Miriam Makeba

Quite nice songs by a young Makeba. As a whole album ok, but for me not more.

African easy listening? This was a showcase of the lead’s vocals, and she has a lovely voice. I had a more difficult time finding this album online so I hope I listened to the right version but some of the songs were a little odd, like the duet where the man was just laughing the whole time?

Miriam Makeba had quite the robust voice! Though she always didn't sing in English on this album, the music and her vocals are captivating. When she did sing in English, she choose well-known songs that turned out different because of the South African flair she brought. I loved noticing those differences! Definitely an album worthy of placement here, and I feel buoyed after listening to it.

Miriam Makeba has a lovely voice! I felt like she tackled a lot of different song styles here and showed a range of ability. Though maybe not quite as well known, Miriam's career seems to have been similar to that of Harry Belafonte's, in terms of bringing an African genre of music to an American and European audience. Also like Harry Belafonte, Miriam was a civil rights activist! In any case, this album was her first, the album that began it all for her. In any case, this was a very pleasant introduction to someone who definitely seems worth knowing!

Interesting and she had a great voice

Miriam has a beautiful voice, and you can feel how passionate she is when she's singing. Musically it's somewhat minimal, which allows her vocals to be the main focus. I suspect that if I understood her native language I'd appreciate this even more. Overall it's nothing I would've found my way to without this project, and while I didn't love it I do think it's worth hearing.

Enjoyable in parts.

A really cool & warm record

Not my thing

Trash

i can't believe this was goor

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.

väldigt ball album. coolt att det kom 1960. lite tråkigt för att det ska hålla hela vägen men bra längd på det och generellt kul. en stark trea

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.

I liked this, One More Dance is deeply unsettling but otherwise enjoyable

I liked this one. Nice 60s vocal pop with some African influence. No tracks that’ll make it into a regular rotation, but the Spotify mix based on this record was great evening music.

Wow, what an awesome experience

Enjoyed the variety of sounds and song structures and the joyfulness.

every song was a treat except for the extra slow warbly one

A bit of meta-commentary first: it feels like this album represents many of my issues with this list. This album, I think, "oh interesting, is this a well-known musician from Africa? What region?" and I find an accomplished singer-songwriter who worked with Harry Belafonte, put down some of the earliest recordings of popular Xhosa songs, got exiled from South Africa for protesting apartheid and then her visa cancelled by the USA because she married a Black Panther. I look up the artists behind forty different British guitar rock albums here and I find "guys who were born in Britain who were in a band". Anyway. I really liked some of this but disliked a lot too - it seems to me like the English-language songs feel sing-songy (negative) but the version here of "Mbube" is really great.

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).

This is one is enjoyable from the beginning. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but can’t wait to find a copy for the collection.

Some great trac[lick]s on here, and some not so great ones.

Great listen!!

This was fine. I liked this version of House of the Rising Sun. Generally pleasant, without being amazing.

I enjoyed this. Some tunes and an odd giggling fella towards the end. Simpsons: No

Really good stuff, really enjoyed it. Can't believe I'm giving 5 stars to a jazz album. Will definitely listen to again.

I didn't enjoy this, there was too much clicking for me. However, "House of the Rising Sun" was decent, but there are better versions readily available.

It’s a different vibe, really enjoyed it.

Virkelig god!

Lyder godt, men lyder også ekstremt "afrikansk musik til hvidt publikum"-agtigt på en måde der nogengange gav mig en lidt dårlig smag i munden

Some weird songs here... But overall pretty nice.

# 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.

It was ok

Enjoyed this mostly.

Awesome South African music, such a good singer and the songs are beautiful

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,

This was a fun listen, and interesting to learn about, too. I'm excited to explore her work further. She seems like an amazing woman.

Interesting vocal world music. Not a huge fan of the vocal pop kitch songs, but liked the other stuff. Probably not another listen for me but good to know this exists.

Upbeat and generally fun. A terrific voice.

9.3/10. Fun, amazing voice, legendary.

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

Not a bad listen, but not really my style.

Beautiful

Beautiful story, big political influence, but as a raw album it's definitely not something I would ever enjoyed. Nice to learn about music from different cultures, but that is the only positive I can think of.

A classic appreciate it but don't really like it album. Combines jazzy crooning piano ballads, South Africa choral church music, Calypso sweetness. Great vocal performances and a historical touchstone but it's very slow and gentle and kinda boring.

