Reviews (page 3 of 8)
This is a great album. Mbube is my favorite so far. It sounds like “the lion sleeps tonight”. I’ve always loved this pulse. Great rhythm and feel. Miriam is a great vocalist. I prefer the songs not sung in English. They feel more expressive. One more Dance is hilarious. How she kept her composure is beyond me. 😂
This is great! I will check out more from this artist.
Pretty cool
When the first track, The Retreat Song, started playing, I was hoping it was another great find from Africa like when I first heard Ali Farke Toure. But this was no Savane. Still a great album though. Miriam Makeba's voice is incredible, and some of the songs are wonderful. The Click Song was fun to hear, don't often listen to music with clicks in it. Mbube had a nice vibe. The Naughty Little Flee was a lot of fun. She did a sweet rendition of House Of The Rising Sun. One More Dance was a real letdown, it seemed like a fun humorous song, but the male singer laughing throughout the entire track just killed it. All in all, a great album, just short of hitting that 5. Best song: The Naughty Little Flea
3.5/5
What an astonishing surprise this was A wonderful voice A joyous sound
++: The Retreat Song, The Click Song, Umhome, Olilili, Lakutshn, Ilanga, Mbube, The Naughty Little Flea, Nomeva, House of the Rising Sun, Iya Guduza +: Suliram, Where Does It Lead?, Saduva, One More Dance 9,0/10
Miriam Makeba was instrumental in bringing African music to the international eye. What an incredibly beautiful voice and person.
She has an amazing delicate yet powerful voice. Mbube has some interesting history, and the take on this album is great.
Definitely another great discovery.
What a voice this woman had. The album sounds dated, no doubt about it, but the songs with african tribal influences are incredible and followed by perfect instrumentation. A beautiful experience. A strong 4/5
There's more information about this album on the cover than on its wikipedia entry. Guess I'll have to actually listen and judge for myself. FINE. Oh it’s quite eclectic. There’s a mix of covers and originals, English and African languages, acapella and accompaniment (though always tasteful and charmingly understated). There are spiritual, almost Christmassy sounding hymns alongside dark laments and quirky novelty numbers - all tied together by a soothing vocal. I found most of the styles enjoyable to be honest.
Interesting and beautifully recorded
Very nice. I felt the music style really highlighted her amazing voice.
She has a really beautiful voice. The earlier songs I really enjoyed, I feel they were better for her voice and really showcased her well. I get wanting to add the songs in English but I feel like they weren't as interesting or enjoyable. (what was the laughing in One More Dance). I really like The Click Song. Her voice and the music had enough emotion that even without knowing the meaning I could feel the energy.
This was a beautiful album and she was a remarkable person with an incredibly inspiring life. It's wild to have never heard of her after reading what an impact she made on African music and on the issues she was an activist and spokesperson for. Yet another album that makes me grateful for this project.
Thoroughly enjoyed this album
what an awesome album. really, really enjoyed it. I don't think I have ever listened to a full album of Xhosa inspired music, and this was a real treat. from my view, I have Miriam Makeba up there with the likes of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Absolute talent, and really knows how to make their music count. if anyone has no read her wikipedia page, i highly suggest giving it a read through. she lived an incredibly fascinating life, and was by all accounts a great person.
Loved the mixture of traditional South African songs and English language tracks. A short, fun listen. I’m interested to see if we have any more of her albums, would love to see what her music later in her career develops into.
This is what the list is for! Amazing voice and I love hearing albums from other cultures. "Mbube" was a fun surprise, and I really want to learn how to sing "The Click Song". 4/5 album. 5/5 pick for the list.
Did not expect to enjoy south african music. It was really awesome. Reminded me of Lion King
Pure and elegant, reaching back to a different time.
Very nice, relaxing, chill South African traditional music with Makeba's beautiful singing.
Dad- 8 Mom- 9.5 Mike- NA Lori- 7.5 Michael- 9.5 Miles- NA Cole- NA Avg-8.63
Was nice to listen to something different. She sounds so joyful. 4/5
solid stuff 7/10
Solid album
Some wonderful vocal work and some fantastic songs. It does come across as a bit twee at times, but that's somewhat inevitable given the age of the album and the genre. Not something I'll go back to, but it's definitely very good.
Christ the generetor is on fire. The Afro-Cuban album “Kenya” yesterday and today it’s straight to Africa with Miriam Makeba. As said yesterday; this is what the generator is for. Lovely album. “One More Dance” is a very weird song though… 4/5
Mag ich.
Great vocal, poor quality recording. I'm familiar with Miriam Makeba through Pata Pata and the Click Song. I feel like this list would be more accurate/interesting with more foreign language artists. It's a nice listen and deserves its place on the list. 3.5/5. Raising to a 4.
Loved this - great songs, super funky and soulful. A big tick in my books and the kind of thing it’s fun to discover.
Beautiful. What an incredible talent Ms. Makeba was. I wish I knew more about apartheid, and African history in general. Obviously this isn’t an album I’ll return to every day, but it’s masterful and emotional and perfect for what it is. Side note: I love on an older record like this hearing her clip the mic when she sings most passionately. Nothing like it. Fave songs: Whole album, maybe not One More Dance — the fuck?
Another artist I may never have heard of not for this, and what a damn shame. What an incredible voice - the control and dynamics - remarkable and beautiful. “Suliram” in particular was so simply perfect in headphones. I’ll be searching out more. Could have done without “One More Dance”, especially at the end of the album, didn’t really share the humor and Coleman’s laugh annoyed me.
Great album of traditional South African folk songs and dances. She has a powerful voice and loved songs like "The Click Song" and I now feel that every wedding reception should include it. The only song I hated was the duet "One More Dance" and it wasn't her fault, it was the duet partner laughing through the whole song. It was distracting and incredibly annoying. Overall, this was a really enjoyable and culturally rich experience.
That voice! Absolutely gorgeous. I'm somewhat skeptical of the term Afropop, since Africa is a whole damn continent, but I've always loved that genre and most of the music I've heard out of West and especially Southern Africa. Such a warm, breezy quality to it, and this record perfectly encapsulates that style with some American flourishes. Don't know how anyone can walk away from this one not in a better mood than when they went in
Wow - this is incredibly endearing. Any listener has surely walked away feeling charmed.
Great singer. Never heard proto-South African music before. You can hear the beginning of the super melodic guitar lines to come. One More Dance laughing guy is as annoying as everyone says.
Found myself enjoying this one a lot. It was great to get a slice of Makeba's culture, and hear some representation of South African music and language in her songs. Overall- 3.5 to 4 / 5
Digging it
Good songs
Really enjoyed this album would listen again
Really enjoyed this
i always thought she was really interesting as like the first african musician to gain widespread recognition globally... and so cool that she was married to kwame ture... she has a really awesome story and i liked the album too!! its always in dollar bins nowadays but supa solid
Matriz das músicas do Rei Leão: apumbauê, apumbauê, apumbauê...mais pra frente o sucesso d foi "Tá com pulga na cueca, táqui, patapata". Pela importância 4 estrelas
Fun to hear an album of world music. Hearing a pre-English version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight was super cool. I liked it. Kids said it reminded them of Disneyland Adventureland music
A really lovely album.
