Zena feat. Vybz Kartel - Been Around The World (Mercury)
release date: 2 August 2004
Zena was launched into the limelight as a member of Mis-Teeq, but things went pear-shaped for her in the group and she swapped Birmingham for the high-life State-side. As her former group have been enjoying a fair bit of success Zena has been networking, working with producers whose portfolios include the likes of Destiny's Child and Blu Cantrell.
Given this background, it's quite obvious then that she'd collaborate with one of Dancehall's emerging acts - right? Been Around The World may be a fair reflection of the last couple of years for Zena but the lounge vibe the track emanates doesn't fit that particular mould. In fact, it's almost like this is the track for the sake of it. No subverted messages, no hidden agenda. Surely that can't be right.
Well there is the inevitable emergence of a muse behind the track but that in itself doesn't detract from the relaxed mood that the song puts you in. So much so that you could say Been Around The World is a touch on the boring side; it never really even threatens to inspire. However the fact that it's incredibly radio-friendly will probably propel it to a high chart position.
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