Lam Toro

Cool background listen

African rhythms, couldn't get into it at all

I’m shocked to see this artist on the list again. Kind of seems lazy on the part of the editor to include the same African artist twice with how little representation that continent has on this list so far. With that being said, I like this album quite a bit more than I liked the first album from this artist. This album just feels more accessible to me for some reason. Still not for me but I can appreciate it for what it is.

"Lam Toro" by Baaba Maal is a captivating album that presents a rich tapestry of Senegalese music and culture. Released in 1992, it showcases Maal's distinctive voice and his ability to blend traditional and contemporary influences. Tracks like "Gorel" and "Lam Tooro" highlight his mastery of storytelling through music. The album's production is a fusion of African rhythms, vibrant melodies, and modern production techniques. "Lam Toro" is an important piece of Maal's discography, offering a window into the vibrant world of Senegalese music and its global impact.

Couldn't listen cos couldn't get alexa to understand album title or artist name

I'm no expert on this genre, and what little familiarity I have is with South African contemporary artists and bands, so this was really cool to explore how West African music differs. I obviously have no idea what he's saying but the chords and rhythms are just innately compelling. I guess we've heard him before if you've seen the Black Panther movies. Hamady Boiro is a groove. Some production elements are a little dated but make sense for '92 (would have preferred if Gidelam used a real sax or woodwind vs a synth). Disappointed to find very little English language context for the album. Would go 3.5 but feeling generous

Not bad, listened in the background which I think was a good call.

Youssou N'Dour is my only previous exposure to Senegalese music. Lam Toro is different than Youssou N'Dour's work I have heard, I thought Baaba Maal's juxtaposition of traditional music with more modern rhythm is very interesting and worthy of multiple listens. Time will tell whether if gets a spot on my list.

Interesting but ultimately it all starts to sound the same to me.

While I have very little experience with music like this, the album grew on my as it continued. I really liked the guitar here, especially on the final track.

Something different for a change. I dont think i could listen to this music every day but it was a nice change from all the rock albums I've been getting lately.

This was so refreshing after a slew of male guitar records from the late 20thcentury.

I love when I'm exposed to an artist/genre like this and it just clicks with me. I loved listening to this and will play this in the future. I'm always wary when anything international makes this list, but this was a wonderful listen for me.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say that this isn't one of the most important African albums of all time. I'm going to take another wild guess and say that the writers of this book don't know a lot about African music in general, so they just randomly picked a bunch of albums for diversity sake.

Atmospheric and enchanting at times, overwrought at others. It could have benefitted from a little snipping at the track count, because despite this record having really beautiful moments, they get lost in amongst some murk.

Dels millors discos de world music que he descobert a la llista. Arrels i so purament africans, però amb una producció i refinament occidentals que els fan més accessibles. Un disc que es disfruta escoltar

Very cool. I don't know WTF is up with the RYM score on this album.

I liked this but I gotta wonder who selected this project. If the list maker was an English speaking native I assume they also had no grasp on the language like me, so like what if the whole thing is just praising genocide or something else despicable? Beats kinda go tho

Not for me

Mostly decent songs. Some are a bit repetitive or even annoying.

no

There was some nice moments during the album but I think its a 2/5 on dot for me. It needed a few more stuff to be 3/5

Pleasant, celebratory, finds a groove and sticks with it. I've gotten one of his albums before, and can't say I remember much of it, but this is fine enough when it's on. Favorite track: "Daniibe"

"Yela" is a beautiful opener, expansive and heartfelt. Unfortunately, it seems to me that the mix of afro-islamic tunes and early-nineties western influences on other tracks hasn't aged very well. More barebones tracks such as "Gidelam" and "Sy Sawande" hold their own pretty well, though. I don't know... Being unfamiliar with this style of music overall, I think I need more time to revisit this record (and maybe others by Baaba Maal). In the meantime... Number of albums left to review: less than 500 (I've temporarily lost count) Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately. Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter (many others are more important to me). Temporary grade: 3/5 for the purposes of this list (and 8/10 for more general pusposes: 5+3)

Not for me.

Great voice. Like, really great. The Bontempi keyboard effects ruin it for me. Could have been great live with a horns section. The kind of music I would dance to if drunk. Liked it, didn't love it, didn't finish the whole album. 2 or 3 stars.