вообще не моя музыка, но тетя поет очень красиво и интересно! а песни с кликами ваще бомба
Incredible vocals
Really super duper enjoyed this. I wiggled my butt in particular to Mbube. I don't care if it's a cover or an original, it lit me up.
I was expecting to hate this, really but enjoyed it, probs not gonna be a regular listen, but enjoyed my time with it. The start gave me Civ 5 vibes, but wasn't limited to African style songs
Cover 6 I like African music like Baba Maal. This is right there with it. Solid album.
First impression pre listen: The African albums on this list have so far been pretty good, so I'm kinda expecting this on to be good as well. It's a bit of an early one so I'm a bit worried about how it might have aged. The Wikipedia article makes the artist sound interesting at least. Individual track notes: The Retreat Song Very unique sounding. Powerful opening. I quite like the flute in the background. The male backing vocals work well as a contrast. Her voice is very good. Good. 4/5 Suliram Very pleasant. Great voice. Has a bit of a Disney vibe to it. Simple but effective. 4/5 The Click Song This has to be the first song I've ever heard which utilizes "click" sounds. Has a festive spirit to it. I like the rhythmic elements. Decent. 3.5/5 Unhome Has a traditional feeling to it. Very sparse. Sounds authentic and real. Decent. 3.5/5 Olilili It's sung in a pretty way I suppose. The background choir adds a spiritual element to it which is pretty cool. Good. 4/5 Lakutshn, llanga Pleasant and loungy. Has a soothing, safe atmosphere over it. There's some sentimentality or nostalgia there as well. Decent. 3.5/5 Mbube Is this what I think it is? Really fun to hear an "untainted" version. That sounded great. Full of life and drama. Love the range and dynamism in her voice. Great. 4.5/5 The Naughty Little Flea It's cute I suppose. Feels a bit standard for the time. Fine. 3/5 Where Does It Lead? Haunting and powerful. Strong vocal performance. Decent. 3.5/5 Nomeva Festive and positive sounding. Has a great atmosphere. Good. 4/5 House of the Rising Sun I've heard many versions of this song. The vocals here makes it haunting and believable. Decent. 3.5/5 Saduva Don't got much to say about this one other than I like it. More of the same I suppose. Decent. 3.5/5 One More Dance Don't love the duet aspect of the song. The laughing is pretty obnoxious. Just a weird song in general. I don't really feel like the duo has much chemistry. Dislike. 2/5 Iya Guduza Fun snd melodic. Shows its age with the recording quality. The fuzziness is a bit distracting here. Fine. 3/5 Final Review: I don't know where to start, nor how I'm gonna rate this. This falls far outside my wheelhouse. As far removed as this is from the culture I'm from, it feels strangely relatable. The more "traditional"' songs on here have a sort of universal human atmosphere to them, that it's almost impossible not to be caught within their infectiousness. There's just this exquisite energy to it which feels very real and almost "handcrafted" in a way. It has this sort of timelessness to it which just makes it feel so alive. This comes from the performances of course. Miriam has an astoundingly beautiful voice, and the supporting band really knows how to work well with it. It turns what to me is an unintelligable language into something I might still not understand, but still feel. This control and passion is what sets it apart. And while I don't have much to say about the content of many of these songs, it still occasionally hit me emotionally. I would say there are a few moments here and there that don't live up to the rest of the album, but I can overlook those. It's a memorable and different experience. A reminder that music is for everyone. 4/5
Favorite Track: The Click Song
When this first started playing I immediately fell in love with her voice and that joy remained through the first couple of songs. I enjoyed it a little less when she switched to singing in English, the other languages were so much more dynamic and really displayed the richness of her voice. I really enjoyed reading about Miriam while listening, what a tremendously interesting life she lived and she obviously had the talent to have such a successful career. This is a really great album hampered only by a few less than stellar song choices that detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Æ kan godt skjønne at det her e en moderne klassiker, kulturhistorisk fascineranes e det også (ka e greia med latteren på «One More Dance»?), æ tror det mangle litt på å være interessant for mæ per nu.
Never heard it before, interesting album, like it
first listen this record did things to me man, never heard African music in a western 60s style
Good album and she has a wonderful voice, need to figure out what the hell was going on with the song with the dude laughing that was cwazy
Gorgeous singing.
I actually loved this.
What is happening in that laughing song
I love days when the generator gives me something I would never have heard of. Awesome sound and some great covers. Amazing this was the soundtrack to the apartheid struggle in South Africa. Solidarity with those around the world still fighting oppression.
Listened to this with Chloe, driving back from Paradise Valley. We loved it! The Lion king song was unexpected and I enjoyed the Click Song. Never would have listened to Afropop if it wasn’t for this project. Yay!
Holy smokes, what a voice. Warm, vibrant, and beautifully executed by all musicians on deck. I'd like to check out more of Makeba's work. Reading up a bit on her, she sounds like an absolute titan.
I love her voice!
I was surprised this was 1960, thought it was a bit later than that. Great. I liked her intros to songs, and it’s neat to think of the genesis of African musicians crossing over into western pop music. Will for sure come back to this one.
Miriam Makeba was an important artist from the social and cultural perspectives (and later politically) for South Africa. For me, this album is a bit of a mixed bag, but she has a great vocal style - at times it does sound like she's in Harry Belafonte's orbit, which is probably not a bad thing. While this isn't really to my taste, it's an album I can appreciate being on this list.
Loved every second. I think I'll rate it a high 4, but this one deserves a 5 as well.
Beautiful!
Splendid!
A true discovery. Loved this. Wish there were more albums of discovery on this list, instead of 6 albums from one singer/songwriter.
Some lovely World Music. Solid 4 Stars.
This was a nice hidden gem and refreshingly not British! Good on you, list. It was a pleasant way to start my day
4.5
Wow this album really grew on me in just a day and a half. I went from not really vibing with it to thinking it’s the cutest and most adorable album I’ve heard in a while because it’s so honest and sincere. The slower songs lost me alittle cause I always struggle with slower songs. But there were so many songs that I saved off this album cause it’s just so charming in every way. The highlight for me being “The Naughty Little Flea”. The whole album has Disney soundtrack levels of production and cleanliness to it, it just sounds so welcoming. Honestly this album is just so endearing, I’m already looking for a copy on discogs.
i had never heard this lady before but it was a lovely listen. She had a great voice and the arrangements were delightful.
Great tracks
This was fascinating. Not something I’ll listen to regularly but swell to expand my horizons. This is powerful activist art.
I had never heard of her before but I really liked it. I don't think it can be in my normal rotation, but is a good one-off. The first song gave off serious Lion King vibes.
Music to my ears. Low 4*, very pleasant listen.
Wasn't bad. She has a lovely voice but not my sort of thing overall. Nice to hear, but won't be in regular rotation.
