From latino, to hip-hop, to RAP, to jazz, to Bollywood
Want a world tour in about an hour? Take a trip with Ozomatli and don't even worry about getting your luggage lost--and don't take off your shoes. You are going to want to dance. This LA-based Latino group's really hit their stride with their third CD. If you like Carlos Santana and or War, you're going to love this group. Their messages of racial unity and peace are great and there's not a downbeat song on this CD.

"Love and Hope" is the song I first heard from Ozo, but it came from a local radio station (KGSR-Austin Broadcast CD). I've since picked up "Street Signs" and plan to keep getting as much of Ozo I can.

The opening song gives you an idea of what to expect--anything! It starts with a swift-paced Latin dance number driven by strings and moves to rap with a Bolly backbeat, complete with sitar.

"Who's to Blame?" takes us to Africa and the Middle East with a RAP lyric laid over heavy percussion and clapping. It's their 'wake up call to the citizens of the planet'. What a closer--I still want more.

Ozomatli, please learn Spanish!
I'm a Ozomatli fan, but the last song of this album is written in poor Spanish. It's a shame!
They write: "Cuando canto mi cancion, quiero inspirar mi gente con una solucion" Wrong! "quiero inspirar a mi gente" is correct.
Another one: "Cuando sueño en la madrugada, ojalá que mi trabajo no es temporal" Wrong! "ojalá que mi trabajo no sea temporal" is correct.
But the worst is: "trato decidir lo más mejor para el mundo". ¡Es una vergüenza!
Please next time you try to write in Spanish ask for help in another place. I don't want my children to hear that song because is so bad...

Prepare To Get Your Groove On
Every song is fabulous and I feel instantaneously cooler just listening to it. I can't get enough of the feel good, latin/jazz/hip hop/middle eastern music vibes. Join the party and prepare to get your groove on!

The Soundtrack of LA
Drawing on influences from all over the globe, Ozo continues to amaze. I heard the track Believe on the local Pacifica affiliate right after a horrifying dispatch from Iraq. It was chilling--and the song has had a profound association for me ever since. Ozo truly represents the best that LA has to offer celebrating diversity and challenging the status quo. Ozo = LA.

Eh
I took a chance on this one because Amazon recommended it based upon other purchases of mine.

Not a winner for me. One or two cuts were pretty good, but overall this is one I rarely play. Not very inventive. Not much drive. Not of much interest.