The World Is Yours (Special Edition Bonus Disc) (Audio CD)

Quality! Not listened to it much yet but I think this will be up there with "Music Of The Spheres" as one of Ians best albums. Dont be put off by the first single "The World Is Yours" Although the lyrics maybe good, I think the actual song is one of the weaker tracks on the album.

What's Goin' On? In his heyday with the Stone Roses, Brown was often asked what he considered to be the greatest album of all time, and invariably he always answered that it was "What's Goin' On", the great social- political commentary opus by Marvin Gaye- an album that outlined the ills of the day- poverty, war, homelessness, the apathy towards the common man from the rulers governing the world. If this sounds familiar, it is because Ian Brown has made a very brave attempt to make "What's Goin' On" part 2- brave, firstly, because he could never be considered a great singer, but also because he has set himself up for ridicule. Detractors will point out the apparent bluntness of the lyrics. "Save us from the imbeciles that rule the world", "These are illegal attacks so bring the soldiers back", "get your life on track", etc. etc. but the whole point of this album is not meant to be an excersice in arch witticism or baleful intellectual posturing. It's meant to be profound and sincere. If it makes you cringe, as some reviewers such as Dan Cairns from The Times have pointed out, then that is probably because you're too comfortable sipping your champagne and blowing your nose from cocaine abuse to care. Musically, the album is Browns best yet, with inch perfect hip hop beats and gorgeous strings the order of the day. The stand out tracks, for me are "Some Folks Are Hollow", "On Track", "Eternal Flame (sounding uncannily like a Dr. Dre production), "Goodbye To The Broken", and of course, the recent Bush baiting single, "Illegal Attacks". "What's Goin' On" is some album to live up to- and Brown, let's be honest, was never going to match it. We should salute him for caring enough to attempt it, however. It's a damn fine album, if not a great one.

King Monkey reigns supreme. What an album! I should point out that I am extremely biased as I'm a HUGE Ian Brown fan, but this really is a masterpiece. The liberal use of strings throughout the whole album gives it an epic feel, couple that with some smooth hip-hop beats and, of course, the King Monkey's sublimely controversial lyrics, and the end result is simply staggering. Personally I would say this is his finest album to date, and I would not say that lightly, so if you're already a fan of Mr. Brown, you will love this album. I will admit that if you're not a fan of his than a lot of the album's clout may go straight over your head, but I would still urge you to give it a listen as you may just become a regular follower. Regarding the bonus disc, yes it is an instrumental version of the album so if thats not to your taste save a few quid and buy the cheaper version, but the packaging of this double disc one is a much better addition to your collection.

Yes it's preachy, and that's what makes it so good! Some people have complained that Ian Brown's new album is too "preachy". That's exactly what makes it one of his best! Brown is a modern day oracle and the empty, vapid, soulless music scene is crying out for the wisdom contained in his lyrics. Brown expertly encapsulates all our apprehension about the fact that mad-men have seized control of the planet and offers us hope in his lucid condemnation of the warmongers, notably in "Illegal Attacks". And if that's too preachy for you, stick your head back in the ground, where I'm sure you'll hear the nagging din of Madonna or Britney Spears.

Bathe in the fountain... Witness the Beauty... It's early days to be casting judgement on an album, and only time will tell how The World is Yours matches up to previous efforts. The potential to be great is definitly there with an expansive sound, orchestral crescendos and an eclectic mix of contributors. Lyrical content is blunt, honest, straight-forward, simplistic, rhythmical and beautifully effective. Artwork is stylish, minimalist and makes for a nice package, painting Ian Brown as the iconic urban guerrilla for a disillusioned population. The idea of including instrumental versions is a nice touch and is well suited to the grand sounds and 'nights in white satin' esque ebb and flow of the record. As before, Ian Brown continues to create interesting, challenging, distinctive music that is a kalaidescope of influences refracted through a man who stands alone.