Showing posts with label Michael Franti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Franti. Show all posts

Monday, May 12, 2025

Dave’s Faves: Songs of the Year

Dave’s Faves:

Songs of the Year, 1900-2024

These are my personal favorite songs for each year from 1900 to present.

Click here to see other Dave’s Faves song lists.

Resources and Related Links:

Last updated 1/1/2025.

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Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Dave’s Faves: #1 Albums in the 2020s

Dave’s Faves:

#1’s: 2020-2029

These are my personal #1 albums during the 2020s. Check out my #1 albums from other decades here.

2020:
  • Jan. 4: Beck Hyperspace (2 wks)
  • Jan. 18: The Who Who (4 wks)
  • Feb. 15: David Bowie Is It Any Wonder? (2 wks)
  • Feb. 29: Huey Lewis & the News Weather (4 wks)
  • Mar. 28: Pearl Jam Gigaton (3 wks)
  • Apr. 18: The Strokes The New Abnormal (2 wks)
  • May 2: Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt Cutters (1 wk)
  • May 9: David Bowie Changes Now Bowie (1 wk)
  • May 16: Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit Reunions (1 wk)
  • May 23: Indigo Girls Look Long (2 wks)
  • June 6: Dennis DeYoung 26 East Vol. 1 (5 wks)
  • July 11: Michael Franti & Spearhead Work Hard and Be Nice (5 wks)
  • Aug. 15: Alanis Morissette Such Pretty Forks in the Road (4 wks)
  • Sept. 12: The Killers Imploding the Mirage (2 wks)
  • Sept. 26: Prince Sign ‘O’ the Times: Super Deluxe Edition (3 wks)
  • Oct. 17: Fish Weltschmerz (6 wks)
  • Nov. 28: Bruce Springsteen Letter to You (4 wks)
  • Dec. 26: The Struts Strange Days (2 wks)
2021:
2022:
First posted 5/19/2022; last updated 7/20/2022.

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Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Michael Franti: Top 40 Songs

Michael Franti

Top 40 Songs

Singer born 4/21/1966 in Oakland, California. His music blends reggae, hip-hop, funk, soul, jazz, folk, and rock. He has also been an outspoken advocate for peace and social justice issues. He was born to a white mother and black father and given up for adoption because his mom feared her racist family wouldn’t accept him. He was adopted by Finnish American couple Carole Wisti and Charles Franti. Before launching his solo career (with his backing band Spearhead) in 1994, Franti was with the Beatnigs (1986-90) and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy (1991-93).

For a complete list of this act’s DMDB honors, check out the DMDB Music Maker Encyclopedia entry.

Click here to see other acts’ best-of lists.

Spotify Podcast:

Check out the Dave’s Music Database podcast The Best of Michael Franti, 1994-2022 based on this list. Debut: June 14, 2022, at 7pm CST. Tune in every Tuesday at 7pm for a new episode based on the lists at Dave’s Music Database.

Top 40 Songs

Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists, appearances on compilations and live albums by the featured act, and songs’ chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards. Songs which hit #1 on various charts are noted. (Click for codes to singles charts.)

DMDB Top 10%:

1. The Sound of Sunshine (2010)
2. Say Hey (I Love You) (2008)

DMDB Top 20%:

3. Everyone Deserves Music (2003)
4. Once a Day (with Sonna Rele, 2015)
5. Hey Hey Hey (No Matter How Life Is Today) (2010)
6. Life Is Better with You (2013)
7. I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) (2013)
8. I Got You (2020)

Beyond the DMDB Top 20%:

9. Sometimes (2001)
10. Nobody Cries Alone (2018)

11. The Flower (with Victoria Canal, 2019)
12. Good Day for a Good Day (2021)
13. 11:59 (2013)
14. This World Is So Fucked Up But I Ain’t Ever Givin’ Up on It (2019)
15. Rock the Nation (2001)
16. Ganja Babe (1997)
17. I’ll Be Waiting (2010)
18. Brighter Day (2022)
19. The Only Thing Missing Was You (2019)
20. People in tha Middle (1994)

21. Stay Human (All the Freaky People) (2001)
22. Good to Be Alive Today (2016)
23. Good Shit Happens (2020)
24. Bomb the World (2003)
25. Light Up Ya Lighter (2006)
26. You’re Number One (2019)
27. Work Hard and Be Nice to People (2020)
28. I’m on Your Side (2020)
29. Hey World (Don’t Give Up) (2008)
30. I Got Love for Ya (2016)

31. Oh My God (2001)
32. I Know I’m Not Alone (2006)
33. Soulshine (2001)
34. Hello Bonjour (2006)
35. Just to Say I Love You (2018)
36. Yes I Will (2003)
37. We Don’t Stop (2003)
38. Hole in the Bucket (1994)
39. Little Things (2019)
40. Love Invincible (2003)

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First posted 6/8/2022; last updated 6/14/2022.
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Friday, June 3, 2022

Michael Franti Follow Your Heart released

Follow Your Heart

Michael Franti & Spearhead

Released: June 14, 2022

Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US and UK)

Genre: alternative rock/hip-hop/reggae

Tracks:

Song Title [time] (date of single release, chart peaks) Click for codes to singles charts.

  1. Follow Your Heart [3:05] (4/22/22, --)
  2. Better [3:19]
  3. Baby Let Your Soulshine [2:57]
  4. Brighter Day [3:13] (4/5/22, --)
  5. Life Is Amazing [2:54]
  6. No Makeup [3:10]
  7. Good Day for a Good Day [3:10] (7/1/21, 24 AA)
  8. Best at Loving You [2:54]
  9. People Need People [3:24]
  10. Trying to Keep the Lights On [3:02]
  11. Life Reminds Us We’re Alive [3:04]

Total Running Time: 34:12

Rating:

3.593 out of 5.00 (average of 3 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

About the Album:

There are two distinct descriptors which have followed Michael Franti since the onset of his career. First, he makes music which integrates multiple genres. Second, he makes music with a social conscience. NPR describes Michael Franti as “equal parts musician and activist” RL while Classic Rock magazine notes how he “re-frames rock, pop, and hip-hop tropes in a seamless alchemical compendium of ear worms, resilience and unifying positivity.” RL

Regarding Franti’s 12th album with Spearhead, Mojo magazine says, “the feel here is of unstinting human positivity.” RL Franti himself says this is his favorite album they’ve ever done. He said, “it’s about how we get through this crazy time that we’re living in; how we find the optimism and the joy, but mainly to follow our hearts and listen to the voice inside you to find passion and purpose.” RL He adds that he hopes “Follow Your Heart gives fans the courage to continue looking for and holding onto that perseversence.” SR

He learned in recent years “that people need people.” RL He “wrote many songs about connection, resilience, and finding the light, even in the midst of all the crazy.” RL He said, “I wanted to make a record that was uplifting and vulnerable. These songs have all been written during the pandemic, a time in which I lost my father to Covid, lost my job (as a touring musician) and leaned on my wife, family and friends and found a closeness with them that I never knew before. I laughed louder, played harder, cried deeper, and danced with more freedom than I’ve ever felt during this crazy time – the music reflects it all.” HG

He says of the single Brighter Day that it is “a song about never giving up, even when life feels overwhelming. When the issues of the world seem impossible to fix, and when your heart feels like it’s being ripped into pieces, lean into those you love for strength and support.” RL

Resources and Related Links:

Other Related DMDB Pages:

First posted 6/14/2022.

