Wyclef Jean, The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant

Social commentary can be a minefield for populist entertainers, but Wyclef Jean brims with enough benevolent charm that he avoids any possibility of his ruminations grating. The heroes and heroines of his narratives are illegal immigrants, strippers, deadbeat dads and single mothers - but, with the help of guests Lil Wayne and Mary J Blige, his portrayals of these outcasts are remarkably sympathetic. 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.