Holla

Just in time for those hot, lazy days of summer comes the Baha Men release, Holla!. Imagine the water licking at your toes as you walk through warm, white sand on the beaches of Nassau. Now let the Junkanoo rhythm hypnotize you as you are swept away on a musical wave of epic proportions. It's time to bring the flavor of the island into your own backyard with this feel-good summer selection of tunes.

Even though their career spans 20 years, Baha Men is best known for their work of the last four years. In 2000, the group took home a Grammy for Best Dance Recording ("Who Let The Dogs Out") and during the past few years have contributed to the soundtracks: Men In Black, Shrek and Crocodile Hunter. Their unique groove will also be a highlight of the upcoming movie, Garfield.

"Handle It" introduces the album with a tropical twist and percussive sound that drives the song into a fury of rhythms designed to mesmerize and captivate. Goatskin drums pound out a body beat and the keyboards lull you into an island trance. Turn up the heat and shake it with all your might.

The title track, "Holla!," is reminiscent of Baha hits "Move It Like This" and "Who Let The Dogs Out," and will light up the silver screen this summer in Garfield. The pop/rock sound has a light, infectious sound with just the right touch of groove to still be Baha style. It's all about getting out of the rat race, letting your hair down and feeling free.

Stoke the fire with the romantic reggae styled tune, "Big Love." Although the beat slows in this pop/hip-hop song, the groove only digs deeper as words of love and loving take the stage. It's playful, it's sexy and completely Baha Men.

They may be known for one of the greatest sports anthems to hit the stands ("Who Let The Dogs Out"), but there's more to Baha Men than just soundtrack hits. Holla! is an album that will take you out of the urban grind and transport you into the laid-back coolness of that tropical destination you dream of. Stop dreaming, soak up some rays and play for awhile.

By Parker West