Santigold does an unnamed style of music that is equal parts indie rock, reggae, dub, electronica, hip-hop, and world beat.  She is not the first and only artist to do this style – M.I.A. also does it and did it before her.

It is a good formula that results in music with great beats and fierce delivery, and Santigold’s “Master of My Make Believe” is no exception. It’s not music you’ll dance to, nor music you’ll sing along to, but rather music you can appreciate for its untypical rhythms.  The songs make you think hard. The lyrics are hard to interpret.  I don’t understand what any of the songs are about.  If they have any social-political meaning, or tell a personal story, I don’t see it.  I’m sure they do, but it’s a mystery to me currently and I’ll have to look for it. 

“Disparate Youth” is the strongest track on the album, and appropriately its first single. “GO!”, “God From The Machine”, “Fame”, “This Isn’t Our Parade”, “The Riot’s Gone”, and “Pirate In The Water” are also tracks that stood out for me.

My only complaints about the album are that it is somewhat monotonous – most of the songs have that same mood and vocal delivery. And while the formula for the album is eclectic, most of the songs have a similar fusion.

Check Santigold’s music out, if you’re looking for something only few artists can do.

(4 out of 5 stars)