I think this other commenter summed it up well; "I have the zeal of a convert." She's got such a beautiful voice. Most of these songs are so much fucking fun. It just makes me want to get up, see Africa, and dance. Points off for "One More Dance" which was...too weird. Come on Miriam, enough with the old laughing homewrecker

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

Great songs and a brilliant voice!

Not for me.

really cool album. miriam makeba's voice is incredible and this is such a nice and sweet version of african music that has been made for a western audience. this is the exact sort of stuff that i wish there was more of on this list. the only thing on here that i think spoils the album a little bit is the track 'one more dance' which sounds like she is duetting with ed wynn's character from mary poppins. but otherwise, this is pretty stellar!

Some interesting choices. I like mixes of languages. I think one song was portuguese?

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*.

What a beautiful album. I hadn't heard of Miriam Makeba before -- and haven't really listened to much South African music otherwise -- so I am very grateful to have been exposed to this. Her voice is beautiful and the restrained instrumentation is a lovely accompaniment. "Suliram", "Lakutshn, Ilanga", "Where Does it Lead?" and "One More Dance" I especially liked, but this whole album I enjoyed thoroughly. I did some reading about Miriam and what an interesting woman and an interesting life. She was a protege of Harry Belafonte and married to Stokely Carmichael and Hugh Masekela?? Wow. I will definitely be checking out more of her music! 10/10. Excellent pull.

Ok, pretty catchy songs overall. Not my kind of music.

Not super my thing

She's quite good! I enjoyed this - sounds like she was a big deal in South Africa.

Some decent stuff on here. Highlight was the one with the guy laughing his ass off at the widow's grief.

3/5

Lovely album. Her voice is wonderful and the songs are filled with joy and beauty. 4/5 Will listen again

4.5

Wow. This why we do it.

This album was so nice I listened to it twice... I actually really loved this! A high enough 4½ to be 5 on the app. 50s/60s world folk is kinda an untapped corner of my musical taste. My parents were very much into some of the more commercial side of 50s/60s folk. Some of the artists they'd listen would incorporate African and world folk styles music. I'm my college years I kinda poked around, but I've never really done a dive in to that rabbit hole, but I know it's there. (9.77) ★★★★½

I really like African music, it just transport me in my mind to another time/place and life. I really enjoy most of these songs, especially the ones in Xhosa. 4.5 stars

Not exactly bad (except for that cringe One More Dance duet with a drunk Dr Hibbert on extra laughing gas, that one sucks megatons) but definitely way too old-fashioned, fuddy-duddy and out of my wheelhouse. I was bored solid throughout most of this. It’s the kind of thing I would expect to find in those old Disney wartime package movies with footage of different music cultures and whose scenes I would skip and go straight to all the cartoon segments. 2 and a half stars.

Might be important in the history of music. But for me it didn't give any emotions.

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.

Great African music. Feels like this would have been successful during that phase of kitschy tiki bar, pacific island music phase of the 1960s. Plus it has the a prototype of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” that goes hard!

She has an incredible voice but I do find this slow vocal jazz just a bit dull so I probably wouldn't listen again

# Album Name: Miriam Makeba # Artist: Miriam Makeba # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Beautiful voice. Did not connect with most of the music. # Top Tunes: Mbube # Would I listen to it again? Nah.

nice calypso influence and voice

I think what I was looking for when starting this project was a bit naive, given that it’s not called 1001 Albums You Probably Haven’t Heard but Definitely Should. This album would be on that list. This I gorgeous. Not something I was likely to discover independently. A very pleasant listen.

I don’t get the high ratings. It was fine. For what it is, maybe it’s great. I don’t know. 2-3 stars.

Not for me

5/5

I have a little anemoia for that late 50’s, early 60’s period, and this fits into that in a generally pleasant sounding way. She’s a good vocalist and the songs are musically pleasant enough. Not being in my language is both a downside, not understanding and if the lyrics are all like those in English also an upside, because those songs are fairly bland lyrically. 3 stars - pleasant enough 40 minute, but if a want my fake nostalgia I already have better sources.

Pleasant and moving at times. But most parts barely move the needle for me. 3.5/5

I realize that I have some troubles getting into music where the instrumentals are not that prominent, but that still wasn't bad at all. Even good. Oh, and I like the tragicomedy aspect of "One Last Dance".