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Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Dave's Faves: My Top 100 Songs 2010-2019

Dave’s Faves:
My Top 100 Songs

2010-2019

These are my personal favorite top 100 songs from 2010-2019. To see a list of the top 100 songs based on Dave’s Music Database, go here.

1. Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson “Just Breathe” (2012)
2. Michael Franti & Spearhead with Sonna Rele “Once a Day” (2015)
3. Disturbed “The Sounds of Silence” (2015)
4. Sturgill Simpson “In Bloom” (2016)
5. The War on Drugs “Under the Pressure” (2014)
6. Sturgill Simpson “The Promise” (2014)
7. Charles Bradley “Changes” (2013)
8. Keala Settle & the Greatest Showman Ensemble “This Is Me” (2017)
9. Sheryl Crow with Johnny Cash “Redemption Day” (2019)
10. Michael Franti & Spearhead “The Sound of Sunshine” (2010)

11. Lady Gaga with Bradley Cooper “Shallow” (2018)
12. Michael Franti & Spearhead “Life Is Better with You” (2013)
13. Keb’ Mo’ “This Is My Home” (2019)
14. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats “Son of a Bitch” (2015)
15. Grouplove “Ways to Go” (2013)
16. Bruce Springsteen “We Take Care of Our Own” (2012)
17. The XX “I Dare You” (2017)
18. Lorde “Royals” (2013)
19. David Bowie “Lazarus” (2015)
20. Heart “Stairway to Heaven (live)” (2012)

21. Foster the People “Pumped Up Kicks” (2010)
22. Gotye with Kimbra “Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011)
23. AJR “Birthday Party” (2019)
24. Alabama Shakes “Hold On” (2012)
25. John Mellencamp “Save Some Time to Dream” (2010)
26. Artists of Then, Now & Forever “Forever Country” (2016)
27. Bruce Springsteen “Rocky Ground” (2012)
28. Justin Currie “Every Song’s the Same” (2013)
29. Cee-Lo Green “Fuck You (aka “Forget You”)” (2010)
30. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit “If We Were Vampires” (2017)

31. The Lumineers “Ho Hey” (2012)
32. Hozier “Take Me to Church” (2013)
33. Pearl Jam “Sirens” (2013)
34. Jimmy Fallon (as Neil Young) with Bruce Springsteen “Sexy and I Know It (live)” (2012)
35. Justin Currie “Hey Polly” (2017)
36. Jimmy Fallon (as Neil Young) with Bruce Springsteen “Whip My Hair (live)” (2012)
37. Kacey Musgraves “Follow Your Arrow” (2013)
38. LP “Lost on You” (2016)
39. The National “Bloodbuzz Ohio” (2010)
40. Janelle Monáe “Make Me Feel” (2018)

41. Michael Franti & Spearhead “Nobody Cries Alone” (2018)
42. Band of Horses “Laredo” (2010)
43. k.d. lang, Neko Case, & Laura Veirs “Atomic Number” (2016)
44. Adele “Rolling in the Deep” (2010)
45. Michael Franti & Spearhead “I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like)” (2013)
46. Chris Cornell “I Will Always Love You (live)” (2012)
47. Lil Nas X with Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” (2018)
48. Fun. with Janelle Monáe “We Are Young” (2011)
49. David Bowie “Blackstar” (2015)
50. Chris Cornell “Nothing Compares 2 U (live)” (2016)

51. The Rainmakers “Like Dogs” (2011)
52. Chris Difford “Like I Did” (2010)
53. Of Monsters and Men “Little Talks” (2011)
54. Michael Franti & Spearhead “11:59” (2013)
55. Sheppard “Geronimo” (2014)
56. Robin Thicke with T.I. & Pharrell Williams “Blurred Lines” (2013)
57. Courtney Barnett “Dead Fox” (2015)
58. Shovels & Rope “I Know” (2016)
59. Neil Finn “Song of the Lonely Mountain” (2012)
60. Michael Franti & Spearhead “This World Is So Fucked Up But I Ain't Ever Givin' Up on It” (2019)

61. Bruce Springsteen “Wrecking Ball” (2012)
62. Brandi Carlile “The Joke” (2017)
63. Bruce Springsteen “Sundown” (2019)
64. Paul Simon “Wristband” (2016)
65. Chris Difford “Goldfish” (2010)
66. Michael Franti & Spearhead “Good to Be Alive Today” (2016)
67. Justin Currie “The Fight to Be Human” (2010)
68. Spoon “Do You” (2014)
69. Pink with Nate Ruess “Just Give Me a Reason” (2012)
70. The Highwomen “Highwomen” (2019)

71. Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers with Bruce Springsteen “That’s What Makes Us Great” (2017)
72. Helping Haiti “Everybody Hurts” (2010)
73. Roger Waters “Déjà Vu (If I Had Been God)” (2017)
74. John Mellencamp “Easter Eve” (2010)
75. Kacey Musgraves “Kansas City Star” (2018)
76. Bastille “Pompeii” (2013)
77. Bruce Springsteen “Hello Sunshine” (2019)
78. Alan Parsons “As Lights Fall” (2019)
79. Weezer “Africa” (2018)
80. AJR “Dear Winter” (2019)

81. Pink Floyd “Louder Than Words” (2014)
82. Janelle Monáe with Big Boi “Tightrope” (2010)
83. Pharrell Williams “Happy” (2013)
84. Playing for Change “Biko” (2010)
85. Keb’ Mo’ “Old Me Better” (2014)
86. Arcade Fire “Afterlife” (2013)
87. Neko Case “Last Lion of Albion” (2018)
88. The Rainmakers “Last Song of the Evening” (2011)
89. Kurt Vile with Courtney Barnett “Over Everything” (2017)
90. Fiona Apple “Pure Imagination” (2013)

91. Beck “Up All Night” (2017)
92. Muse “Madness” (2012)
93. X Ambassadors “Renegades” (2015)
94. Kongos “Come with Me Now” (2012)
95. Hozier with Mavis Staples “Nina Cried Power” (2018)
96. Walk the Moon “Shut Up and Dance” (2014)
97. The Rainmakers “Half a Horse Apiece” (2011)
98. Imagine Dragons “Radioactive” (2012)
99. Prince “Rock and Roll Love Affair” (2012)
100. Elvis Costello “Six Months in Kansas City” (2014)

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First posted 5/6/2020; last updated 6/27/2022.