Really enjoyable album and it has a range of styles on it — some danceable pop and some more traditional-sounding acoustic folk. We’ve had a few West African albums on the list so far and I always connect with them. I also like that some of the more pop-leaning tracks here have a bit of a cheesy production that you expect from the era. But the rhythms still sound complicated. I’m gonna want to revisit this one. (Oooh this guitar solo in the second half of the closing track “Minuit”! 🎸🙌)

This album isn't really doing it for me. Maybe I'm a little removed from the sound of this culture but there aren't many moments where I am saying "wow!", or "I love that!", or "this is one of the best 1001 albums of all time". I appreciate representation of music outside of the plethora of US and more popular EU made records though. "Gidelam" was a standout for me, the rhythms are cool and unique and yet still approachable. I think I hear a cool tuned percussion in there too- sort of like a tabla. Overall it was alright. Not bad but not really my thing.

I don't have much of a frame of reference here, but I enjoyed it well enough. Why are the Spotify play counts so low?

Ca m'a paru un peu long car presque 1h et c'est répétitif mais j'adore le vibe de ces artistes africains ! 4

Baaba Maal Doo-doo-da-doo-da-doo.

paas maal

I enjoyed this voyage to Senegal.

This was my first exposure to Baaba Maal for me that I know of. It was a treat and I enjoyed being introduced.

I listened to this on a plane, coming home from a vacation with my oldest and dearest whom I only see in person once a year or so. So I was a little sad but this music made me happy. Very fine.

I was sitting by a waterfall and put this on - and felt instantly transported to some other place. I had never heard of Lam Toro but these songs were fantastic and are definitely worth hearing before you die.

Liked the sound, didn’t love it though.

Senegalese music. Termina mejor que empieza.

More enjoyable than I was expecting but probably won’t listen again.

There are some interesting things on this album, but it is a bit out of my depth and experience. I know a bit about Baaba Maal's humanitarian work and contributions to the Black Panther soundtrack. He seems like he's somewhat of an ambassador for the nebulous category of African music, but of course he's playing in a very culturally specific style informed by his Senegalese roots which lends his music French touches. Overall, the music sounds very dated yet is very skillfully layered with polyrhythms and a diverse instrumentation drawing from both African and western sources.

Great vibes

Couldn't understand a word of this but the rhythms and vocals embodied a lively energy that had my toe tapping throughout the full playtime.

Badly dated production but still there's some good stuff

Not my kind of genre to begin with and it doesn’t help that Mail can’t pick a genre to stick with - the shift towards pop orchestration in the second half is a bit baffling and leaves the whole LP feeling disconnected and haphazardly conjoined together

Not for me.

Very good but not my jam.

Cheery and fun to craft to in the morningtimes

Really enjoyed the few songs that had a nice melody or groove but disliked the rest

Good, interesting to hear music from Senegal! Some of the "western" aspects date it though (but I kinda like them). It was pretty nice! Standout Tracks 4, 7, 9, 10

I'm very glad that we got a different Baaba Maal album first: This one leaves an entirely unfair impression. Cynical and tedious, there's at least some variety, but the gap in quality erases any lingering goodwill for this LP.

Not really my thing, but I did enjoy it

very world

Not my thing

Fun listen, great afro beat music.

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Olel

this was an interesting listen. tribal beats with an indigenous sound. rap, soft rock, and reggae/ska influences are also present on this album. certainly an adventure.

Why is this on the list? It's not even an interesting listening....

Not really for me but I could see why others like it

Some okay afrobeat-y stuff. Not my favourite of the genre that we've had on the list, it gets a bit bland later through the album

Listened Before? N Sorry, not English and not a style I care for. I'll pass. I'm sure it's great if you speak whatever language its in. Not for me. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Gidelam

Background music for a log flume, wasn't feeling it at all

Started out promising, but soon got boring. Soz Baaba.

Cool African beats

Great instrumentation

Pretty good!

African music. Good but can’t understand it

Seems like a lot of cool sounds coming from all over the place. Very musical, just not up my alley. I’ll give this a 2. No playlist adds.

Not my bag baby 2 out of 10

I really found this interesting, it's a nice mix of cultural instruments and more commonly recognised ones

Dated as soon as it hit shelves.

As many others have said in the reviews, due to the cultural and language barrier, I feel my ability to appreciate this is lessened, I get the idea, and appeal, but can’t fully get with it.

