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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Now presenting his third album for Columbia Records, Youssou N'Dour broadens his appeal still further with a new and inspiring World-Beat album. Those who know him from his appearances with Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon will appreciate his integrity to his roots on the songs that feature the distinctive percussion of his griot background and "The Star of Dakar". Others who know him from the huge hit with Neneh Cherry ["Seven Seconds"] will enjoy the more trip-hop-style production on pop anthems "My Hope is in you" and "Don't Walk Away". The arabic flavour, which has always been present in his music, now finds expression in "She doesn't need to Fall" and you will hear high-life too in "Please Wait". There's more. Guest spots on backing vocals and a serious rap number highlighting poverty in urban Senegal contrast with the purity of Youssou's distinctive soaring vocals to bring the album towards it's emotional conclusion: a brief and touching call out to Africa for unity in the future. It's difficult to imagine that this album [despite never relaxing its focus] will not succeed in having what it aims for--the broadest possible appeal. Again, this truthful and unstoppable artist, with his magical voice, is the African story-teller musician on the world stage.--Ben Clarke
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album has a number of guest appearances from western singers, in an effort, no doubt, on Columbia's part to bring Youssou into the mainstream - not necessary Columbia! Youssou has one of the most original and beautiful voices in the world, to overlay this with Rap is a nonsense. Early tracks on this album are of usual Youssou standard but it goes down hill and true fans will, I think be disappointed overall.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
OK, this album does have flaws, notably the two pretty awful tracks where N'Dour unwisely accepts 'help' from Wyclef Jean, but the rest of it not only works well but is, in places, simply breathtaking. 'Wiri' is a superb opener with an infectious rhythmn that will be bouncing around in your head all day within no time while the second track, 'Birimi' is my favourite on the disc. Wonderful female backing vocals support a brilliantly chant like chorus and the whole effect is just sublime. It's only fault is that it is about 5 minutes too short! Of the other highlights 'My Hope is in You' is a wonderfully uplifting song of N'Dour's faith in the youth of the world, 'Don't Walk Away' (with Sting) is a beautiful guitar based song where N'Dours voice is at it's very best, and 'She Doesn't Need To Fall', another wonderful showpiece for N'Dours vocal genius. Other tracks such as 'Yama', 'Red Clay' and 'Beykat' are also excellent, as is the collaboration with Peter Gabriel, 'This Dream', which actually works well. Fortunately the cd does not end with the ghastly Wyclef remix of 'Birima' and suitable use of the Fast Forward control takes you to the last track, 'New Africa', a near perfect, simple folk like plea from N'Dour for all of Africa to work together and forget their divisions, just his voice over a synth - absolutely stunning. I may have to listen to this album every day until I'm old and grey (Wyclef tracks excepted).
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a magnificent C.D. The best he has done yet!
In the same way that Nelson Mandela is the yardstick for every African Politician, Youssou N'Dour is the yardstick for every African Musician.
As a singer he is unique, as he has both a very powerful voice, and a very wide vocal range.
This is a selection of some wonderfully crafted songs, maybe a bit more popish than his usual offerings, but great nevertheless. Nearly every track is very good, and also there are a few exceptional tracks e.g. Birima.
The musicianship and production on many African artists work often does not do justice to the beauty of their work, possibly due to the financial constraints, however it does on this C.D.
Anybody interested in listening to African music for the first time, must buy this C.D.
Anybody who is an African music lover will have this C.D.
In the same way that Nelson Mandela is the yardstick for every African Politician, Youssou N'Dour is the yardstick for every African Musician.
As a singer he is unique, as he has both a very powerful voice, and a very wide vocal range.
This is a selection of some wonderfully crafted songs, maybe a bit more popish than his usual offerings, but great nevertheless. Nearly every track is very good, and also there are a few exceptional tracks e.g. Birima.
The musicianship and production on many African artists work often does not do justice to the beauty of their work, possibly due to the financial constraints, however it does on this C.D.
Anybody interested in listening to African music for the first time, must buy this C.D.
Anybody who is an African music lover will have this C.D.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Sanitised Youssou N'dour
This was a true disappointment. For all Youssou's well-meaning appearance on Jools Holland, a sell-out concert tour, and very good reviwes of this album, it does him no justice. Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2001
Uplifting! Joyous!
A great album for Christmas 2000!! One of his best - the unusual tunes and variety of melodies mean more enjoyment! Read more
Published on 17 Dec 2000
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