Ok

Some solid vocal performances but ultimately the tepid instrumentals drag this thing down. Strange songwriting decisions too - One More Dance is a complete misstep. Ultimately this album was made to highlight Makeba’s awesome voice, but it doesn’t have the foundational elements necessary to truly do that.

just as much as yes was horrible music for the godawful mood i was in yesterday night miriam makeba is the perfect music for the elysian bliss i feel this evening after fucking cooking all day at work. i wouldnt say i know jazz at all but i did grow up listening to ella fitzgerald on miserably cold snowy evenings such as i find around myself again this evening + miriam makeba feels like i ran into a cool older friend for the 1st time in a while (ella fitzgerald) who had an equally cool friend of abt the same age w her (miriam makeba) with whom i immediately hit it off in the same way ^w^ she has that rare combo beautifully characterful emotionally expressive vocal quality x unimpeachable technique + control how many ppl can say that? suliram is so cozy n lovely. man its cool how african diaspora music <--> music from africa, some of this isnt familiar (+ is very cool!) but some rlly is like (pointing) oh like in jazz. not sure how much is independently developed vs how much is in conversation w each other but its nice. LINGUISTICS FACT: did u kno click consonants are only* found as an areal feature in southern/eastern africa? (* iirc theyre attested in 1 australian lang but said lang is actually a ritual/ceremonial register of the everyday lang of that community which doesnt have clicks so thats kinda different). i rmember my chorus teacher in hs made us learn some clicks for 1 song + she was very serious [gun pointing meme] make an effort...ive forgotten how tho. god she has such a nice voice. the transition btwn umhome --> olilili is very smooth kinda like theyre 1 thing, i like it. also ofc shes the star but good gravy her backup chorus are pros every one of em. love the tone + the harmonies. seriously bro lakutshn, ilanga sounds like a jazz standard. like uncannily. im not sure why this is. its very somewhere over the rainbow (positive). rlly wish i could understand the lyrics......what is it about....aww yeah mbube from music league!! liking that is why i was like okay i dont need to go spotify private sesh for this album of the day + that was 100% the right call, miriam makeba heal my spotify algorithm pls. god the backing chorus is so good in this too...the boss needs her adds the pope needs her cardinals the moon needs a shitload of stars. ghhhhhhh where does it lead is so [cateyes emoji] [kicking my feet] this is 1 of my favorite Song Moods. god her voice is SO good. this is a delight finally some good fucking food. the final verse of where does it lead gives me goosebumps. aaaaa clapclapclap. and then novema is u were up before dawn Thinking (where does it lead) --> sun rises as u decide 2 b optimistic (novema). OH MY GOD AND NOW SHES DOING HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN??? stoooopp you cant keep getting away with it. oh i love how charles coleman cant stop giggling as they sing that is so cute. he cant even finish the lines. hes like cracking up like he really is on something!! this is next level im dying.(CAN BARELY SAY IT) Y..OUR HUSBAND IS (WHEEZE) DEAD. TEE HEE!! oh the lower range in iya guduzu is such a nice lovely sendoff. despite this being a shorter album it took me extra long to get thru bc i kept listening to songs again and again. if there was even 1 flaw to this album it is that the human brain cant instantly understand lyrics in any language it hears, which is a tragedy of nature + no fault of miriam makeba &co. if i listen to only dumb ass idiot albums from here on out on this site it will be still kinda worth it for introducing me to miriam makeba. superb. sublime. 5/5 stars. standout tracks: suliram, lakuthshn ilanga, mbube, where does it lead, nomeva, one more dance, look i just listed half the fucking album. i would buy a physical copy of this record even if it somehow did not look cool which i know is guranteed false. EVERYONE CHEER + CLAP FOR MIRIAM MAKEBA OR I BLOW THE WHOLE BUILDING UP!!!!!

I have the zeal of a convert.

Okay, this is very much out of my comfort zone. It’s one of those things that I’m glad I took the time to listen to, but don’t think I ever would again. However, if someone asked for a recommendation for something in the realm of world music or African sound, I’d be happy to point them in this direction. A prime candidate for 2.5 stars but I guess I’ll round up this time

A beautiful and jazzy debut, full of fun and smirking nightclub joy. This feels like Miriam being brought to a nightclub to create whatever set she wanted, and her taking full advantage of the opportunity. It’s no wonder this is deemed a classic. There’s really only one weak track, “One More Dance”, that’s taken over by an overbearing duet partner who laughs the whole way through. Without context, it just fees out of place in an otherwise perfectly cohesive set. This one will be a return trip for me for sure. Belongs in the “perfect vibe” stack of albums. Really solid.

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!

Brilliant.

interesting, calm, joyful, even fun at times. not really my thing, would maybe revisit some songs.