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Dave’s Faves: #1 Songs in the 2010s

Dave’s Faves:

#1’s: 2010-2019

September 18, 1982. I can peg my fascination with music charts to that date. After listening to a local radio station’s countdown of the hits of the summer, I decided to make my own list of favorites (see original list here). I ended up revising it every few days, eventually developing my own charts which I maintained into the ‘90s.

I’ve also projected before and after those lists to create speculative lists of #1 songs for eras not covered by those original charts. You can check out those links here, but this page is focused on the #1 songs that might have been for me in the 2010s.

Click here to see other Dave’s Faves song lists.

2010:

  • Jan. 9: Toy Matinee “Blank Page” (3 wks)
  • Jan. 30: Eddie Vedder “My City of Ruins” (3 wks)
  • Feb. 20: Playing for Change “Biko” (2 wks)
  • Mar. 6: Helping Haiti “Everybody Hurts” (2 wks)
  • Mar. 20: Sheryl Crow with Kid Rock & Keith Urban “Lean on Me (live)” (4 wks)
  • Apr. 17: Band of Horses “Laredo” (3 wks)
  • May 8: The National “Bloodbuzz Ohio” (3 wks)
  • May 29: Justin Currie “The Fight to Be Human” (3 wks)
  • June 19: Michael Franti & Spearhead “The Sound of Sunshine” (4 wks)
  • July 17: Eminem with Rihanna “Love the Way You Lie” (3 wks)
  • Aug. 7: Mike Massé with Jeff Hall “Africa” (3 wks)
  • Aug. 28: John Mellencamp “Easter Eve” (3 wks)
  • Sept. 18: John Mellencamp “Save Some Time to Dream” (2 wks)
  • Oct. 8: Cee-Lo Green “Fuck You (aka “Forget You”)” (8 wks)
  • Nov. 27: Foster the People “Pumped Up Kicks” (3 wks)
  • Dec. 18: Chris Difford “Goldfish” (2 wks)

2011:

  • Jan. 1: Chris Difford “Like I Did” (3 wks)
  • Jan. 22: Chris DIfford “1975” (2 wks)
  • Feb 5: Adele “Rolling in the Deep” (7 wks)
  • Mar. 26: Sandi Thom “The House of the Rising Sun” (3 wks)
  • Apr. 16: Adele “Love Song” (3 wks)
  • May 7: The Rainmakers “Like Dogs” (4 wks)
  • June 11: The Rainmakers “Last Song of the Evening” (3 wks)
  • July 2: Maroon 5 with Christina Aguilera “Moves Like Jagger” (4 wks)
  • July 30: Gotye with Kimbra “Somebody That I Used to Know” (8 wks)
  • Sept. 24: Keb’ Mo’ “One of These Nights” (2 wks)
  • Oct. 8: Grouplove “Tongue Tied” (3 wks)
  • Oct. 29: Fun. with Janelle Monáe “We Are Young” (6 wks)
  • Dec. 10: Pearl Jam “Mother (live)” (2 wks)
  • Dec. 24: Glen Tilbrook with Nine Below “Chat Line Larry” (2 wks)

2012:

  • Jan. 7: Of Monsters and Men “Little Talks” (3 wks)
  • Jan. 28: Bruce Springsteen “We Take Care of Our Own” (4 wks)
  • Feb. 25: Chris Cornell “I Will Always Love You (live)” (4 wks)
  • Mar. 24: Jimmy Fallon (as Neil Young) with Bruce Springsteen “Sexy and I Know It (live)” (4 wks)
  • Apr. 21: Alabama Shakes “Hold On” (5 wks)
  • May 26: Bruce Springsteen “Wrecking Ball” (2 wks)
  • June 9: Bruce Springsteen “Rocky Ground” (3 wks)
  • June 30: Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson “Just Breathe” (8 wks)
  • Aug. 25: The Lumineers “Ho Hey” (4 wks)
  • Sept. 22: Jimmy Fallon (as Neil Young) with Bruce Springsteen “Whip My Hair (live)” (3 wks)
  • Oct. 13: Bruce Springsteen “Jack of All Trades” (2 wks)
  • Oct. 27: Psy “Gangnam Style” (3 wks)
  • Nov. 17: Prince “Rock and Roll Love Affair” (2 wks)
  • Dec. 1: Neil Finn “Song of the Lonely Mountain” (4 wks)
  • Dec. 29: Heart “Stairway to Heaven (live)” (8 wks)

2013:

  • Feb. 23: Pink “Just Give Me a Reason” (4 wks)
  • Mar. 23: Bastille “Pompeii” (3 wks)
  • Apr. 13: Robin Thicke with T.I. & Pharrell Williams “Blurred Lines” (6 wks)
  • May 25: Jacob Moon “Kayleigh” / “Lavender” (live) (2 wks)
  • June 8: Lorde “Royals” (4 wks)
  • July 6: Grouplove “Ways to Go” (4 wks)
  • Aug. 3: Justin Currie “Every Song’s the Same” (3 wks)
  • Aug. 24: Sting “Practical Arrangement” (2 wks)
  • Sept. 7: Michael Franti & Spearhead “Life Is Better with You” (4 wks)
  • Oct. 5: Tears for Fears “Ready to Start” (3 wks)
  • Oct. 26: Fiona Apple “Pure Imagination” (3 wks)
  • Nov. 16: Hozier “Take Me to Church” (3 wks)
  • Dec. 7: Pearl Jam “Sirens” (4 wks)

2014:

  • Jan. 4: Kacey Musgraves “Follow Your Arrow” (3 wks)
  • Jan. 25: Florida State University AcaBelles “Royals (live)” (2 wks)
  • Feb. 8: Lorde “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (1 wk)
  • Feb. 15: Pharrell Williams “Happy” (5 wks)
  • Mar. 22: U2 “Ordinary Love” (2 wks)
  • Apr. 5: Bruce Springsteen “Don’t Change (live)” (1 wk)
  • Apr. 12: Bruce Springsteen “Stayin’ Alive (live)” (1 wk)
  • Apr. 19: Bruce Springsteen “Royals (live)” (1 wk)
  • Apr. 26: Tegan & Sara with the Lonely Island “Everything Is Awesome!!!” (2 wks)
  • May 10: Glenn Tilbrook “Ice Cream” (2 wks)
  • May 24: Bruce Springsteen “Jump (live)” (1 wk)
  • May 31: Keb’ Mo’ “Old Me Better” (2 wks)
  • June 14: Sturgill Simpson “The Promise” (7 wks)
  • Aug. 2: The War on Drugs “Under the Pressure” (8 wks)
  • Sept. 27: Spoon “Do You” (3 wks)
  • Oct. 18: Melissa Etheridge “What Are You Waiting For?” (3 wks)
  • Nov. 8: New Pornographers “Dancehall Domine” (3 wks)
  • Nov. 29: Pink Floyd “Louder Than Words” (4 wks)
  • Dec. 27: Marc Ronson & Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk!” (5 wks)

2015:

  • Jan. 31: Simple Minds “Let the Day Begin” (2 wks)
  • Feb. 14: Alabama Shakes “Don’t Wanna Fight” (3 wks)
  • Mar. 7: X Ambassadors “Renegades” (4 wks)
  • Apr. 4: Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth “See You Again” (5 wks)
  • May 9: Faith No More “Superhero” (2 wks)
  • May 23: Courtney Barnett “Dead Fox” (4 wks)
  • June 20: The Rainmakers “America” (2 wks)
  • July 4: Michael Franti & Spearhead with Sonna Rele “Once a Day” (7 wks)
  • Aug. 22: Kacey Musgraves “Family Is Family” (2 wks)
  • Sept. 5: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats “Son of a Bitch” (8 wks)
  • Oct. 31: Lukas Graham “7 Years” (4 wks)
  • Nov. 28: David Bowie “Blackstar” (2 wks)
  • Dec. 12: Disturbed “The Sounds of Silence” (8 wks)

2016:

  • Feb. 6: Charles Bradley “Changes” (4 wks)
  • Mar. 5: David Bowie “Lazarus” (3 wks)
  • Mar. 26: Bruce Springsteen “Rebel Rebel (live)” (1 wk)
  • Apr. 2: Bruce Springsteen” Take It Easy (live)” (2 wks)
  • Apr. 16: Sturgill Simpson “In Bloom” (8 wks)
  • June 11: Bruce Springsteen “Purple Rain (live)” (2 wks)
  • June 25: Paul Simon “Wristband” (3 wks)
  • July 16: Justin Timberlake “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” (3 wks)
  • Aug. 6: Chris Cornell “Nothing Compares 2 U (live)” (4 wks)
  • Sept. 3: Peter Gabriel “I’m Amazing” (2 wks)
  • Sept. 17: k.d. lang, Neko Case, & Laura Veirs “Atomic Number” (4 wks)
  • Oct. 15: Shovels & Rope “I Know” (5 wks)
  • Dec. 3: Artists of Then, Now & Forever “Forever Country” (4 wks)
  • Dec. 31: LP “Lost on You” (5 wks)

2017:

  • Feb. 4: John Mellencamp “Easy Target” (3 wks)
  • Feb. 25: Arcade Fire with Mavis Staples “I Give You Power” (3 wks)
  • Mar. 18: Bruce Springsteen “I’ll Stand by You” (5 wks)
  • Apr. 22: Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers with Bruce Springsteen “That’s What Makes Us Great” (5 wks)
  • May 27: Roger Waters “Smell the Roses” (3 wks)
  • June 17: The XX “I Dare You” (5 wks)
  • July 22: Roger Waters “Déjà Vu” (4 wks)
  • Aug. 19: Justin Currie “Hey Polly” (4 wks)
  • Sept. 16: Cage the Elephant “Whole Wide World” (2 wks)
  • Sept. 30: Beck “Up All Night” (4 wks)
  • Oct. 28: Kurt Vile & Courtney Barnett “Over Everything” (3 wks)
  • Nov. 18: Keale Settle & the Greatest Showman Ensemble “This Is Me” (7 wks)

2018:

  • Jan. 6: Brandi Carlile “The Joke” (4 wks)
  • Feb. 3: Phoebe Bridgers “Motion Sickness” (3 wks)
  • Feb. 24: Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit “If We Were Vampires” (5 wks)
  • Mar. 31: Janelle Monáe “Make Me Feel” (7 wks)
  • May 19: Brandi Carlile “The Mother” (2 wks)
  • June 2: Weezer “Africa” (4 wks)
  • June 30: Maroon 5 with Cardi B “Girls Like You” (6 wks)
  • Aug. 11: Neko Case “Last Lion of Albion” (3 wks)
  • Sept. 1: Kacey Musgraves “Kansas City Star” (5 wks)
  • Oct. 6: Hozier with Mavis Staples “Nina Cried Power” (3 wks)
  • Oct. 27: Lady Gaga with Bradley Cooper “Shallow” (6 wks)
  • Dec. 8: Una Walkenhorst & Bob Walkenhorst “For Tomorrow” (3 wks)
  • Dec. 29: Lil Nas X with Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” (7 wks)

2019:

  • Feb. 16: Michael Franti & Spearhead “This World Is So Fucked Up But I Ain't Ever Givin' Up on It” (4 wks)
  • Mar. 16: Michael Franti & Spearhead “You’re Number One” (3 wks)
  • Apr. 6: AJR “Birthday Party” (4 wks)
  • May 4: Sheryl Crow & Johnny Cash “Redemption Day” (7 wks)
  • June 22: Bruce Springsteen “Hello Sunshine” (3 wks)
  • July 13: Alan Parsons “As Lights Fall” (3 wks)
  • Aug. 3: Bruce Springsteen “Sundown” (4 wks)
  • Aug. 31: Keb’ Mo’ “This Is My Home” (7 wks)
  • Oct. 19: Brittany Howard “Stay High” (3 wks)
  • Nov. 9: The Who “All This Music Must Fade” (4 wks)
  • Dec. 7: The Weeknd “Blinding Lights” (8 wks)

Resources and Related Links:

First posted 5/1/2020; last updated 2/22/2024.

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Dave’s Faves: #1 Albums in the 2010s

Dave’s Faves:

#1’s: 2010-2019

These were my personal #1 albums during the 2010s. Check out my #1 albums from other decades here.