I much preferred the album where he collaborated with Monsour Seck. Best track: Sy Sawande

An enjoyable international listen. Cool singing and melody and great grooves.

Standard World music 3 Rating

Did not expect the slap bass/ xylophone pairing half way through

My favorite type of album - a slice of music I never would’ve found on my own.

No.

Unexpected and groovy

Leuke Afrikaanse muziek met enkele rock-invloeden

Though the album didn’t resonate with me, I found some of the rhythms alien and infectious. Joyful, no doubt.

Als ik dit vorig jaar tijdens Brew @ The Zoo live had aangetroffen op het plein bij de olifanten na 3 uur bierdrinkend rondwandelen + nog een uur lang bierdrinkend wachten op 2 schalen minisnacks dan had ik er zeker de pracht van ingezien. Het is voor zover ik kan beoordelen niet slecht. Maar ik merk dat ik met m'n CKV petje op zit te zoeken naar een manier waarop ik dit 3 sterren kan geven, uit een soort combinatie van respect en opluchting dat het meer is meegevallen dan ik vooraf had verwacht. Ik denk dat 2 sterren de meest realistische beoordeling is.

A few more world music inclusions would be good. This album was a nice change and well received. It got a bit samey towards the end, but I liked the tunes.

I've always enjoyed a spot of Baaba Maal. I just love that voice and those Afrobeat rhythms. There are some really lovely chilled songs on this album. Nice.

I'll take some variety any day of the week. If it's not generic rock, all the better. I liked this, I found it really pleasant. I can't see myself listening to it again but I enjoyed it today.

.....

not for me

Very enjoyable. Can't really remember any faves but the whole album is a great listen.

Hmmm, I liked the bulk of this, but every now and then it veers into more conventional sounding euro pop, and that kinda dampens my enthusiasm. Probably woulda gone to 5 if it had been less crossover. Fave track - "Yela" is a lovely opener. "Miniut" has some gorgeous moments, even if parts of it are a little-too-conventional ballad sounding...

Loved it. Need to listen more to full appreciate.

This is probably really good. I enjoyed listening to it but I don’t know how to process this music into an album review. 
Favorite Track - Gidelam 3 out of 5 stars

verrassend leuk

I am completely ambivalent about this. Rating 2 stars to avoid being too harshly dismissive of something I just couldn’t get it up for.

Funky, groovy, and generally a pleasure even if I have no idea what we're singing about.

I could say a lot of things about this, but I think the biggest takeaway is that it’s just not for me.

The cover photo and choice of fonts together are quite arresting. Taking the album for a spin, though, the actual music is only great here and there, quite a few tracks are surprisingly quotidian. I tend to be a sucker for this kind of music so maybe my expectations were unreasonable, but these are supposed to be the 1001 most interesting albums right? Lam Toro is perfectly nice, but I'm not sure it belongs on the list.

Good sound here but I don't think I would seek it out.

tribe vibes

Fula music, traditional to the Fula people of western Africa, features an array of musical instruments not often heard in western popular music. Baaba Maal, having studied music in Dakar and Paris, has devoted his life to this traditional music and bringing it to a wider audience. Thus, we have Lam Toro. You can hear some concessions to make it more accessible to a western audience. While I appreciate continuing to sing in his native tongue, I would prefer if the album was fully reflective of traditional Fula music in order to get a better understanding. Regardless, Lam Toro provides a unique listening experience that is not often heard by westerners, making it an invaluable record.

Dispersate musical styles made to work well, with impressive vocals. Could do without the 80s synths though, which I usually like but sound out of place here. Best song, Toro

extra point as it's different, but just not something i can listen to

3.5

I have always been a fan of international music and this is a good artist to add.

I only listened once. It was alright but not somethng I'd pursue. 3*

Liked this. Very danceable.

I give 3 stars because it is not bad. I find it well constructed, melodic music. But this is absolutely not my type of music.

interessante.

Het is op zich prima om naar te luisteren en vast erg goed, maar voor mij toch een beetje te ver van mn bed show. Ik hou er toch meer van als de zang enigszins te begrijpen en mee te zingen is. 2 sterren.

Está bien. No lo escucharía de vuelta.