A pleasant surprise for this album. I loved the vibe and the African rhythms
01) The Retreat Song - 8,5 02) Suliram - 7,5 03) The Click Song - 8,0 04) Umhome - 7,0 05) Olilili - 7,5 06) Lakutshn, Ilanga - 8,0 07) Mbube - 8,5 08) The Naughty Little Flea - 8,0 09) Where Does It Lead? - 7,5 10) Nomeva - 8,0 11) House of the Rising Sun - 7,5 12) Saduva - 8,0 13) One More Dance - 8,0 14) Iya Guduza - 8,0 TOTAL: 7,86 (79/100) Current ranking: 195/531
3.5
delightful. fills your heart
who knew african music was so good
You don’t need to understand a vocalist’s words to understand the emotion they are portraying. That is why we don’t mind when Eddie Vedder mumbles. And it’s also why this is one delightful album.
The African songs on here work better than the Western ones (and what's with the laughing guy?). But that version of Mbube is amazing.
Much more of these out-of-left-field seeming albums please, less 90s navel-gazing
I don’t know much about Miriam Makeba but I have to assume that a black South African woman who managed to carve out an international career in 1960 was a total badass. She also has a great voice.
What a voice. Songs are mainly in various African languages and include "Mbube" which is better known as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Some beautiful songs including "Nomeva" and her versions of "Where Does It Lead?" and "House of the Rising Sun".
Pretty much fantastic. Surprised Pata Pata wasn’t on this, but it wasn’t needed. I will take as much of this as you’ve got
Altijd sympathiek, een potje wereldmuziek. Een vrij vroeg voorbeeld zelfs, al werd het gewoon in Amerika opgenomen, lees ik. Het zal voor veel mensen een eye-opener geweest zijn, deze Afrikaanse klanken. De Engelstalige nummers halen het niveau van de overige niet, dat duet met dat stomme gelag is zelfs bloedirritant. De begeleiding is minimaal, de stem en de muziek hebben de hoofdrol. Goed gedaan al met al.
Typische Afrikaanse zang. Het luistert vrij makkelijk weg. Vooral als het wat vrolijker klinkt. Altijd lastig om wat te vinden van een genre waarvan je weinig vergelijkingsmateriaal kent. En de vraag die ik mijzelf normaal stel om te bepalen of het een 4 is, kan ik eigenlijk ook niet gebruiken. Want zal ik het nog eens opzetten? Nee. Maar dat zegt meer over mijn muzikale comfortzone dan over de kwaliteit. Maar misschien moet ik vooral wegen dat het wel een prestatie is als de muziek ook voor mijn ongeoefende oor makkelijk wegluistert.
Interesting and she had a great voice
A weird experience! African folk music mixed with jazz, pop, and even calypso. Might not work for everyone, but I liked that it was all over the place.
Really enjoyable listen - took me to another place for a bit, a better one. And it was such a breath of fresh air on this list. A high 4 for me.
Turns out the link to TIDAL was to another album of her's called Pata Pata, and I just realized now a few minutes before getting a new album to review lol. So I can't speak about this album. But what I heard on Pata Pata was really nice. A good surprise of good music. I'll be checking this album on the actual list very soon.
Sometimes a voice just stops you in your tracks. Miriam Makeba has that voice. She emerges sounding fully-formed out the gate with this first album from 1960. I love the African music tracks and her singing in a native tongue, complete with clicks (how?!). The English-language songs tend to follow a slower, swooning midcentury kind of sound, very orchestral, which I don’t love, but like an Ella or Aretha, the voice is so commanding that you kinda want to follow it anywhere. This would be great to drop during a dinner party. It’s going in the rotation
Beautiful vocals, a nice album. I don't think I'd ever listen to it again but it was a relaxing 35-ish minutes.
Extreme pleasant listen. Her voice is beautiful and the melodies are captivating. My daughter really liked it too. The House of the Rising Sun cover was killer.
Enjoyed the variety of sounds and song structures and the joyfulness.
This is a truly beautiful album. Her voice is incredible and it's always super interesting to hear music that I have been exposed to very little in my life. Mbube was totally unexpected, as Lion King fan. Her version of this song is stunning. Overall, a really fantastic album. I think it's definitely underrated on here (3.18 as of this review).
Great listen!!
I enjoyed this. Some tunes and an odd giggling fella towards the end. Simpsons: No
It’s a different vibe, really enjoyed it.
Virkelig god!
# Miriam Makeba (1960): A Pivotal Bridge Between African Tradition and Global Consciousness Miriam Makeba's eponymous 1960 debut album is a landmark work that transcends its era, serving as both a cultural manifesto and a masterclass in musical synthesis. Released during Makeba’s political exile from apartheid South Africa, the album channels the complexities of displacement, resilience, and unyielding cultural pride into a collection that remains startlingly vibrant over six decades later. This review examines the album’s lyrical depth, musical innovation, production choices, thematic undercurrents, and enduring influence, while critically assessing its strengths and limitations. --- ## Lyrical Narrative: Language as Resistance The album’s lyrical content operates on two planes: the overt celebration of Xhosa tradition and the subtle, coded critiques of colonial oppression. Tracks like “Qongqothwane (The Click Song)” and “Nomeva” are rooted in Xhosa folk idioms, their lyrics steeped in communal rituals and oral storytelling. “Qongqothwane,” a wedding song, uses the Xhosa language’s distinctive click consonants not merely as phonetic ornamentation but as a defiant assertion of cultural identity[1][4]. Makeba’s decision to sing primarily in Xhosa—a language marginalized by South Africa’s apartheid regime—transforms each track into an act of resistance, reclaiming linguistic sovereignty for global audiences[1]. Even the album’s English-language tracks, such as “The Naughty Little Flea” and “House of the Rising Sun,” carry layered meanings. The former, a playful allegory about perseverance, can be read as a metaphor for anti-apartheid resistance, while the latter’s tale of ruin in New Orleans subtly parallels the systemic exploitation Makeba fled[5]. However, the album’s most politically charged moment arrives with “The Retreat Song,” which recounts a Xhosa warrior’s tactical withdrawal. Makeba’s delivery—simultaneously mournful and resolute—transforms historical narrative into a commentary on her exile, framing displacement not as defeat but as strategic survival[4]. --- ## Musical Architecture: Syncretism as Innovation Musically, *Miriam Makeba* is a tapestry of African folk, jazz, and Western pop sensibilities. Tracks like “Mbube” (later popularized as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”) are reimagined through Makeba’s lens, replacing the Manhattan Brothers’ earlier doo-wop influences with robust choral harmonies and marimba-driven rhythms[1][5]. The collaboration with The Belafonte Folk Singers, conducted by Milt Okun, introduces Appalachian folk elements, particularly in “One More Dance,” where Makeba’s voice intertwines with Charles Colman’s in a cross-continental dialogue[5]. The instrumental arrangements balance authenticity and accessibility. Perry Lopez’s guitar work on “House of the Rising Sun” provides a bluesy counterpoint to Makeba’s vibrato, while tracks like “Suliram” (an Indonesian lullaby) showcase her ability to inhabit diverse musical traditions without dilution[4][5]. Rhythmic