SuperHeavy, SuperHeavy
The supergroup is a familiar concept for rock fans. But has there ever been one as random as this one? SuperHeavy is the unlikely collaboration of Mick Jagger, Damian Marley, Joss Stone, ex-Eurythmic Dave Stewart, and Indian film composer A.R. Rahman.
SuperHeavy
nolead ends nolead begins SuperHeavy
nolead ends nolead begins (Universal Republic **1/2)
nolead ends The supergroup is a familiar concept for rock fans. But has there ever been one as random as this one? SuperHeavy is the unlikely collaboration of Mick Jagger, Damian Marley, Joss Stone, ex-Eurythmic Dave Stewart, and Indian film composer A.R. Rahman.
What should be a train wreck actually meshes in interesting fashion on songs like the reggae-meets-raga "Unbelievable." All hands get a chance or three to pilot the ship.
As strong as Stone's voice is, she's better here as a backup than a front woman. And Jagger cagily picks his moments for maximum impact, prowling around the edges of songs such as "Miracle Worker" like an alley cat. Rahman would seem to be the most superfluous bandmember but he consistently adds
the album's most exotic moments.
Intriguing on first listen, SuperHeavy is a novelty act, slightly less than the sum of its considerable parts.
- David Hiltbrand