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On his 6th solo release, ex-Fugee Wyclef Jean returns to the formula and concept that made his first solo album, The Carnival his biggest. The Carnival II (Memoirs of an Immigrant) celebrates an eclectic world of music in a carnival atmosphere moving from one complete, structured performance to another. A concept that holds the pieces together is that they reflect visions of America experienced by Wyclef Jean, the immigrant who left Haiti for Brooklyn and then New Jersey as a young boy.

However, the fractures are deep enough that the album sometimes feels disjointed.

Pleasures To Be Had

Listening to The Carnival II piece by piece, there is true pleasure for the ears. The rugged, epic streetscape of "Riot (Trouble Again)", featuring contributions from System of a Down's Serj Tankian, gives way to the sweet hip hop nostalgia of current single "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)." Just as the listener is exhaling from a rugged blend of rap, reggae, and rock, Akon's nearly heavenly vocals cajole and flatter.

The inevitable Wyclef duet with Shakira, "King and Queen," is actually a significantly more complex and rewarding listening experience than the duo's mega-smash "Hips Don't Lie". An expansive rock ballad atmosphere unfolds in counterpoint to Wyclef Jean's rap and reggae interludes. It is hard to imagine this lush composition topping pop radio playlists, but fans of both Shakira and Wyclef Jean will be pleased.

Warm and Humane

Wyclef Jean's warm and humane approach, as well as his social concern, shine through brightly on this collection.

The context of fallout from domestic violence doesn't prevent compassion for all trapped in the experience on the retro r&b of "What About the Baby" with Mary J. Blige. Wyclef shows us all how music can transcend complicated backgrounds with the presence of controversial Jamaican reggae master Sizzla and Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, playing violin, on the plea for an end to violence of "Welcome to the East."

A true love for his adopted home as an immigrant winds as an ever-evolving thread through many of the songs. Whether embracing New Jersey as a "New Jerusalem," identifying himself and Paul Simon as the "Jersey Boys," or stating "Heaven's in New York," Wyclef Jean celebrates the new home he found as a boy of 9.

Top Tracks from 'The Carnival II'

• Riot (Trouble Again)
• Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)
• King and Queen
• What About the Baby
• Any Other Day

The Whole Is Less Than the Sum of the Parts

This album is a collection of compositions that work well independently but fail to coalesce into a strong, coherent whole. Perhaps this is part of Wyclef Jean's vision of a fractured world "in panic mode." Wyclef is one of the most talented producers in popular music, and he surrounds himself here with unquestionably brilliant talents. Put on your headphones, settle into a comfortable sofa or chair, and allow yourself to be carried on a journey through Wyclef Jean's experience of America. You will be rewarded handsomely.