complexity abounds: “Olilili” employs a 6/8 time signature reminiscent of Xhosa work songs, while “Lakutshn, Ilanga” fuses Zulu harmonies with jazz-inflected phrasing[5]. This fusion avoids exoticism, instead positioning African musicality as foundational to global pop. --- ## Production Nuances: Contextualizing Authenticity Produced by RCA Victor during the zenith of analog recording, the album’s production values reflect a tension between commercial appeal and cultural preservation. The decision to record with Belafonte’s team—including arranger Milt Okun—ensured Western audiences could engage with the material, but occasionally smoothes over rougher edges inherent to traditional Xhosa music[1][5]. Tracks like “Saduva” benefit from this polish, their layered vocals achieving a cathedral-like resonance, while “Umhome”’s sparse arrangement (voice and percussion) highlights Makeba’s interpretive genius[5]. However, the production’s cleanliness can feel restrictive. Compared to Makeba’s later, grittier live recordings, studio tracks like “Iya Guduza” lack the improvisational spontaneity of her stage performances. The Chad Mitchell Trio’s backing on “Mbube” leans toward sanitized folk revivalism, slightly diluting the song’s visceral power[5]. Yet these choices were likely deliberate: as Makeba’s introductory statement to Western listeners, the album prioritizes approachability without fully compromising its roots. --- ## Thematic Undercurrents: Exile as Creative Catalyst Themes of displacement and cultural memory permeate the album. Makeba’s exile—South Africa revoked her citizenship in 1960—infuses tracks like “The Retreat Song” with poignant duality: a celebration of heritage inseparable from the pain of separation[1][4]. Even ostensibly joyful songs like “The Click Song” carry an undercurrent of longing, their exuberance heightened by the knowledge that Makeba could not perform them in her homeland[1]. Conversely, the album radiates irrepressible optimism. Tracks such as “One More Dance” and “Where Does It Lead?” frame cultural exchange as redemptive, their buoyant melodies embodying Makeba’s belief in music as a unifying force. This tension between loss and hope positions the album as both a eulogy for apartheid’s casualties and a blueprint for cross-cultural solidarity. --- ## Influence and Legacy: Soundtrack to a Movement *Miriam Makeba*’s impact cannot be overstated. It introduced Western audiences to African musical traditions beyond the “world music” caricatures of the 1950s, paving the way for artists like Fela Kuti and Angélique Kidjo[1][4]. Politically, the album became an anthem for civil rights movements globally; Nina Simone cited Makeba’s fusion of art and activism as foundational to her own work[4]. The album’s commercial success—enhanced by Makeba’s Grammy-winning collaboration with Harry Belafonte—proved African artists could thrive internationally without sanitizing their identity[2][4]. However, its greatest legacy lies in humanizing the anti-apartheid struggle, transforming Makeba into “Mama Africa,” a symbol of dignified resistance[3][4]. --- ## Critical Assessment: Strengths and Limitations **Pros:** 1. **Cultural Bridge:** The album’s masterful syncretism made African music accessible without exoticization, challenging Western perceptions of “primitive” art[1][4]. 2. **Vocal Artistry:** Makeba’s voice—simultaneously powerful and nuanced—elevates even weaker tracks, her phrasing blending jazz intuition with folkloric precision[5]. 3. **Political Resonance:** By embedding resistance within tradition, the album avoids didacticism, its messages gaining potency through subtlety[1][4]. 4. **Musical Diversity:** The incorporation of Xhosa, Zulu, Indonesian, and Western folk elements showcases Makeba’s versatility, refusing narrow categorization[5]. **Cons:** 1. **Over-Polished Production:** Some tracks sacrifice raw authenticity for crossover appeal, particularly in the Chad Mitchell Trio’s sanitized backing vocals[5]. 2. **Uneven Originality:** Reliance on traditional material and covers (“House of the Rising Sun”) limits Makeba’s compositional showcase, though her interpretations remain transformative[5]. 3. **Contextual Dependency:** Modern listeners unfamiliar with apartheid’s history may miss lyrical subtleties, requiring supplemental historical engagement. --- ## Conclusion: An Enduring Testament *Miriam Makeba* (1960) transcends its debut status, standing as a manifesto for cultural preservation amid displacement. While its production choices occasionally favor accessibility over edge, the album’s core remains revolutionary: a joyous, unapologetic assertion of African identity that reshaped global music. In an era of resurgent nationalism, Makeba’s vision of solidarity through song feels not just relevant but urgently necessary—a reminder that exile, whether physical or cultural, can birth profound artistry.
Very different than what I usually listen to but very cool.
Beautiful voice, the only thing stopping this from a top score was the song One More Dance. I hated that one
beautiful was very surprised,
Was a pretty wholesome and light listen. Didn't understand shit but that's the cool thing about music. You don't need to understand it to like it. The flea song was my favorite
What a great album. Miriam has an outstanding voice and rhythm that just flows. I listened to it a few times in the car and it was great everytime. Kat enjoyed it too
Beautiful
i had zero idea what marabi was before being given this to listen to, so i am not entirely sure how regionally accurate the bullshit 50's Christmas Choir on "Suliram" are, but mostly the first half of the album is pretty good -- Xhosa is such an interesting language to me, and to sing it well is a real talent. to think, there are probably people who bought this not even knowing Xhosa or Zulu were languages. Hell, they might not have even known South Africa was a country; they might have just assumed it was the south of Africa. This is probably one of the few times where the wall of text plastered to the back of a record actually served a purpose other than explaining to you what exactly a "folk music" or "album" was. i dunno what Charles Coleman finds so funny about the song he's on, but i somewhat understand why he's not on that many albums. keep it together, man. it's not that funny.
previously reviewed
My father had an album of a Harry Belafonte concert at Carnegie Hall that featured Miriam Makeba singing "The Click Song," and my older brother and I, despite years of effort, could never generate one authentic-sounding click. She is a classic. As with many albums from that era, this was more impactful in the early 1960s than it would be now, but it remains a great listen.
I do like this one
Südafrikanisch Zwei bekannte Coverversionen: Mbube (The Lion sleeps tonight) The House of the rising Sun Hat auch Pata Pata gesungen. Vote 4
This is a pretty record. Miriam Makeba’s voice is really quite beautiful, and the instrumentation behind it is wonderful. The cover of “House of the Rising Sun” is a high point on the album for me. The incessant male laughing on “One More Dance” is a definite low point. My god what an annoying thing to include in a song. I’d give this album full marks if it weren’t for that. 4*.
Some decent stuff on here. Highlight was the one with the guy laughing his ass off at the widow's grief.
Lovely album. Her voice is wonderful and the songs are filled with joy and beauty. 4/5 Will listen again
4.5
Really good, incredible voice
Beautiful voice and something entirely different.