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

5/10 I'm not mad, just didn't like it much. 1-7-2024

This one was actually pretty great, definitely something new for me, sometimes though it feels a little bit watered down for my western musical brain to digest which is disappointing and feels like pandering. I did like even some of those songs though. She has a killer voice, gave me goosebumps a couple of times, would definitely recommend this, it's a great and novel experience for sure. Will I be listening to this thing again... eh, maybe...not really. Best: Lakutshn, llanga, Mbube, Where Does It Lead Worst: One More Dance (I can not overstate how awful this thing is, like my God I want to hit that guy with a shovel) 3.3/5

Fake and sanitized. This is not the real thing.

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.

A lot of this is pretty good, and it must’ve been something of a revelation to many in the Western world at the time. Unfortunately, a fair amount is pretty weak.

A couple catchy fun tunes. Singer hits some great ghost notes, and I like the background vocals, soulfullness, melodies. Same artist that does the Pata Pata song the kids like in just dance.

decent

A good, enjoyable album. I liked The Retreat Song and The Naughty Little Flea.

Не зашло

Finally something completely different after all the albums I was long familiar with. Her lovely voice is about 90% of the song. I wasn't really a fan of the English sang songs, especially the Charles Colman duet with the laughing throughout. Still a nice bit of variety from a country with a rich music history.

Iconica, vivace, profonda, big fan of whatever this is

la vita è troppo breve per non dare cinque stelle a questa donna, non mi sono annoiata neanche per un secondo e la sua voce è una carezza di velluto. The Click Song è splendida e Mbube è chiaramente l'ispirazione per The Lion Sleeps Tonight, veramente iconica. e ho scoperto che è anche lei che ha scritto e cantato Pata Pata, colonna sonora della mia infanzia. Mama Africa sei meravigliosa.

Mmmh brava indubbiamente ma non mi ha lasciato troppo.. Peccato, “Pata Pata” mi era piaciuto

This was so catchy and WHAT a FrIcKiN fantastic voice!

Listened Before? N Surprisingly good. She has a great voice and the mixture of English and her native language was very nice. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Mbube

Beautiful, absolutely fantastic

Such a gorgeous voice (and an impressive human to boot).

Miriam Makeba is a super talented vocalist. This album is just not for me and I probably won't be returning very often either. I do appreciate what is being done hereand I also like the instrumental parts. They are fun for sure. I think her cover of "House Of the Rising Sun" is good, but I definitely like the versions by "Geordie" and "The Animals" more. Actually a 1.5 Liked Songs: "The Naughty Little Flea" and "Where Does It Lead"

This isn't really something I'd choose to come back to, but it's an album that everyone should listen to once. Also, I never don't like a House of the Rising Sun cover. 3.5

It was better than expected, but still not my thing

Pretty voice, I suppose it’s good for all I know about 60s African music but sounds a bit dated to me

Good enough. Some tracks were great, some faltered

I had never heard of her. She's fantastic.

Not something I would normally listen to but good enough for 3 stars or C+.

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!

An intimate sounding album. I get a bit of a festive feel to this one, maybe it's the chanting in some parts. Great voice and the music is more subtle than I expected, really letting her vibrato shine. Mbube seems to have heavily influenced the Lion King... and Where Does It Lead is a highlight, sparse and beautiful. Not all to my tastes, but credit where credit's due.

Wonderful!

It is an interesting listen, even though it is not something that I would listen to regularly. Miriam had a great voice and it was interesting to learn about her.

3 out of 5. It's lovely.

African jazz - bit boring

Καλη μουσικη, ιστορικη μουσικη αλλα σιγουρα δεν θα την ξαναεπισκεφτω. Rating: C

This is a perfect example of an album that should be on this list. Never heard of it and cool to listen to. (The one track with the guy laughing throughout was surprisingly irritating.)

I enjoyed this.

Beautiful voice and I was glad to listen to this. Unlikely to track it down again I suppose but a nice discovery.

Niin voimaannuttavaa antaa tälläiselle jonninjuotavalle kahta tähteä heh

Loved this album. What a voice. I've always enjoyed the South African artists who have become popular in the West (Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto Gospel Choir, etc.). I know of Miriam Makeba, but mostly for her activism. For some reason I never really explored her music that deeply and only knew her most popular songs. Her voice is smooth like butter and she effortlessly adapts to different styles — from South African folk songs to Indonesian lullabies (Suliram) to American jazz/soul (House of the Rising Sun, Where Does it Lead?, etc.). The music and the backing vocalists are great as well — really enjoyed the blues/jazz influenced folk sound and the mix of uptempo dance songs and slower ballads. The only low point on this album is One More Dance — Charles Coleman sounds like he's drunk off his ass and the laughing throughout the song is cringe-inducing. The version with Harry Belafonte is much better. 4.75/5 — docking a bit for the awful Coleman song, but that's not really Miriam's fault.