2010:
  • Jan. 9: Foo Fighters Greatest Hits (1 wk)
  • Jan. 16: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers The Live Anthology (2 wks)
  • Jan. 30: Seal Hits (1 wk)
  • Feb. 6: The Flaming Lips Dark Side of the Moon (1 wk)
  • Feb. 13: Peter Gabriel Scratch My Back (4 wks)
  • Mar. 13: Kevin Gilbert Toy Matinee Live (aka “Live at the Roxy”) (2 wks)
  • Mar. 20: Jimi Hendrix Valleys of Neptune (2 wks)
  • Apr. 10: The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights (2 wks)
  • Apr. 24: Asia Omega (2 wks)
  • May 8: Melissa Etheridge Fearless Love (1 wk)
  • May 15: Justin Currie The Great War (2 wks)
  • May 29: The Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street (Deluxe Edition) (2 wks)
  • June 12: Crowded House Intriguer (3 wks)
  • July 3: John Mellencamp On the Rural Route 7609 (3 wks)
  • July 24: Hooters Five by Five (1 wk)
  • July 31: Aha 25 (1 wk)
  • Aug. 7: Sheryl Crow 100 Miles from Memphis (2 wks)
  • Aug. 21: John Mellencamp No Better Than This (4 wks)
  • Sept. 18: Chris Difford Saturday Morning Music Club (2 wks)
  • Oct. 2: Robert Plant Band of Joy (2 wks)
  • Oct 16: Chris Difford Cashmere if You Can (4 wks)
  • Nov. 13: Eric Clapton Clapton (2 wks)
  • Nov. 27: Elvis Costello Pomp & Pout: The Universal Years (3 wks)
  • Dec. 18: Indigo Girls Holly Happy Days (2 wks)
2011:
  • Jan. 1: Styx Regeneration (1 wk)
  • Jan. 8: Bruce Springsteen The Promise (4 wks)
  • Feb. 5: Michael Jackson Michael (2 wks)
  • Feb. 19: Adele 21 (4 wks)
  • Mar. 19: The Rainmakers 25 On (8 wks)
  • May 14: Todd Rundgren Todd Rundgren’s Johnson (1 wk)
  • May 21: The Cars Move Like This (2 wks)
  • June 4: Journey Eclipse (2 wks)
  • June 19: Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs (2 wks)
  • July 2: Arctic Monkeys Suck It and See 1 wk)
  • July 9: Yes Fly from Here (2 wks)
  • July 23: Various Artists Rave On: Buddy Holly (3 wks)
  • Aug. 13: Bob Walkenhorst Spare (1 wk)
  • Aug. 20: Keb’ Mo’ The Reflection (1 wk)
  • Aug. 27: Tim Finn The View Is Worth the Climb (2 wks)
  • Sept. 10: Various Artists Listen to Me: Buddy Holly (3 wks)
  • Oct. 1: Neil Finn The Pajama Club (2 wks)
  • Oct. 15: Sting 25 Years (1 wk)
  • Oct. 22: Bangles Sweetheart of the Sun (1 wk)
  • Oct. 29: Indigo Girls Beauty Queen Sister (1 wk)
  • Nov. 5: Various Artists The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams (3 wks)
  • Nov. 26: Various Artists The First Rock and Roll Record (1 wk)
  • Dec: 3: Glen Tilbrook & Nine Below Zero The Co-Operative (2 wks)
  • Dec. 17: Various Artists Achtung Baby Covered (AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered) (3 wks)
2012:
  • Jan. 7: Journey Greatest Hits 2 (1 wk)
  • Jan. 14: Pink Floyd Foot in the Door: The Best of (1 wk)
  • Jan. 21: The Rolling Stones Some Girls (Deluxe Edition) (1 wk)
  • Jan. 28: Various Artists Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International (5 wks)
  • Mar. 3: Van Halen A Different Kind of Truth (4 wks)
  • Mar. 31: Lyle Lovett Release Me (1 wk)
  • Apr. 7: Bruce Springsteen Wrecking Ball (6 wks)
  • May 19: Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls (3 wks)
  • June 9: Jack White Blunderbuss (2 wks)
  • June 23: The Beach Boys That’s Why God Made the Radio (1 wk)
  • June 30: Eric Bazilian & Mats Wester What Shall Become of the Baby? (4 wks)
  • July 28: Asia XXX (4 wks)
  • Aug. 25: The Gaslight Anthem Handwritten (2 wks)
  • Sept. 8: Melissa Etheridge 4th Street Feeling (3 wks)
  • Sept. 29: Bob Dylan Tempest (1 wk)
  • Oct. 6: Alanis Morissette Havoc and Brigth Lights (2 wks)
  • Oct. 20: Marillion Sounds That Can’t Be Made (4 wks)
  • Nov. 17: Frank Ocean Channel Orange (4 wks)
  • Dec. 15: The Rolling Stones Grrr! (3 wks)
2013:
  • Jan. 5: Led Zeppelin Celebration Day (3 wks)
  • Jan. 26: Imagine Dragons Night Visions (4 wks)
  • Feb. 23: Stephen Stills Carry On (2 wks)
  • Mar. 9: Jimi Hendrix People, Hell & Angels (3 wks)
  • Mar. 30: David Bowie The Next Day (3 wks)
  • Apr. 20: Eric Clapton Old Sock (2 wks)
  • May 4: Eric Woolfson Somewhere in the Audience (3 wks)
  • May 25: Simple Minds Celebrate: The Greatest Hits (1 wk)
  • June 1: The Strokes Comedown Machine (1 wk)
  • June 8: Various Artists Ghost Brothers of Darkland County (1 wk)
  • June 15: John Fogerty Wrote a Song for Everyone (3 wks)
  • July 6: The Gaslight Anthem Singles Collection: 2008-2011 (2 wks)
  • July 20: Curt Smith Deceptively Heavy (2 wks)
  • Aug. 3: Michael Franti All People (3 wks)
  • Aug. 24: Justin Currie Lower Reaches (3 wks)
  • Sept. 14: Fish A Feast of Consequences (5 wks)
  • Oct. 19: Sting The Last Ship (3 wks)
  • Nov. 9: Pearl Jam Lightning Bolt (3 wks)
  • Nov. 30: Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs Under the Covers Vol. 3 (2 wks)
  • Dec. 14: Garth Brooks Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences (2 wks)
  • Dec. 28: Boston Life, Love & Hope (2 wks)
2014:
  • Jan. 11: Kevin Gilbert Toy Matinee Acoustic (2 wks)
  • Jan. 25: Bruce Springsteen High Hopes (3 wks)
  • Feb. 15: Mike + the Mechanics The Singles 1985-2014 (2 wks)
  • Mar. 1: Neil Finn Dizzy Heights (3 wks)
  • Mar. 22: Asia Gravitas (3 wks)
  • Apr. 12: Glen Tilbrook Happy Ending (2 wks)
  • Apr. 26: Bruce Springsteen American Beauty (1 wk)
  • May 3: The Rainmakers Monster Movie (4 wks)
  • May 31: Toni Childs Citizens of the Planet (3 wks)
  • June 21: Jack White Lazaretto (2 wks)
  • July 5: Sam Smith In the Lonely Hour (1 wk)
  • July 12: Yes Heaven & Earth (3 wks)
  • Aug. 2: Eric Clapton The Breeze: An Appreciation of J.J. Cale (3 wks)
  • Aug. 23: Pilot Pilot Project: Return to Alan Parsons Project (3 wks)
  • Sept. 13: U2 Songs of Innocence (3 wks)
  • Oct. 14: John Mellencamp Plain Spoken (3 wks)
  • Oct. 25: Melissa Etheridge This Is M.E. (2 wks)
