Amazon.co.uk Review
Released five years after it was recorded, and quite possibly delayed as a result of the war on terror,
Egypt is Youssou N'Dour's long overdue homage to Senegal's mystical (and moderate) Sufi take on Islam. It's his first internationally released album in two decades without a word of English and a breath of fresh air as such. Cairo's Fathy Salama Orchestra add the textures and tonalities of the Arab world to Youssou N'Dour's small group of Senegalese musicians and singers with often thrilling results.
It's not an immediate album by any means, and some may miss the major chords and frenetic mbalax rhythms of his other work, which only surface in restrained form on "Cheikh Ibra Fall". In their place are loping North African grooves, trilling flutes, the buzzing drones of various Egyptian reed instruments and big sweeping string arrangements all skilfully combined with the tinkle of kora and the woody tones of the balafon. Youssou N'Dour's distinctive tenor is unusually subdued in most places and often complemented by fine call-and-response chorus vocals. The consistency of tone and mood--generally one of reverent but restrained ecstasy--might initially seem monochromatic, but Egypt handsomely repays repeated listens. --Jon Lusk
CD Description
International pop star Youssou N'Dour explores of the themes and sounds of Senegal's Sufi culture on this striking 2004release. Markedly different than the artist's other albums,on which African elements combine with Caribbean influence and various American styles (including soul, jazz, and rock), EGYPT moves away from N'Dour's trademark pop and deep intothe territory of traditional religious music. Though characterised by an undercurrent of West African rhythms and inflections, the sound here--as the title indicates--draws on North African and Middle Eastern Arab music, and features such regional instruments as the oud, the arghul (a double-reed bamboo flute), tablas, and various Arab Gulf percussion.
There is a distinct classical aura here (the personnel list includes an arranger, a conductor, and a score manager). The Fathy Salama Orchestra, which backs N'Dour throughout, features--in addition to Egyptian flutes and drums--first and bass violins, and the group's complex, elegant interplay gives these recordings a stately, stirring feel. N'Dour's voice, in contrast to its usual role as a high, soaring lead, blendssubtly into the musical fabric here. A recording notable for its focus, passion, and beauty, EGYPT is possibly N'Dour'sriskiest and most artistically rewarding album.