Getting crooned all the way in South Africa. Just nice, relaxing, beautiful. Not much more to say.
nice calypso influence and voice
Ok
apple music says the genre for this is "south africa" unmistakable vocal prowess & a scaled back ensemble that gives her voice the spotlight it deserves. such a peaceful feeling to this record, though that can lead it to playing things a bit safe at times. not sure that Harry Belfafonte's description of her music ("a startling blend of the highly sophisticated and the primitive" :| ) holds up but it isn't hard to see how captivating her identity as a performer must have been in that jazz landscape. the traditional/cover songs are nice but the real highlights are her original songs, which are a great vessel for her vocal ability. the bar is low but this is one of my favorites so far, wish there was more information about it online wtf is this guy laughing about
Breath of fresh air compared to a lot of albums on here. Beautiful voice, fun tracks. liked this a lot and would absolutely listen again. 3.9/5
3.8/5 i really, really enjoyed this discovery! absolutely wonderful voice. it was great fun to hear a more authentic “the lion sleeps tonight” version, which i much prefer in a way. apparently the original is from the 30’s. fave song; “where does it lead” - the jazz chords are amazing, wonderful lyrics. it was difficult to find any information on this song. i think it may be written by someone named gwen davis but google really had no information to give me. the cover of “house of the rising sun” was really lovely to listen to as well. i loved hearing the african language being sung as well. click languages fascinate me so much. overall a really pleasant album!
Love this album. There is something very satisfying about singing along to songs that you have no idea what the words are but you know your nailing it….in your head. Haha
A great combination of African jazz, Indonesian lullabies and lovely calypso tunes sung by one of the greats
I listened to this on New Year's Day, with, as is tradition, an appalling hangover and washing up a lot of glassware. It was really quite restorative and lovely. There's a lot of joy in the music, but a vulnerability in her vocals that's a lovely mix. The English language songs probably appealed to me slightly more, but actually things like The Click Song and Mbube are also just nice to get lost in.
A magical voice and very much worth knowing. Feels a little formal and heavy-handed (as was often viewed as the best practice then). "Suliram" and "Lakushtin" and "Nomeva" are best cuts, and "Mbube" is pure crowd-pleasing. Some dodgy choices on other cuts ("Little Flea," "House of Rising Sun," "One More Dance") but the voice – oh, the voice – makes up for these questionable selections and may cause even the most PC, anti-colonialist listener to overlook the exploitation of exotica (though worth asking if the escape of apartheid is a balanced trade). The rest of the catalog looks promising, too. This is where the 1,001 process and experience pays off in terms of music discovery.
It's amazing how well this album holds up today, 65 years after its release. For many Westerners this was the first exposure to African music at the time and it's easy to see why. The music comes through powerfully, and sounds like the band is playing in your living room. Not bad for an non-Western record from 1960. There are bit and pieces that sound a bit familiar now but would have very novel to the early audiences. In addition Makeba may have been an ambassador the anti-apartheid movement, long before it became mainstream and eventually changed South Africa for future generations.
Iconica, vivace, profonda, big fan of whatever this is
Good enough. Some tracks were great, some faltered
I had never heard of her. She's fantastic.
很喜歡第一首歌曲「The Retreat Song」很有前進後退的節奏，富有部落感的氛圍感。另外一首也很喜歡的是「One More Dance」，第一次聽就被男生的笑著唱給吸引了，但整首聽起來卻還不錯，有點詭異的頻率。深究歌詞，就可以發現很有趣，不單純的細節故事。
This was lots of fun to listen to. Ended up just having her stuff shuffling for the rest of the school day in the background!
Wie, that was quite good!
I enjoyed this.
Beautiful, sweet voice and thought it was a very pleasant listen. More this, less Tom Waits bullshit. Also, can't believe I heard the original version of Aweembawe" lol. 7/10.
A very interesting international album.
Honestly, this was just incredibly pleasant. Beautiful and comforting.
Good cooking background music
Loved this
It’s unbelievable that this album came out in 1960 to me. The vocal performance and stylings are legitimately timeless and could fit in any decade to me, even today. This record not only showcased a fair amount of African language and influence, but also some jazzy blues tunes that could fit in the 1960s American South. Terrific record and a very soothing listen top to bottom. Notable Tracks: - The Retreat Song - The Click Song - Olilili - Mbube - One More Dance - so endearing and funny 8/10
Never heard this before. Want sure what to expect, but really enjoyed this varied and interesting performance. Perfect example of why I enjoy this list.
That was lovely. Not something I would normally listen to, but it was nice. I wish I could understand all her lyrics.
I appreciated the exposure to styles of music I don't normally run into. While this is from an earlier time and thus has the influences and character of music of that area, it's well done and her voice is clear and expressive. Good rendition of "House of the rising sun", and fun songs like "The Naughty Little Flea". And then... what's up with "One more dance"?!
Really really good. 8/10
The Naughty Little Flea such a fun song on this album. Love the intro to The Click Song. Ms. Makeba has such a beautiful voice and her control was incredible which is best shown in Where Does it Lead?
I had never heard of her but how beautiful. She has a great voice and this is a well constructed and excellently produced album. Released 64 years ago and it captures the musical tones of the era really well while blending the African influence. Brilliant
I liked this album. It was very calming and exciting all at the same time.
Je ne connaissais pas du tout et sa voix magnifique m'a donné des frissons dès la première piste. Une très belle proposition d'album doublée de la découverte de Miriam Makeba et de son engagement contre l'apartheid. Excellente surprise que de découvrir la version originale de The Lion Sleeps Tonig avec le superbe Mbube. Un très beau moment musical.
Everytime I hear Miriam Makeba I am struck just how much energy she puts into her performances. You just can't help but bop along. Her voice is also really something special. Just a fun and upbeat album, it's like a ray of sunshine. Her later album are more political but she still managed to throw in a rightful jibe at the intro to "The click song". The album has a good mixture of ballads, traditional songs and western folk songs. I enjoyed how, in the more traditional songs, you can hear how much it influenced gospel music. Strong 4!
LOVED this.. great voice and made me want to dance the whole time.
fantastic
Engaging talent! Twists on covers that were unexpected. Unique sound from track to track. This is a winner.
Pretty cool! Not too much stuck, so I think I’ll need to give it another go. I know she was a legend, so we’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.
Very strong voice. Super fun album. Pretty sure that was the lion king song. The song about the flea was great. The song with the guy laughing was also great. I’ve said it before, I would love more world music on this list as it really changes it up and makes you listen to something you would otherwise never have heard before. 7/10
Afropop Jazz?!?!?!? Fuck yes absolutely the type of unique stuff I want from this challenge!!!! The Retreat Song The Click Song (WHAT THE FRICK THIS IS AWESOME) Mbube (this is one of the songs that gets remade all the time apparently, TIL) Naughty little flea
Pleasant. I liked the first track enough to favorite it.