  • Nov. 8: Taylor Swift 1989 (1 wk)
  • Nov. 15: Flaming Lips With a Little Help from My Friends (2 wks)
  • Nov. 29: Various Artists Lost on the River: The New Basement Tapes (4 wks)
  • Dec. 27: Marillion A Collection of Recycled Gifts (3 wks)
2015:
  • Jan. 17: David Bowie Nothing Has Changed (2 wks)
  • Jan. 31: Various Artists The Art of McCartney (4 wks)
  • Feb. 28: Kurt Cobain Montage of Heck: The Home Recordings (1 wk)
  • Mar. 7: Imagine Dragons Smoke + Mirrors (3 wks)
  • Mar. 28: Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly (4 wks)
  • Apr. 25: Alabama Shakes Sound & Color (2 wks)
  • May 9: Eric Clapton Forever Man (1 wk)
  • May 16: Pat Benatar 35th Anniversary Tour (1 wk)
  • May 23: Chris Stapleton Traveller (1 wk)
  • May 30: The Rainmakers Cover Band (4 wks)
  • June 27: Faith No More Sol Invictus (3 wks)
  • July 18: Indigo Girls One Lost Day (2 wks)
  • Aug. 1: Toni Childs It’s All a Beautiful Noise (4 wks)
  • Aug. 29: The Strypes Little Victories (2 wks)
  • Sept. 12: Aha Cast in Steel (2 wks)
  • Sept. 26: Ryan Adams 1989 (2 wks)
  • Oct. 10: Shawn Colvin Uncovered (2 wks)
  • Oct. 24: Don Henley Cass County (2 wks)
  • Nov. 7: Squeeze Cradle to the Grave (3 wks)
  • Nov. 28: Bruce Springsteen The Essential (2 wks)
  • Dec. 12: Adele 25 (4 wks)
2016:
  • Jan. 9: Bruce Springsteen The Ties That Bind (4 wks)
  • Feb. 6: David Bowie Blackstar (5 wks)
  • Mar. 12: Violent Femmes We Can Do Anything (3 wks)
  • Apr. 2: Brian Fallon Painkillers (2 wks)
  • Apr. 16: Sturgill Simpson A Sailor’s Guide to Earth (3 wks)
  • May 7: Beyoncé Lemonade (3 wks)
  • May 28: Eric Clapton I Still Do (2 wks)
  • June 11: Bob Dylan Fallen Angels (1 wk)
  • June 18: Michael Franti & Spearhead Soul Rocker (6 wks)
  • July 30: Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle Colvin & Earle (2 wks)
  • Aug. 13: Paul McCartney Pure McCartney (2 wks)
  • Aug. 27: Neko Case, k.d. lang, & Laura Viers Case/Lang/Viers (2 wks)
  • Sept. 10: Bob Walkenhorst Spare Vol. 2 (2 wks)
  • Sept. 24: Bruce Springsteen Chapter and Verse (3 wks)
  • Oct. 15: Marillion F.E.A.R. (Fuck Everyone and Run) (5 wks)
  • Nov. 16: Melissa Etheridge Memphis Rock and Soul (3 wks)
  • Dec. 10: Sting 57th & 9th (4 wks)
2017:
  • Jan. 7: Prince 4Ever (2 wks)
  • Jan. 21: Marillion Singles Night (3 wks)
  • Feb. 11: The Rolling Stones Blue & Lonesome (3 wks)
  • Mar. 4 David Bowie No Plan (2 wks)
  • Mar. 18: Guns N’ Roses Not in This Lifetime (Live in Tokyo) (2 wks)
  • Apr. 1: Bob Dylan Triplicate (1 wk)
  • Apr. 8: Mike + the Mechanics Let Me Fly (1 wk)
  • Apr. 15: Kendrick Lamar Damn. (1 wk)
  • Apr. 22: Sheryl Crow Be Myself (1 wk)
  • Apr. 29: John Mellencamp Sad Clowns & Hillbillies (2 wks)
  • May 13: Keb’ Mo & Taj Mahal Taj Mo (1 wk)
  • May 20: Justin Currie This Is My Kingdom Now (3 wks)
  • May 27: Chris Stapleton From a Room, Volume 1 (1 wk)
  • June 17: Roger Waters Is This the Life We Really Want? (4 wks)
  • July 15: Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (2 wks)
  • July 29: Styx The Mission (5 wks)
  • Sept. 2: Arcade Fire Everything Now (2 wks)
  • Sept. 16: Emily Saliers Murmuration Nation (2 wks)
  • Sept. 30: Tori Amos Native Invader (1 wk)
  • Oct. 7: The Killers Wonderful Wonderful (1 wk)
  • Oct. 14: Squeeze The Knowledge (4 wks)
  • Nov. 11: Tears for Fears Rule the World: The Greatest Hits (2 wks)
  • Nov. 25: Greta Van Fleet From the Fires (2 wks)
  • Dec. 9: U2 Songs of Experience (5 wks)
2018:
  • Jan. 13: Eminem Revival (3 wks)
  • Feb. 3: Simple Minds Walk Between Worlds (2 wks)
  • Feb. 17: Toto 40 Trips Around the Sun (1 wk)
  • Feb. 24: Brandi Carlile By the Way, I Forgive You (2 wks)
  • Mar. 10: Shawn Colvin The Starlighter (2 wks)
  • Mar. 24: Jack White Boarding House Reach (2 wks)
  • Apr. 7: Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour (3 wks)
  • Apr. 28: Various Artists Revamp: The Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin (4 wks)
  • May 26: Sting & Shaggy 44/876 (3 wks)
  • June 16: Arctic Monkeys Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2 wks)
  • June 30: Courtney Barnett Tell Me How You Really Feel (2 wks)
  • July 14: Neko Case Hell-On (1 wk)
  • July 21: Guns N’ Roses Appetite for Destruction: Locked and Loaded Edition (4 wks)
  • Aug. 18: Prince Anthology 1995-2010 (2 wks)
  • Sept. 1: Neil & Liam Finn Lightsleeper (3 wks)
  • Sept. 22: Fish A Parley with Angels (2 wks)
  • Oct. 6: Steve Perry Traces (2 wks)
  • Oct. 20: Bob & Una Walkenhorst For Tomorrow (2 wks)
  • Nov. 3: Greta Van Fleet Anthem of the Peaceful Army (1 wk)
  • Nov. 10: The Struts Young & Dangerous (1 wk)
  • Nov. 17: Imagine Dragons Origins (1 wk)
  • Nov. 24: The Police Flexible Strategies (2 wks)
  • Dec. 8: John Mellencamp Other People’s Stuff (3 wks)
  • Dec. 29: Bruce Springsteen Springsteen on Broadway (4 wks)
2019:
  • Jan. 26: Michael Franti & Spearhead Stay Human Vol. II (5 wks)
  • Mar. 2: Gary Clark Jr. This Land (2 wks)
  • Mar. 16: Tom Petty The Best of Everything (3 wks)
  • Apr. 6: Mike + the Mechanics Out of the Blue (1 wk)
  • Apr. 13: Melissa Etheridge The Medicine Show (2 wks)
  • Apr. 27: The Rolling Stones Honk (2 wks)
  • May 11: Alan Parsons The Secret (4 wks)
  • June 8: Prince Originals (2 wks)
  • June 22: Bruce Springsteen Western Stars (5 wks)
  • July 27: Violent Femmes Hotel Last Resort (2 wks)
  • Aug. 10: Berlin Transcendance (2 wks)
  • Aug. 24: ZZ Top Goin’ 50 (1 wk)
  • Aug. 31: Shery Crow Threads< (3 wks)
  • Sept. 21: The Highwomen The Highwomen (3 wks)
  • Oct. 12: Brittany Howard Jaime (2 wks)
  • Oct. 26: Sturgill Simpson Sound & Fury (2 wks)
  • Nov. 9: Marillion With Friends from the Orchestra (5 wks)
  • Dec. 14: Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (3 wks)
First posted 2/5/2022.