I didn't mind listening to this, but it failed to grab my interest. Having said that, this album is my second favourite Senegalese album that I've ever listened to, after Maal's other album on this list. Rating: 2/5 Playlist track: Hamady Boiro Date listened: 02/02/23

Dunno not speaking to me

It's ok and I liked some tracks. Authentic African rhythms with 80/90s synth/drums. It would have been better without the extra bits (since they are dated now).

Can't say this is my fav thing ever but it's fun to hear something so far from my wheelhouse. Senegal eh? Would rather this than any more post punk. I'm gonna add this to my world music office playlist I think. Got pretty groovy in places. 3/5.

Second Baaba Maal album in a week. Enjoyable, but simply not good enough to keep Salif Keita or Cesaria Evora inexplicably off this list.

Another easy listen. African albums hit different.

Lam Toro is the third album by Senegalese singer and guitarist Baaba Maal. This worldbeat album is a mixture of ragga, salsa, and traditional Senegalese chants & music. It was interesting because it's not music I normally hear in my daily life, and I could appreciate the talent behind it. However, I don't think I'd listen to it again or try to find similar music.

Not my cup of tea

Good, different. I thought this was slightly above average.

Not my thing.

Enjoyed it. No idea what he's singing about mind.

Not my thing

Comme très souvent lorsque je manque d'inspiration, je vous propose de vous référer à la critique de mon ennemi juré eltrapeze, bien que je sois en désaccord total avec son opinion.

Un nouvel album de baragouinage, mais Baaba Maal a au moins le mérite de bien baragouiner ses sénégalaiseries.

I enjoyed just about every minute of this wonderful album Not sure I could fully embrace the nasaly nature of Baaba Maal's vocals but the music is wonderful. Rhythmically complex yet accessible, the incorporation of western melodies and production enhances that accessibility but still allows the authenticity of the music to come through. 4 stars

Beautiful voices and satisfying beats. A nice listen. No idea what they're singing about though.

8/10 a few boring tracks , but overall a really enjoyable and unique album.

7/10. Good stuff. I should listen to this sort of stuff more.

Pretty repetitive. 5/10

Traditional African beats. Amazing vocals range and instrumentation. Not my style but I appreciate the artistry.

How can you fail to be uplifted and refreshed by these kinds of wonderful African rhythms and singing. I had a smile on my face throughout. Its a little cheesy 90's Casio keyboard in places, but I try not to hold that against people because the early 90's were a weird time. Plus it kind of works here with the uplifting vibe of the record. I think my favorite track was Olel but they are all strong and I think that's this albums weakness as well as strength that its all about the same quality so its easy to get lost in and I can absolutely see why it would fail to make an impression on a lot of people.

Some good rhythms.

Boring to me but idk

I can’t act like I know what I’m listening for here to enjoy it. I’m sure its influential

I appreciate hearing these albums and being exposed to a different sound than I'm used to. Overall though, I struggle to see myself registering to albums that are in a foreign language over again, and struggle to connect with them in a way that I don't for English language or even instrumental focused albums.

This was the least accessible of this style. The higher points are where it picks up and stays with a constant rhythm. Those with many changes were off putting.

I really enjoyed this! It felt very experimental and exploratory throughout!

A lovely change of pace. Absolutely love the percussion. The instrumentation for Daande Lenol is really pretty and Hamady Boiro is so much fun. Those two are my favorites. I’m afraid the rest of the album doesn’t really stand out to me.

👳🏿‍♂️👍

fun gorgeous rhythms, had never heard of it. only 30K plays on spotify for their top songs? criminal!

This was a fun suprise, it was very well spunding and had some very interesting and great tunes

Wonderful - not one I would have ever found without this project, but I'm glad I did!

Quite funky and just really fun, also pretty ethereal at times too, and it made for an interesting commute into and around the city while I was listening to it. Unfortunately some of those MIDI-esque synths really threw me off, though they probably sounded way better in '92.

At its best when it commits to the trance-like hypnotic stuff; at its worst when it strives towards its pop sensibilities. The more western influenced stuff is really very bland, with the songs not really going anywhere. The repetitive nature of the songs becomes boring instead of meditative

Interesting album some songs feel a bit long. Vocals are interesting but not for me. It’s fine but the 80s synth influence that creeps in I do not like.

A reviewer mentioned a 2nd album by this fellow. Unbelievable

Lively. Clear. Not something I feel super connected to, but definitely some good melody work here.