I love this
retreat song- 7 suliram- 6 or 7 click song- but how do you make that noise though. 7 umhome- 5 olilili- 5 or 6 lakutshn, llanga- 6 or 7 mbube- 6 the naughty little flea- 6 or 7 where does it lead- 5 nomeva- 6 house of the rising sun- 6 saduva- 7 or 8 one more dance- 7. <3 iya guduza- 7 she ate that up. favorite song- click song or saduva
The music put me in a great mood straight away, I even enjoyed giggling at a women 'mourning' her dead husband
4 stars
Swings sweetly, spiritually and dreamily, as retro/vintage world music is meant to do. The pristinely crystal voice is quite nimbly used. Best cuts = "Suliram" and "Lakushtin." This is definitely worth knowing and inspires further research into her catalog.
actually really good
Wow fantastic voice and such a treasure to have this sound captured from this time period. Mbube and One more Dance were standouts.
I was hesitant to step outside my comfort zone this morning, but Makeba quickly brought me into her world, and I was very happy. The tones here are ALL over the place, and in the best way. You've got songs that make you move, make you laugh (One More Dance is absolutely cold blooded, and one of the funniest songs I've heard in years), and songs that make you sit and be with them. One day I'll find out where that naughty little flea went...mark my words.
I loved this!
Fantastic. So joyful and sweet. What a beautiful voice. Nice blend of various genres. This album was a delight.
Loved this That tiny flea was some ASMR shit for me.
This was delightful! Never heard of this or her and this is why this list exists. The singing was beautiful, the songs were good, it sounds like sunshine and i went twice through twice and will go back again.
🎧Wonderful. The Naughty Little Flea and One More Dance are the only songs preventing me from giving this a 5. 🇿🇦
lots of fun, not for everyday.
Had never heard of Miriam, but this record was a breath of fresh air. Just lovely all around. Great inclusion.
What a gorgeous voice, able to absolutely belt to go low and really sell a ballad. I don't think I've ever heard anything quite like "The Click Song" (she's right, I couldn't pronounce that). The jazz and blues influences are seen throughout, and I can't help but love the last track (and the personality throughout), as a man has a laughing fit over the weirdly macabre lyrics. Favorite tracks: "The Click Song", "Lakutshn, Ilanga"
Really enjoyed this album. Nomeva and Mbube were two highlights for me. Really beautiful songs.
Cool, nice to hear something so different from that era.
We dont hear enough of her although she has that voice and control of it. Dont know many songs and probably heard only one before in my life but know her from reading about the Balck Panthers and Harry Belafonte as she was a political force that raised her voice against injustice. She was blackballed in the USA and ended he "international" career. That I know from books but never heard her music which is really good and you can tell its a 50-60 vibe. Specially when you hear where they got the lion sleeps tonight hope she got her dues. All of the 90s Disney songs were taken from her as I can hear. Beautiful voice, good arrangements, good recording, different languague but anyone can understand pain in others voices. Amazing but which I knew her native tongue to understand or even sing along. PS charles coleman singlehandedly destroyed a beautiful song called one more dance. Horrible
I don't even know how to rate something like this but I def enjoyed it a lot
Really enjoyed this. So much variety and personality. Beautiful, warm, funny. I'm sure it's better if I could understand the lyrics but I also really love not understanding so the vocals become another instrument and it takes on an instrumental quality. Great for listening during work. Flow state worthy.
Americana blues / rock. Easy listening for a saturday morning.
Really neat record. Would love to check out some more vintage African albums 👍
Very relaxing
Very good vibes
Unique vibe, very enjoyable.
I really liked this. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it’s fun. More albums on here should be fun
Spotify said this album was from 2012 so at first I thought this was a modern artist doing an ironic attempt at an old school album. Realised it was just old school. Good fun. And she sounds like quite an amazing person.
Enjoyed this
Incredible vocal that rivals anyone with a yearning and sincerity that reflect and embody the struggles and triumph of civil rights in South Africa, America, and around the world.
Fantastic singing talent. Really enjoyed the Click Song, House of the Rising Sun and the laughter throughout One More Dance.
Groundbreaking for 1960. A little less interesting 60+ years later.
A nice change from what I normally listen to
Very nice to listen to. Amazing voice.
Fine
4/5. She has a rich, passionate voice. Some african songs and some english songs. African folk music + jazz/blues.
amazing voice
There's some kind of magic in this album. Mbube track was an interesting surpise. 4+
Interesting, unique album. Worth listening
A very pleasant introduction to the genre of Marabi. Miriam is an incredible vocalist and the minimalist nature of the instrumentation here allows her vocals to echo through the mix, making it all feel very grand; yet equally hollow (in a good way). I know this is a male-dominated genre, but I love the juxtaposition of the deeper male harmonies with Miriam's higher-pitched voice. Those harmonized moments are easily the highlights here. Above all else, this thing's immensely peaceful. While I couldn't dive much into the lyricism, I assume quite a few of the songs here are traditional South African songs (like the rendition of the genre staple 'Mbube' here) given Miriam's activism against the apartheid in that region alongside her connection to it. A very welcoming listen and one that's easy to jive with. Also the song 'One More Dance' had me cracking up.
This is what I'm here for, folks! Not simply geeking out about my favorite albums or deep diving into an album from which I only heard 2-3 singles, but to discover any masterpiece I completely overlooked. "It doesn't matter what I say, so long as I sing with inflection," sings John Popper in Blues Traveler's "Hook." The beauty of listening to songs in languages you don't understand is that you don't focus on what they are saying, but what they are emoting. It is pure transmission from heart to heart, a complete experience untainted by external meaning. One need only hear the second track for an example. There is a vocal descent on "Suliram" that aches of Connie Converse's intensely heart-breaking "One by One." I am placed between two worlds of a mother's love and of a lover's lost and distancing love. Maybe I'm a sucker for a slow song as I continually find I list them as an album's highlights. True to form, "Suliram" and "Olilili" are my highlights. I'm happy to see the latter track dedicated to highlighting Miriam and her rich and balanced backing choir; though from another time and place, I am transported to solemn Catholic Sundays at Mass, when the music and performance of the choir could stir a calm and all-encompassing love within, whose songs I still turn to for comfort when confronted with my fears (especially the works of John Michael Talbot). Of course, one cannot deny the captured joy of "The Retreat Song" (featuring an impressive flautist), "The Click Song," and "Mbube." I had to look it up, as the similarity is too uncanny: "Mbube" is a cover song originally recorded in 1939, and the year after Miriam's recording, it was covered in English by The Tokens as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Everyone sings about love and love lost; I appreciate when songs like "The Naughty Little Flea" focus on a topic or moment that is largely ignored in traditional songwriting. Use everything, people! I am struck by how similar her voice on "House of the Rising Sun" sounds to Julie Andrews singing the intro to "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins. Similarly, the laughing male vocal in "One More Dance" recalls "I Love To Laugh" from the same movie (released 4 years later, 1964). To write a great song is one thing, but to capture a great performance is a whole other devil whose alchemy is impossible to tarnish with age and time. I usually wouldn't mark highly any album that contained so many covers, but my accolades here are for the stellar performances by the singers and musicians alike. In Jewish mysticism, a Merkabah is the flying chariot of God. Some believe you can imagine yourself inside a spinning Star of David and use it for astral projections and for creating wormholes to and from other dimensions (beware the YouTube k-hole). I would like to imagine that Miriam Makeba stems from this same tradition of connecting two worlds.
