Michael Franti and Spearhead delivers his new LP, The Sound of Sunshine, flush off the success of the top 20 single "Say Hey (I Love You)." That song appeared on 2008's All Rebel Rockers, and helped make that LP Franti's highest-charting to date.

The new record is a sharp turn away from the reggae-tinged protest rock that established Franti's career and has been his touchstone all along. There's a lot of acoustic guitar on this record, and more Franti-esque songs about connections to family and friends. Franti has said he wanted all of these songs to be danceable--not necessarily four-to-the-floor club bangers, but more traditional world dance music.

Franti says the positive vibrations and renewal for love of life showcased on this record were inspired by a near-death experience he had after a ruptured appendix in August of last year. He claims to have woken every morning to see if the sun was shining and what kind of feeling of optimism it gave him. He claims that if it was cloudy he'd go back to bed and find the sunshine in his mind, seeking an interpretation of what the sun sounded like through his guitar and voice--hence the new album's title.

Franti and Spearhead recorded The Sound of Sunshine in Jamaica with legendary legendary reggae production duo Sly and Robbie, who also co-produced All Rebel Rockers. Franti and company will be touring in support of the record hopefully through Christmas in North America. Fans can expect the usual live Spearhead experience: pre-show sidewalk performances, mass yoga sessions and even more family-friendly dates so children can see the band. Be sure to check them out on tour and give the new record a listen.