Tom Morello – World Wide Rebel Songs

Tom Morello is well known for two things. He is the creative guitar legend from rap rock pioneers Rage Against the Machine and he is an outspoken political figure. On his fourth solo outing he both embraces and moves beyond those labels. This album blends the fury and energy of RATM with his love of classic political folkies like Woodie Guthrie.

Lead single Black Spartacus Heart Attack Machine is a rocking tongue twister. It Begins Tonight is a nod to his RATM roots. The Whirlwind and Branding Iron are similar to the quiet folk sounds from his previous releases and the wonderful solidarity sing along Union Town makes a reprise here as a bonus track. This is Morello’s strongest solo release yet, but there are still a few awkward missteps. Facing Mount Kenya has the lyrical potential to be a great song, but it ends up as a confusing jumble of music that wouldn’t even be worthy of B side status. On his past albums, guests like outlaw country artistShooter Jennings weren’t really used to their fullest. This time around Ben Harper joins in on the slow burn rally cry Save the Hammer For the Man. By the time you get to God Help Us All at the end of the album, you will find yourself rooting for the upbeat side of his sound. This quiet ballad feels like filler on a decent rock album.

Morello is at his best when singing catchy songs that could be chanted by crowds at a political demonstration, like on Union Town. When he attempts to get introspective or experiment, things usually fall flat for him. It is interesting that he moved to renowned folk label New West to release his loudest solo effort. This album is better than anything he did with the radio rock group Audioslave and is his best solo release to date, but it still doesn’t compare with the punk fury of his Rage Against the Machine days. That being said, his positive message will always be welcome.