Loved the voice, and the music certainly filled the room with atmospheric sounds that I'm not entirely accustomed to. I nonetheless found it a bit of a trudge from time to time. Chalk it up to ignorant listener as opposed to bad musician - I think a little longer with Baaba Maal and I'd begin to enjoy it more. But this app demands swiftness, and so on we plunge...

This is the best Paul Simon album yet.

This one was tough for me. Glad to be exposed to African music, as I don't really know any. But this wasn't my favorite. Voice was shrill and so wiggly. Music all over the place and songs too long.

Mixture of 90 synth sounds and African music (think "The Lion King", albeit a few years earlier). Not too bad, but I'm not a big fan of this kind of world music. (which, in any case it has been done better by the likes of Peter Gabriel.) It would take a few more years before the integration of African and more western music would become somewhat more authentic - here, it sounds like an experiment. 2/5

ok

It’s somewhat enjoyable but I really,really don’t like world music and I’am having a shitty day so that doesn’t help but hey you can tell that this guy is having fun and it’s better than Ladysmith Black Mazambo having absolutely no instrumentation. I think to be fair on it it’s a 2/5 for me personally but if you like this kinda thing it’s great.

My dad would have loved this.

Pretty interesting. Doubt I'll listen to it again though

Traditional african, unecpected and reminds me of Black Panther, but I Like!

Parts of this are the smoothest and most hypnotic Afro Beat I have encountered on this list. However other parts attempt a similar sound to Youssou N'Dour but don't teach the same heights

Happy vibes

Note to self: Give this another go the next time you trip on shrooms. Or as the kids say, Microdose. Without my mind expanded, this didn't do anything. Fuckers.

Feels very 90s. Maybe too many world music albums this week to give this its proper consideration.

That's a lot of synth.

This is a pleasant enough listen, although more subtle and less dynamic than other West African music I've heard. Not super memorable as an album. Fave Songs: Daniibe, Sy Sawande, Gidelam, Olel, Hamady Boiro

Some good percussion in there but wasn't super into it

A guy singing his heart out in a language I’ll never understand. A drum kit and a keyboard were also there. And a flute?

The album was interesting. It was a mix of what seemed to be tribal music and reggae. It was not really memorable. I did not skip any songs. It is better than a one, but not really a two. I will round down.

I don't think I'm cultured enough to fully enjoy this. Unique, kept me on my toes, but ultimately not my jam.

Very good world music that embraces the 90s

Fav song - Daande lenol (dahndey lenyol) - Super cool instrument called the “Kora” Least Fav - Olel - Basically did the same groove for 7 minutes

Great Afro beats and voice. I really enjoyed listening to this album

HL: Minuit, Hamady Boiro, Gidelam, Lem Gi Baaba Maal is one of my favourite recent discoveries from this album list (though reading Wikipedia, I heard his voice before in the Black Panther soundtrack). “Djam Leeli” was sparse and hypnotic, this is denser & more celebratory. August 29, 2022

Great fun listen. Doubt i'd go back though

Perfect Vibes!

Not for me

It's not a bad album, but there's so much better music from Senegal than this specific album.

the bass was cool

Its all a bit alien. Amazing voice and terrific rhythms. All sang in some Senegal language. The synth brass is cheap sounding and irritating after a while. The Bryan May type solo on the last track is a bit strange. Interesting but I'm sure I wouldn't play this again.

This could have an interesting deviation from the generally bland and uninspiring albums brought forth by this list. Alas, I couldn’t find much of interest in this particular album. I’m sure worthier representatives of world music are out there in greater numbers.

World music just takes longer to appreciate when it is so different from what you are used to. This one, is like that for me. I can appreciate it, but not totally get it - for now. I am sure as i become more familiar with it, i will enjoy it more. For now it is a 2/5.

Not bad if to my ears a bit backgroundy (as often happens when singers sing in another language than English), two or three very strong tracks.

It was annoying and it wouldn't end. Simply awful. It made my eye twitch. Sounds like the kind of crap that people would pretend to like to try and impress other simpletons. Never again.

The melody on "Lem Gi" is surprisingly moving and vibrant! That one and "Ndelorel" sounded funnily like N64 music, which is fitting considering the year this was released :U Very cool!

It was pleasant listen but a one and done for me.