I liked this more on the second listen. The flea song is very weird but there are a few great ambiance ones. The vocals are awesome too
8/10
I'm super surprised with how much I enjoyed this. Not a genre I would normally go for, but what a pleasant way to spend half an hour.
Men don’t matter, their wallets do
Click singing is pretty awesome!
Bastante bonito. World music, African music.
This was a cool album from a musical tradition that I get very little exposure to. Her voice is great, the music is fun, and there's a lot of life in the songs 4/5
Amazing, I loved it.
Olilili and House of the Rising Sun are too slow (One More Dance is also kind of slow); I especially like Mdube, The Naughty Little Flea
I had a great time listening to this as it was super varied really catchy and she has a wonderful voice. Oddly, inspite of all this praise, I am not sure if I would ever choose to listen to it again. There's also one track which is feeling haunted as it has a man uncontrollably laughing during it which is very odd. I think I'm going to listen to her Spotify top 10 next.
April 20, 2024 The circumstances surrounding Makeba’s exile are grave, but this album is like sunshine recorded on tape. Some easy, breezy pop tunes (“Flea”, the giggly one) along the more traditional S.A. songs. The former aren’t really essential listening, but equally encapsulate the joy of the latter HL: "The Retreat Song", "The Click Song", "Olilili", “Lakutshn Ilanga”, "Mbube"
She's got a lovely, powerful voice and there's an interesting fusion going on with the various musical styles (African rhythms married to jazz and gospel) so it's got a tropical exotica vibe. It's mostly excellent but there's one or two iffy moments as well.
Really enjoyed this, lively harmonies funky sounds. Ace
Beautiful singing (but I'm not sure what about). I wonder how many were covers... Nice to have heard. Pata pata is a classic and a shame it wasn't on this album. I remember that Miriam Make a looked after Nina Simone when she needed it, and they toured together.
This was a really unique listening experience. I'm not sure there's a lot of chance for me to go back to it, but damn I'm glad I got to hear it. I love different musical experiences like this
See this is what the list needs more of. Music from other parts of the world I wouldn't have ever heard. This was great fun and I love the click of the Xhosa language. A great listening experience. More of this please!
One of my favorite new discoveries. What a hell of a voice! 4.5/5
4.5
Maravilla sonora.
Absolute surprise. I had no idea what MM could do. Hold a tune, extremely well, is what she can do! Fascinating and extremely tuneful album. And I now know what Qongqothwane means! Very cool album.
Really enjoyed this little gem
What an absolute delight this was to listen to. She has an amazing voice. Up there with Nina Simone and Harry Belafonte styles. I fear that I’m a little too harsh when it comes to “world music” but this one surprised me. I would gladly call this album up again for a vacation drive. And One More Dance has some of the most contagious laughing I’ve heard in a long time.
What a great album. Finding out the "Day-O" song was a South African song was a treat. Would 100% listen again. 4/5
Die weibliche Belafonte - gefällt mir gut!
Pretty good stuff
What a beautiful album. the rhythms and melodies are of another time and place and you are instantly taken there. Theres beauty, sadness and humor. Songs of love and fleas. I truly loved this album and cant wait too explore more of her catalog.
This is the first time I've ever heard of Miriam Makeba or any of her work. She really could sing beautifully. It's something different for me, something new. She fought against the evil system of apartheid. May she be remembered for years to come. All in all, this is a nice album.
I will probably never listen to this album again but man is it pretty
Of all of the non-English language albums I’ve reviewed so far, this one felt the most as if I was missing something by not speaking the language. The songs all sound vibrant and full of life, and Makeba’s voice is fantastic and very reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, which can only be a good thing. But there does just seem to be something missing without the context of lyrical understanding. Are they anti-Apartheid protest songs? Folk songs like House Of The Rising Sun? Songs of Heartbreak like Where Does It Lead? Novelties like The Naughty Little Flea? I have no idea, but I’d like to know. It feels a bit mean to dock a star simply because I don’t understand some lyrics, but I think it’s partially the album’s fault for being otherwise so engaging that I want to know more about it
Música africana mezclada con música melódica de los años 40... está bien.
Bastante bonito. World music, African music.
Pretty voice and pretty songs.
A great singer, doing a lot of beautiful and fun music. Truly a hidden gem.
Very good interesting album. Not really that well versed in South African music but I enjoyed this
Wonderful introduction to traditional African music, arranged and sung with grace. Makeba's vocal is amazing wether singing Xhosa clicks or more western style tracks. There's great jazz backing throughout. The vocal does become overpowering at times and some song choices could be better.
This album was something unique and pretty cool! The singer is great and the backup vocals are great complements and make interesting environments for songs. There’s an intriguing African flavor and culture to it while it remains very accessible. Songs range from fun/joyous to sparse and beautiful. Instrumentation is fairly minimal but sets the stage for the vocals nicely.
I want to listen to it more.
What a voice! Lush African arrangements and backing voices lift this one til it's closing minutes. You got some great covers and folkloric themes throughout so it's never a dull moment. Part of what I love about music is the ability it has to take you to other regions and times and teach you about different human experiences through that transportational element. This album is definitely up there in that capability.
Schöne World Music
Very impressive album. Her voice is exceptional. Favorites are the songs not in English particularly the ones with clicking in them
A couple great songs. The rest isn't half bad either! 5/5: One More Dance, The Naughty Little Flea, House of the Rising Sun 4/5: Suliram, Where Does It Lead, One More Dance is so great and funny. Suliram is such a nice song. I have no idea what she's saying but the melody is fantastic. 3.75
I fell for it almost instantly, it's so damn pleasant and surprising. She inspired millions and this is proof that you just can't beat the genuine article. Anyone who "borrowed" from this sounds generic in comparison.
4 stars, groovy and soulful, she has a great voice.
Powerful stuff. Miriam Makeba’s eponymous album is a strong introduction into the legend’s talent. Multiple languages, wide range, exposed vocals - overall, a very impressive recording. She is credited with being one of the first artists to bring African music to the global stage and she does an incredible job. Her rendition of “House of the Rising Sun”, while very different than that of the Animals, is chilling, moving, and thought provoking.
Amazing voice, great songs.
Great music and singing, I love the Gwen Davis song Where Does It Lead.
It was cool to hear what I assume is the traditional version of “Suliram” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Surprising this album is from 2012. Initially would have guessed the 50’s. I like it. 3.7
Her voice is amazing. Suliram may be the most beautiful song ever. 4.2
I love to discover new artists and this is one that I liked and was totally new for me.
Great voice. Enjoyed the jazzy feel to the album. Especially enjoyed The Click Song and Where Does It Lead.