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Tuesday, July 11, 2017

In Concert: Michael Franti & Spearhead

Michael Franti & Spearhead

Grinders at Crossroads; Kansas City, MO
July 11, 2017

image from entrepreneur.com

Opening Act:

Kawehi

Review:

Wow. Wow. Wow. I posted earlier this week about the dilemma of whether to see Robert Cray or Michael Franti tonight. I chose the latter and, boy, did I choose right.

I've seen maybe 40-50 shows in my life - more than some people, a lot less than others. This, however, was a transformative experience. I've never seen a performer more dedicated to making a connection with the audience. He had maybe an 8YO kid up on stage with him about 2 songs in singing and dancing. I figured it would be the highlight of the show. Boy, was I wrong. There was much more to come.

He told plenty of stories which evoked both tears and laughter. He wandered out into the audience for about a six-song set and then came back out again several more times during other songs.

He often asked the crowd to raise their hands in the air, jump up and down, hug someone, or introduce yourself to a stranger. At one point he pulled nearly a dozen kids on stage to sing and dance with him.

Oh, and this was all done as he sang songs with a very distinct "let's all love one another and get along" hippie vibe.

After the show, as the crew packed up the stage, Franti hung around talking to fans and taking selfies. When I left he was still at it and I imagine he doesn't leave until anyone who wants to hug him, take a picture, or share a story gets their chance.

Sorry all other performers I'll see in the future. Michael Franti has set a new bar which none of you may ever reach.

Click here to see other concerts I’ve attended.

Set List *

1. Light Up Ya Lighter 5
2. Hey Hey Hey (No Matter How Life is Today) 7
3. Yell Fire! 5
4. Hello Bonjour (w/ I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For)
5. The Sound of Sunshine 7
6. Stay Human (Family Affair) 3
7. I Got Love for You 9
8. Crazy for You 9
9. Good to Be Alive Today 9
10. Summertime Is in Our Hands 9
11. Get Myself to Saturday 9
12. We Are All Earthlings 9
13. Hey World (Don't Give Up Version) 6
14. Enjoy Every Second (new song)
15. Life Is Better With You 8
16. I'm Alive (Life Sounds Like) 8
17. 11:59 8
18. I Don’t Belong (new song)
19. Say Hey (I Love You) 6
20. My Lord 9

* Setlist for show at Rose Music Hall in Columbia, Missouri on July 10, 2017.

Discography:

1 Home (1994)
2 Chocolate Supa Highway (1997)
3 Stay Human (2001)
4 Everyone Deserves Music (2003)
5 Yell Fire (2006)
6 All Rebel Rockers (2008)
7 The Sound of Sunshine (2010)
8 All People (2013)
9 Soulrocker (2016)

Resources and Related Links:

  • DMDB encyclopedia entry for Michael Franti
  • Setlist.fm (setlist for 7/10/2017 show at Columbia, Missouri’s Rose Music Hall)

Last updated 6/14/2022.
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Friday, June 3, 2016

Michael Franti Soul Rocker released

Soul Rocker

Michael Franti & Spearhead

Released: June 3, 2016

Peak: 38 US, -- UK, 96 CN, 65 AU

Sales (in millions): --

Genre: alternative rock

Tracks:

Song Title [time] (date of single release, chart peaks) Click for codes to singles charts.

  1. Crazy for You [3:39] (5/8/17, --)
  2. My Lord [3:55]
  3. Get Myself to Saturday [4:18]
  4. Summertime Is in Our Hands [3:48] (5/27/17, 28 AC)
  5. We Are All Earthlings [3:44]
  6. Still Standing [3:46]
  7. Good to Be Alive Today [4:14] (5/29/16)
  8. My Favorite Wine Is Tequila [4:08]
  9. Once a Day [3:57] (6/22/15, 30 A40, 17 AA)
  10. We Do This Every Day [4:14]
  11. I Got Love for Ya [3:58]
  12. Do You Feel the Way That I Do? [4:56]
  13. Love Will Find a Way [3:42] (11/5/16, --)

All songs written by Michael Franti.

