Following the phenomenon of their 2000 radio-friendly hit single, "Who Let the Dogs Out," the Baha Men have returned with an album of upbeat tracks rife with that tropical island feel and pure Bahamian junkanoo energy. The 2001 release 2-Zero-0-0 is a collection of rhythmic tunes that are a combination of traditional Bahamian junkanoo beats and pop hooks. The opening track is a smooth cover of
Blue Swede's 1974 hit song "Hooked on a Feelin'," which became a cult classic in the '90s when it was remixed (and nicknamed the "ooga chaka" mix) and soon became a dancefloor phenomenon. The Baha Men strut their Bahamian junkanoo talents on the fast-paced jungle track "Keep on Dancin'," and the snazzy horns and quick, snappy beats are sure to keep booties shakin' at an island party. Brief interludes of the popular song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" break up the fun track "You All Dat," a groovy song in which the Baha Men sing in rap-like vocal style about partying. The most poppy track on the album is the title track, an upbeat island song that mixes a catchy chorus with undulating vocals and an explosive ending. The Baha Men reveal their penchant for making dance music with the heavy, house-like beats and vibrating background vocals on "Carnival." From the flirtatious, sexy vocals on "Watcha Sef" to the funky piano parts on "Back to the Island (Part 2)," 2-Zero-0-0 is a fun dance album that will get your maracas shakin'. ~ Kerry L. Smith