4+/5
Typically I find it hard to connect to international sounds, but I did find this to be quite accessible and as a bonus it's a short album Miriam Makeba's self-titled album, released in 1960, is a captivating showcase of her extraordinary vocal talent and the rich musical tapestry of South Africa. The album blends traditional African rhythms with jazz and folk influences, creating a sound that is both vibrant and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Makeba's voice, with its soulful expressiveness, takes center stage, particularly in tracks like "Pata Pata." The album is not only a musical triumph but also a significant cultural statement, introducing global audiences to the diverse musical traditions of Africa. "Miriam Makeba" is a timeless classic, earning a well-deserved 4/5 for its cultural importance and musical excellence.
very enjoyable, she has a gorgeous voice. particularly enjoyed one last dance as a man can't stop laughing while he tells her that her husband is dead lol
I had to cringe when I saw the genre for this online was "Ethnic" as it reminded me so much of the "Ethnic" food aisle in the supermarket in the 1970s and 1980s which usually would be salsa, tortillas, maybe soy sauce... Ugh. Evaluating this on its own merits, it's a pretty amazing recording for the time, really well produced, easy to hear everyone and all the instruments. It's always hard when lyrics are in a language you don't understand, but conversely, it's easy to appreciate the beauty, conviction and energy of the performance.
She is a pretty good singer. I like it quite a bit. Mbube seems to be where those fuckers stole the "In the Jungle" melody from. Overall pertty enjoyable. A low 4/5
Gewoon vrolijke Afrikaanse muziek, geen knallers.
Suliram may be the most beautiful song ever. Incredible voice. Otherwise sort of ladysmith black mambazo sounding. Some xhosa clicks. 4.5
oh neat
Delightful! Some really soulful tracks, the middle run from Mbube -> House of the Rising Sun is great. Easy to see why this is considered part of the "coming out" party of African/world music. Favorite track: The Naughty Little Flea
This isn't music I would have ever been exposed to and I loved it. It's excellent easy listening, similar in some ways to jazz, and the kind of thing I'd put on in the background for a nice dinner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59Q_lhgGANc
This was delightful, beginning to end. The number of times it punched through was pretty amazing. A great way to start the day.
An album that grew on me over the course of a single listen. Totally not what I'd listen to by choice, and I'm not sure I would do so again despite finding much to appreciate. Miriam Makeba has a lovely voice - perhaps a little warbling for modern tastes, but it oozes with warmth and a kind of coquettish quality. It's also versatile, able to pull off nightclub chanteuse and South African folkster with equal aplomb. Whilst I enjoyed the strangeness (to my European ears) of 'The Click Song', I found myself really digging torch song 'Where Does it Lead?' and perhaps even more surprising, a novelty song - 'The Naught Little Flea' - on which Makeba sounds positively impish. Elsewhere, 'Mbube' is a treat and 'Saduva' transported me quite somewhere else. About the only dud is 'One More Dance'; cringeworthy stuff. Still, this gets four stars for being interesting, varied and at times rather enjoyable.
Completely and unexpectedly charmed by this. "Lakutshn Ilanga" is beautiful and how fun was "One More Dance"? Aside from being enjoyable all year round, I oddly got "this would work well at Christmas" vibes from this one, too. I'm gonna make that happen.
A genuinely beautiful voice. Very happy that albums like this are included in the list, broadened my horizon just a little bit and introduced me to an artist I had never heard of. 3.5/5
Beautiful vocals and atmosphere.
What a great voice, and a nice variety of songs. Historically relevant too. This album deserves to be on this list.
Good mix of African music and the sound of the era. There are some songs in English on the back half, so I was surprised when I realized I was actually understanding the lyrics on one song. It’s also odd, but kind of hilarious that the male singer is just having a full-on giggling fit on ‘One More Dance’ as in the song he’s telling his girlfriend that her husband she’s cheating on is dying (he straight up LOSES IT when he dies). Anyway good album.
Really great voice. Interesting to hear songs in a different language.
This actually deserves to be on this list unlike many albums so far.
Lourd
jain avait raison
Good fun from Miriam Makeba (even if the recording is a bit spotty)
Probably one of my favorite international albums thus far. Perfectly fits into that 50s/60s female soul framework which personally I love and showcases African music with the clicking so well. Absolutely no clue what compelled her to produce One More Dance was but I’ll choose to ignore it as an accident because the rest of the album was very well done.
What a beautiful voice! Reminds me of some of the 60s folk singers my parents played when I was a kid. I could see myself listening to her again.
Mama Africa, popped off..beautifully. When I started studying speech pathology, I had to go down a rabbit hole about music: singing with them will never cease to amaze me. A beautiful album and she’s an icon. “It isn’t a noise, it’s my language” Charles Coleman got me
It was a nice change of pace to listen to music not for the words, but for the music itself and the emotion within. After all, isn’t the meaning of the words we say just a fraction of the meaning we hope to communicate anyway? Either way, Miriam Makeba communicated her meaning with clarity and grace. In “The Retreat Song,” Miriam may as well have been a bird singing in the morning dew. She paid homage to her hometown of Johannesburg in “The Click Song” while revealing her humorous side at the same time. Fuck dem Tories! I couldn’t help but research “Mbube” as I listened to it. I had no idea of the origins of this song, or the fact that it originated in the 1930s, but I do know one thing without having to consult Google: Disney made a few quick bucks off the tune. I knew the Animals didn’t write “House of the Rising Sun” themselves, but I wouldn’t have thought it was an international sensation before they got to it in 1964. “One More Dance” showed an interesting stylistic choice, to say the least. Miriam didn’t break from the mood of the rest of the album, but Charles Coleman had me laughing almost as hard as he was. Maybe it’s my extremely limited knowledge of South African music (the extent of which hardly goes beyond that phase Peter Gabriel had), but Miriam Makeba’s self-titled album seems to me as timeless as the sun rising over the horizon. I may not understand it to its full extent, but aren’t the greatest works of art those that make you feel something anyway?
Reminds me of my childhood; mom had this album. Some beautiful songs, some goofy (the flea one, the laughing one). The African ones are the best by far.
lindo
Une très belle voix, particulièrement démontrée sur la pièce Where Does It Lead. Généralement un très bon vibe, ça se laisse écouter. Production imparfaite mais ça rajoute au charme de l'album. Très intéressant d'avoir les langues sud-africaines sur l'album. Le genre d'album que je ferais jouer une belle journée d'été. 8/10
Fantastic record.
very good, beautiful singing and harmonies.
Fun South African album, very easy listening. Except for "One More Dance", I liked just about every track.
1960. This woman is crazy prolific. Amazing story of being exiled from South Africa and then returning after 30 years when apartheid ended. Also, she's awesome. The song "Mbube" is definitely where they stole "Hakuna Mattata".
4.0
This was a fun little album. A lot of the songs were very pleasant, and the slower songs were nice as well. I was worried this would be a 3 star, but I'm happy to give it a 4. My favourite songs were The Retreat Song (Jikele Maweni) and One More Dance.
So beautiful. I love this.
LoFi beats track 6
The opening track was fantastic! What an interesting genre I wouldn’t listen to normally. And I loved the song Mbube. The arrangements on everything really show the skill of everyone involved creating this.
Good stuff
Not what I usually listen to but this kinda slaps
Bill
Lovely album! Definitely can see myself returning to it many more times