Reggae/Review Carlton Rara - Universed

Singer, composer, and actor Carlton Rara was born in France to a Haitian mother and a French father. He’s been influenced by shows and artists of all kinds since his early childhood. His music is a blend of various influences, such as reggae, blues, pop music, and others. His compositions often have a rhythmic approach.

With “Universed,” Carlton Rara opens an exciting new chapter in his artistic journey—one defined by fearless experimentation, deep cultural grounding, and a renewed creative pulse. Spanning 12 tracks and 52 minutes, the album operates as both a personal manifesto and a vibrant musical mosaic, blending Haitian Creole and English with seamless instinct, and weaving together an expansive palette of rhythms, colors, and moods.

From the opening track “Poze Zam,” Rara invites listeners to “lay down their weapons,” ushering them into a space of vulnerability and connection. It’s an entryway into an album that marries introspection with irresistible groove. “All Inside” and “This Morning” radiate with joy and renewal, their upbeat spirit supported by Ska-influenced rhythms that keep the momentum bright and buoyant. “Judgment Day” extends that energy, encouraging emotional honesty over the habitual reflex of critique.

The album also probes deeper societal and existential concerns. “Lespri Kolonial la” calls for awakening in the face of exploitation, while “Down the Valley” offers a haunting glimpse into the ways technology shapes human disconnection. On “Sa Ma Fe,” reggae forms the backbone for a raw reflection on Haiti’s socio-political struggles—one of the album’s most potent and grounded moments.

Rara’s spiritual and personal musings shine in tracks like “Today,” “I Am Being,” and “Se Konsa Latè a ye,” each carrying a sense of ritual simplicity and mindful presence. The confessional “I Quit” stands out as a story of redemption, while “Lavi a” closes the album with celebratory rara rhythms, circling back to the danceable spirit of the opening.

Supported by standout visual art from Louh-Ann Alexandrenne and Paula Ambrosio, and polished through the expertise of Simon Derasse, “Universed” arrives as an expansive, heartfelt, and culturally rich offering. Carlton Rara’s new cycle begins here—with courage, rhythm, and undeniable soul.