Really enjoyed this. Hard not to imagine you’re somewhere sunny and having a great time when this plays. Not sure id sit and actively listen to it but as music to have in the background - winner

Fine record, not really my thing, but it sounds okay

Few decent tunes, some really bad ones too. I liked more of the classic worldbeat style then the straight forward pop songs. Enjoyed more of his guitar playing than his vocals as well.

Enjoyable, but I’d rather not listen to a whole album at once. I like the music/instruments, but his voice starts to grate after a bit.

I honestly don't know if i just listened to the same song on repeat for an hour. There was so little difference between the songs. Skip this album.

Call me an ugly American, but I have a strong, strong preference to music that's in English. So something that isn't in English has to REALLY grab my attention if I'm going to enjoy it at all. Well, this grabbed my attention, but in all the wrong ways. The vocals are super annoying, and the entire album is repetitive. Maybe it's amazing and I just don't have the musical vocabulary to enjoy it. But to say I did not enjoy it would be an understatement.

I enjoyed it, but I'm left wondering, with only so much West African music on this list, why this artist, why this album? Seems like he has albums that were more successful, this one doesn't even have a Wikipedia page - what the heck? So, why not Firin' in Fouta? Those questions aside, I enjoyed listening to it.

Dated production techniques have marred what could have been a much more interesting album. I want to like it but the out-of-the-box synth tones and the all too crisp and clean recording style make it sound like it was created in a vacuum.

Not huge into this style of music but nothing was offensive, cool that he sings in Pulsaar to promote the language.

Dit voelt te veel als een andere wereld waar ik niet helemaal bijhoor.

Nee, dit is niet echt iets waar ik warm voor loop.

Mwa.

sounds intense. 3.

Je fais un avec le désert.

ma mère aurait mis 5 pour sur je vais lui offrir pour son anniv

This was totally not my thing.

Absolutely LOVE this album! From the year I was born too! Loved that last Baaba Maal album that came up and this follows, I maybe even prefer this one! Toro has such a moreish sound and the opening Yela is another major highlight. Delicious album! Can't fault it. Love that he's promoting and championing traditions of the Pulaar-speaking people.

I thought this was beautiful, uplifting and interesting. Will definitely listen to some songs again.

I think I preferred this to the last Baaba Maal, I like how upbeat and optimistic sounding it is. Its not my fave but I appreciated it

I really liked this, it had a really good vibe.

no

Interesting sound, also quite modern. Some I liked a bit more, some a bit less, nothing really stood out.

Was aware of the name but none of the music before this. It all sounded good and I enjoyed it, but nothing particularly jumped out at me. The title track was possibly my least favourite. Probably need (and hope) to give it another listen at some point and try to take it all in in a bit more detail.

I didn't dislike this. It just wasn't for me. I really do try and experiment with different genres. But this didn't have any connection to me. There's some decent rhythms and a nice groove going off. Two stars for that, but I'm struggling I'm afraid.

I think I get the appeal of this music, but not the culture or insightfulness to fully appreciate it. His voice sounds incredible, and the album itself sounds great.

This is the sort of thing I like to get thrown my way. Totally out of my wheel house, and I've never heard of him before.

Interesting. Not sure I'd listen to it again, but I'm glad I listened to it once! 3 stars.

Loved the flecks of classic rock in this

Whenever this list has picked a world music album, you can generally guess what it sounds like. Chorus pedal guitars, horn synths, funky bass lines etc. It's all good but... well... y'know. Best Tracks: Toro; Hamady Boiro; Ndelorel

I tried just not for me

Ritmos africanos. Un poco rollo. Pero venga, ni fu ni fa por salirse de los estilos trillados.

Two Baaba Maal albums in three days. The album overall was okay. The enjoyed hte album more as it went along. Maal has some interesting percussion and beats. "Hamady Boiro" and "Olel" were my favorite tracks. Maal is talented, but I can't quite round up to 4 stars.

Loved it! Very different from what I usually listen, but feels very familiar in some way .

Ok, it's African world music now.

First time of listening to this Album, I can see it's merits in world/African music terms but not a great fan to be honest. Quite liked "Toro" and "Daande Lenol" with some interesting guitar licks. But not a stitch on my favourite African Band "The Bhundu Boys" with their up-tempo African-rock/Jazz fusions. can see the credit but not to my taste to be honest.

From Senegal. African music.

