphop and r&b. some of the best numbers, riot, sweetest girl, fast car, touch your button. but overall allt the songs are great.… Full Review »
  3. DanZ.
    9
    Wyclef's best CD. Yes its a little more pop than his past but they are all good songs. Standouts include Heaven's in NY, Slow Down, Fast Car, Any Other Day, RIot.… Full Review »
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