Total Running Time: 52:19

Rating:

3.952 out of 5.00 (average of 11 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

About the Album:

A reviewer on Amazon called Michael Franti “the Bob Marley of our times,” AZ praising him a “a champion for peace, love, veterans, and all ‘earthlings’ in general.” AZ Another reviewer said, “there’s really NOTHING that can compare to a live Michael Franti and Spearhead show. You will leave that show a better person. You will want to help others. You will want to make a difference in the world.” AZ

I saw him in concert for the first time in the summer of 2017 when he was supporting the Soul Rocker album. The reviewers on Amazon nailed it. Michael Franti is a modern-day Bob Marley, desperately trying to bring the world together through his message of peace in his music and the communal spirit of his concerts. It is the best show I’ve ever seen.

The album is stocked with songs begging to be played in front of an audience. My Favorite Wine Is Tequila has a definite party vibe. It “may go the full Jimmy Buffett, but a classic, vintage reggae sample makes it the right kind of cheeky.” AMG Get Myself to Saturday showcases “honest and vulnerable lyrics coming from a man who kicked off his career with the political attack squads the Beatnigs and the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy.” AMG

Franti is also a consummate activist using his songs to spotlight various causes. He somehow manages, however, to keep the atmosphere light and fun instead of preachy. “We Are All Earthlings is like a Greenpeace sticker plastered over a Recycle sticker stuck on a flyer for clean water, and Franti covers the same ground (grew up confused, got mad at the world, then things got better) on a couple autobiographical songs.” AMG

Perhaps no song showcases Franti’s message of peace and love more than Once a Day. The lyrics have a positive, hippy vibe that dares the listener not to sing along: “Everybody oughta hug somebody, at least once a day / And everybody oughta kiss somebody, at least once a day / Everybody’s gonna miss somebody, at least once a day / And everybody gotta love somebody, every day.”

Franti seamlessly melds multiple genres together, tapping into reggae, hip-hop, alternative rock, and even electronica. My Lord, a “chugging EDM-meets-rootsy-music tune.” AMG “Bright dance music is an easy fit” AMG for Franti considering how much he is “aiming for a crowd singing in unison.” AMG

“If the strings on Love Will Find a Way are synthetic, the song and the performance are still angelic, connecting immediately and giving Franti his own ‘Redemption Song.’” AMG

The album is “inspired, warm, and inviting, plus in parts, it is diminutive in the best sense of the word.” AMG

Resources and Related Links:

First posted 8/20/2021; last updated 2/5/2022.

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Monday, June 22, 2015

Michael Franti “Once a Day” released

Once a Day

Michael Franti & Spearhead with Sonna Rele

Writer(s): Michael Franti (see lyrics here)

Released: June 22, 2015

First Charted: August 1, 2015

Peak: 30 A40, 17 AA, 1 DF (Click for codes to charts.)

Sales (in millions): --

Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 1.6 video, 3.53 streaming

Awards:

Click on award for more details.

About the Song:

Michael Franti was born in 1966 in Oakland, California. After high school, he went to the University of San Franciso on a full basketball scholarship. While at school, he started writing poetry after a priest taught him to write stories. He also started making music inspired by the campus radio station, KUSF. His music was a blend of alternative rock, reggae, hip-hop, and punk.

In 1986, he launched his career with the Beatnigs, an industrial punk/spoken word band. After releasing an album in 1988, Franti went on to be part of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy from 1991-93 before forming his own band, Spearhead, in 1994. They released their debut album, Home, in 1996.

Franti didn’t reach the Billboard album chart until 2006, when Yell Fire! reached #125. His next four albums reached the top 40. The last of those was 2016’s SoulRocker, an album which AllMusic.com’s David Jeffries referred to as Franti’s “electronic effort, where bass-drops and EDM ideas mesh with guitars and flip-flop music.” AMG “It is electro, but SoulRocker is also inspired, warm and inviting.” AMG

The album featured the song “Once a Day,” which Franti explained was “a mantra within my own family, as a way to approach the unexpected moments in life.” WL He talked about his son being diagnosed with kidney disease and thinking it might pull the family apart. Instead, he said, “We all decided to celebrate and love life. A reminder to hugh, kiss and cherish each other every day.” WL

He said the song then “transformed from a hopeful personal message for our family into an actual daily practice of gratitude and celebration of life throughout our social community. I love when the message of a song takes on an even bigger message than was originally intended. That is the awesome power of music.” WL

Resources:

Related Links:

First posted 2/22/2024.

 
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Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Michael Franti released “Everyone Deserves Music”

Everyone Deserves Music

Michael Franti & Spearhead

Writer(s): Michael Franti, D. Shul, C. Young (see lyrics here)

Released: June 17, 2003 (album cut)

First Charted: 2003

Peak: 39 AU, 1 DF (Click for codes to charts.)

Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US + UK)

Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 0.26 video, 2.05 streaming

Awards:

Click on award for more details.

About the Song:

July 11, 2017. I discovered Michael Franti. My friend Paul and I were debating over going to a concert at the last minute – Robert Cray or Michael Franti? We opted for the latter because we knew nothing about him other than a handful of minor hits on adult alternative radio. It was the best concert I’ve ever seen.

Franti completely encapsulates a throwback, “why can’t we all just get along?” hippy vibe. He certainly looks the part with his bare feet and dreadlocks, but the music is completely on point as well. Not only do his songs tirelessly incorporate that theme, but the concert experience is all about bonding with the audience. Franti brings kids up on stage with him. He wanders out in the audience to sing with fans. He implores fans to hug and dance. He hangs out and chats after the show.

I’ve seen him twice in concert and, ironically, he didn’t play “Everyone Deserves Music” either time. The song is the perfect Franti mantra; the title says it all. It’s a celebration of the power of music to connect people – all people. The message that all human beings are worthy of dignity comes through vividly, thanks to lines like, “Even our worst enemies, Lord, they deserve music.” “In a perfect world, this would be a future classic played out of every car stereo, boombox, and apartment for generations to come.” AMG

“Everyone Deserves Music” isn’t just the perfect representation of the diversity in Franti’s message, but in the music he uses to deliver it. In an All Music Guide review of the album, Rob Theakston says Franti’s “politically and socially charged hip-hop is a breath of pure, fresh air.” AMG However, Franti & company also make “a deliberate attempt to stray from the typical hip-hop beats and go for something a bit more organic and acoustic.” AMG Indeed, the song includes elements of reggae and funk while also sounding completely at home amongst adult alternative staples like Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson. Everyone deserves Michael Franti.

Resources:

First posted 5/7/2020; last updated 2/24/2024.

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