Very cool. Some songs got me groovin' But it's not that interesting. 2

Senegalese music mixed with reggea and disco. Certainly refreshing for in between. (5/10) FT: Yela

pretty boring but its alright

Didn’t listen super closely, but it sounded like a million other things

Nice rhythms, but probably needs a second listen before I get even vaguely hooked

Interesting in its own way

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

2.9

overcrisp 90s world music production

1/27/22

Great album, wonderful to listen to as background music

Refreshingly different to other albums so far.

Zafa, va un 3

Very nice.

the jazzier songs were the best in my opinion

Nicht mein Ding. Der geleierte Gesang gefällt mir nicht. Und viel mehr ist da auch nicht. Ein Trostpunkt.

Really something unique to listen to

Vittu mitä paskaa

Kiikunkaakunkakkonen

It worked as background noise, but I guess I'm not really into this type of music.

Not something I would ever consider listening to but it was worth a listen.

Not familiar with much world music, this has good beats and very upbeat. But not for me, I’m probably just not cultured enough to appreciate this fully. Wouldn’t listen again but can see why it’s on the list.

I enjoyed listening to this and it was interesting, but lacking the language or any real cultural basis in the music, I think my ability to appreciate it is pretty limited.

This is as funky and "rootsy" as it gets, and I am a total sucker for funk. Couldn't sit still in my seat while listening to this. Also couldn't find an English translation of the lyrics online, which is a huge shame as lyrics are a huge contributing factor for me. Either way, 4 stars for the original sound and lovely voice.

World music with Baaba Maal's touch of African soul. 'Lam Toro' carries with it a weight of meaning that can't be fully uncovered without understanding the language, yet it invokes emotions of longing and hope. Polished for the most part, with a cultural backdrop style that can be enjoyable.

No

Erster Eindruck: bunter Abend im JUZ. Dann aber doch recht Sehnsüchten und tiefer als die gut gelaunten Polyrhythmen vorgeben. Etwas zu vokalig für meinen Geschmack (wieder das Ziegen-hafte der Stimme). Bei „Olel“ blickt Paul Simon spitzbübisch um die Ecke. Schön 3.4

Kriegt mich erst beim dritten Track, Daande Lenol, ein wenig. Hypnotisch und glimmend erscheint es da und wärmt meinen Klischee-Ofen. Bleibt mir trotzdem relativ fremd - zumal beim Gang durch die nächtlich nasskaltgraue Dezemberstadt.

76. Lam Toro - Baaba Maal 11 tracks. There are bits of this that remind me of Traditional Irish "diddly-diddly" music, (in a good way), but with African vocals. It really grew on me. 3/5

“When you make music and write songs, you have to know about the messages. From the messages, you know what the instruments are and how to put them together.”

I already listened to Baaba Maal's earlier album with Mansour Seck for this list, and I dug that one. This one is less driven by acoustic guitar (which is a welcome change), and there's more of a worldbeat//fusion vibe. It's enjoyable and Maal is clearly a talent - but the whole thing has a contrived crossover feel that cheapens it. From looking online, it seems most streams and info relate to the 1993 mix of the album, which has even more of a brash, commercial and dated 1990s sound. I'm basing my rating on the 1992 mix which at least has more of an organic atmosphere. I'm glad there's some African music on the list, but it feels like the editors didn't dig very deep here. 3*

5/10

Amanda said I wouldn't like so did not listen to.

I enjoyed listening to this, it was interesting. Researching the artist also led me to learn a few things about Senegal along the way. Probably won't listen to this again but enjoyed being exposed to it!

I can see how this led to Afro Beat Sound System. I think the fusion there was more successfully realized but this is still entertaining.

Strange. Blend is smooth. Earth music is catchy and fun but not really my things. The tracks tend to run together a little. It was fine, but sounded more like Nandos background music than a powerful album. The Good - Olel.

A great reminder of my chosen life philosophy to have little to no expectations for anything good so that even the slightest deviation above nothing feels like a gift from the gawd of love. This album is Baaba's gift to those expecting another monotonous dirge. How delightful to hear a couple drums now and then, and a goofy synth here and there. Even melody. And as nice as that is, I think we all can agree this is number 1002 on albums we must hear before we die. D+

There’s very cool things happening on this album, cool time signatures, cool singing and an expansive African inflected palette. But I’m constantly distracted by the dated synth effects, the synth horns, etc. simply ruins songs for me. I was eventually won over into thinking this wasn’t awful, but among the 4s and 3s there were some 1s and 2s in my track by track ratings. 2

I was excited, then I was bored.

