If you think you've heard it all in folk music, think again. "Make It Happen," the 2008 album by the dynamic duo Nizlopi, is here to shake things up. Nizlopi, comprised of Luke Concannon and John Parker, aren’t just making music—they’re making statements. This was the follow-up to their smash hit "JCB Song," which captivated audiences with its honest and raw portrayal of life from a working man's perspective. The duo released "Make It Happen" on their own record label, emphasizing their commitment to authenticity and independence—values that are all too rare in today's auto-tuned world.
First and foremost, Nizlopi fans will tell you this album was worth the wait. Following their chart-topping success, they could have easily sold out to big record labels. Instead, they stuck to their guns and honored their own vision. This is what results when you have guts and principles—traits that seem to get lost somewhere in the morally ambiguous world of mainstream music. By recording and distributing "Make It Happen" independently, Nizlopi effectively give a bold middle finger to the overproduced, substance-lacking drivel fed to us by major music corporations.
"Make It Happen" is not just a collection of songs; it's a series of musical stories that capture the essence of life, love, and protest. Forget phony themes repeated ad nauseam by pop stars with multi-million-dollar budgets. This album dives deep into the complexities of human emotion. Tracks like "Part of Me," and "Start Beginning" create a sonic narrative that just wouldn't make it past the gatekeepers demanding formulaic hits. How refreshing to hear voices that aren’t suffocated by liberal agendas or hollow appeals to over-indulgence.
The album’s tracks are widely varied, thanks to the interplay between Concannon’s passionate, poetic lyrics and Parker’s expert double-bass and beat-boxing skills. What's fascinating is how each track seems to tell a story that resonates with those of us who have grown tired of wading through commercialized soundscapes that say nothing. Remember when music actually represented the artist's voice rather than catering to public opinion? Those are Nizlopi's roots, and "Make It Happen" proudly reflects this unyielding commitment.
Lyrically, "Make It Happen" is soul-stirring. Take songs like "Feel Again," that challenge listeners to step back, think, and, yes, dare I say, "make it happen" in their own lives. This album isn't indulging in shallow social narratives but challenges real life scenarios—issues that matter to everyday people, not just ideologues clamoring for the spotlight. Concannon gives voice to joys and frustrations that resonate deeply, reminding us why we turn to music in the first place: to feel, to think, and to be inspired.
The sound of "Make It Happen" is strikingly organic. The raw production honors authenticity over flashy effects, much like a breath of fresh air in a room stifled by overproduced beats. This minimalistic approach gives center stage to Concannon and Parker's immense talents, which feel even more powerful without layers of glossy production clutter. It's striking; imagine getting served a clean, wholesome home-cooked meal in a world of drive-thru junk food. Yes, it's that good.
Another standout feature of the album is its impressive emotional and tonal range. Tracks like "Without You" hit emotional highs and lows with poetic grace, while "Last Night In Dakar" invites the listener into a world of rich storytelling. In doing so, they rebel against cookie-cutter pop formulas littering today’s airwaves.
"Make It Happen" is a musical manifesto against the mundane, challenging every listener to not only hear but to listen—really listen. No song is just filler. Each piece provides a unique statement about what it means to be human in an age inundated with superficiality. Take "Find Me," with its wistful yearnings juxtaposed by upbeat instrumental work—it’s an invitation to reconsider where true happiness lies.
For those seeking ideals beyond cookie-cutter motifs clinged to by popular culture, "Make It Happen" delivers that rare, refreshing authenticity. It's proof that music still has the power to be revolutionary, meaningful, and truthful. To those who seek solace in music that doesn’t insult your intelligence, you’ve found an anthem.
"Make It Happen" is a triumphant embrace of integrity, offering depth and beauty packed into every note and every word. In a world where clickbait headlines reign supreme, the album reminds us of the timeless value of sticking to one’s convictions. Nizlopi’s work reflects the raw beauty of the world as they perceive it, beckoning others to see beyond the contrived glamor of a commercial industry. Embark on this musical journey and feel emboldened to make things happen in your own world—just as unapologetically as these talented artists have.