Öde.

Powerful stuff from the legendary Baaba Maal. Really enjoyable.

Atmospheric world music, in places etherial or upbeat. An album I very much enjoyed but I doubt I would listen to again.

decent

Didn't appreciate the preset drums and horns

doesnt sound that special to me besides the fact that its from a different african originated language

Seems like another token album for the list good music but I wonder how this differs from the rest of the catalog of the seemly quite prolific artist

Czego jak czego, ale kolejnego albumu z senegalu od tego samego artysty sie zem nie spodziewal, sporo wiecej niz podczas sluchania ostatniej plyty pana Baaby Maala sie nie dowiem, bo informacje o tym materiale praktycznie nie istnieja, a recek na amazunie nie ma co czytac, ale z skrapow lirykowych ktore udalo mi sie odszyfrowac muzyka nadal traktuje o pieknie afrykanskiej ziemi, w szczegolnosci senegalu, bo to rodzinna ziemia Baaby, ponoc wiekszosc liryki jest spiewana w Fulbe, ale nie jestem w stanie tego zweryfikowac wlasnymi uszami, wiec nadal jest to folk o pozytywnym upbeatowym brzmieniu, ale zdecydowanie wiecej jest tutaj elementow z muzyki elektronicznej, slychac takze eksperymenty z klimatami reggae, czy nawet funkowego rocka jak na hamady boiro, gdzie najbardziej slychac mocne samplowanie i zabawe z synthami, zabraklo mi tutaj gitarki pana Secka z pierwszej pozycji, no ale nowy material to nowe pomysly, wydaje mi sie, ze moze byc on nawet bardziej przystepny niz debiutancki material poprzez wykorzystanie bardziej standarowych instrumentow jak elektrykowych gitar czy klawiszy, ale przez to material traci na afrykanskim uroku, plyta to prawie godzina na 11 trakach, ale nawet pomimo tego nie czuje sie zeby album sie dluzyl, jak ostatni pik i tuskowy material, wiec moze nie tak murzynski jak pierwszy album pana Baaby, to jednak nadal insteresujacy na swoj sposob, na plejke dodam lowe songa zatytulowanego daande lenol

Polyrhythms and afrobeats. Pretty good, but not my thing.

Have zero idea what the appeal to this album was. Didn’t really know how to enjoy it. For me it’s just a big miss. 1.0/10

3.5

Rustgevende afrikaanse muziek. Leuk voor op de achtergrond maar ook niet veel meer dan dat. Het is mij iets te exotisch om echt van te genieten. Muziekaal zit het allemaal wel goed in elkaar hoor.

not my cup of tea.

I don't speak the language. So it makes it a bit harder to judge but honestly, it sounds pretty dang rad.

I'm not worldly enough in my musical listening to appreciate this the way I should. Unfortunately, I don't really listen to much of it.

Wasn't sure what to expect. It was enjoyable in that the music was creative, with a very diverse set of instruments and rhythms. As it was senegalese, i didn't understand anything and the vocals were quite forward, i think detracting a bit for me.

Good world music album. Love hte arrangement, though it didn't knock my socks off

Galna bangers bör lyssnas

Nice senegalese sounds mixed with other influences

Bangeer!

I didn’t care for this album.

Like a holiday in Africa with extra everything.

Didn't do much for me but was still interesting. Last track is like a bad 80s ballad but African

this was a lot of fun. i definitely have a weird soft spot for african rhythms, which this of course lit right up. overall, quite enjoyable.

Étnica africana.

Ficou um pouco a abaixo da expectativa em relação as referências de músicas africanas do Toureg.

Un álbum que no solo no conocía, probablemente no hubiera topado nunca de no ser por esta lista. Nada acabó en mis playlist, pero está bueno diversificarse

Es un buen disco, tal vez un poco largo, la producción luego no le juega a favor en algunas canciones.

Me gustó, pero así como una gran canción larga. Puede ser que no haya escuchado tanta música africana como quisiera, pero de lo que he escuchado, sí pienso que hay quizá cosas más emocionantes, más variadas. De todas formas, fue agradable, quizá sólo esperaba que de pronto hubiera algo más. No tengo canciones fav. 7/10

Just okay

Wouldn’t be into it

Not bad at all, but probably won't be getting back to it.