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.

Would not naturally be a favorite of mine, but albums like this are why I’m doing this project. I had never heard this album before, but I loved it. It was authentic, unique (in the context of most of these albums), and she had legit chops when she needed them.

I enjoyed this

A very interesting international album.

Honestly, this was just incredibly pleasant. Beautiful and comforting.

Not my style But kinda relaxing

Mesmerizing!

Good cooking background music

Surprised that I enjoyed this although the song about staying out dancing while your husband is at home dying was a bit weird.

The recordings are not the best quality, but the songs have a certain charm that, together with the clicking language, make for a quite interesting and entertaining result. 7/10

Sorry, African music isn't my thing. She's got a nice voice, and some of the more soulful songs are lovely. Several tracks in here are incredibly irritating though, and it took all of my will power not to bomb this entire review as a protest against them.

great dinner album

Loved this

Not really my thing but I’m not gonna hold that against her.

I respect and appreciate this kind of music but it’s not for me

Stunning voice. Certainly not the best album to listen to while commuting. Maybe next time...

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

Really nice little album. Not very familiar with this stuff. Recognize Mbube from Lion King. Overall an enjoyable album!

Забавный альбом. Вайбы Короля Льва. Намеренно перслушивать не стану, но как фоновый альбом пойдет

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.

This reminded me a lot of a current Beninese Angélique Kidjo, who I really enjoy - but a few throwaway songs (or which aged poorly).

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"?!

Not my thing.

ok

How did I ever miss this!? Wonderful powerful talent. Just what I needed today.

i’m glad i listened to it, the point of this project is to hear music i never would have otherwise, but this wasn’t very good. house of the rising sun cover was unexpected but not also very good. i feel bad giving it a 1 but it was a 34 minute long album that i was sick of after 15 minutes

Absolutely beautiful voice she has got. She gives me cozy café vibes Caught myself dancing to The Click Song once or twice. Where Does It Lead is a beautiful song too. It's not something I'll likely listen to again in the near future but I can see why so many hold this album in such high regard. It'd be hugely disrespectful to rate this any lower than a 3.

Really really good. 8/10

Mbube! Huge history, on that one! Love folk music, great for lifting the spirits. Incredible taste of South African culture. I always love when the cultural notes come down from 1001AG. Will definitely be keeping this in the back for traveling.

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?

This sounds like a direct Lion King precursor; but without the images, this kind of World Music falls flat for my tastes. 2/5

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.

I liked it.

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.

Such a beautiful voice and album. Enjoyed the cultural language sung in this album, very sweet sounds.

Quite varying songs, but it didn't stick with me that well. I initially thought 'House Of The Rising Sun' was a cover of The Animals' version, but it seems like she actually recorded it at least 4 years earlier than them. Turns out it has been done before Makeba in many other iterations as well. Anyways, there are some playful and interesting lullabies in there that are cute. But in general it just didn't feel like it was for me. Strong 2.

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!

Alright, some good stuff

lovely voice, enjoyed the whole thing

LOVED this.. great voice and made me want to dance the whole time.

She's obviously a very talented vocalist. For whatever reason I just wasn't feeling it today

The penultimate track is a real low point, the rest I thought was nice and worth the listen. Unlikely to relisten however

I really liked the first track. The rest, not so much.

Very beautiful voice with so much range, doubt that it's something I'll realistically revisit. But I learned more about South African history through googling who she is, that counts for something. I also didn't realize she was the wife of Kwame Ture. Anyway, none of that has to do with the music -- I guess I'll file it under "glad I listened, but unlikely I will again".

A lovely talent but this was not my jam and I wouldn't seek this out again.

Very cool album. Easy to listen to and very chill. Enjoyed it.

fantastic

This was an enjoyable album, Miriam has an incredible voice and is at her best when performing songs from her native culture, I just wish the whole album had been made of those rather than being mixed in with covers of English classics.

This album has a very upbeat sound that I liked. I appreciated hearing it, but it is not something I'd ever seek out to listen to on my own.

kinda sleepy

Makeba has a beautiful voice, but this album wasn't really for me.

Engaging talent! Twists on covers that were unexpected. Unique sound from track to track. This is a winner.

Miriam Makeba’s debut showcases the sounds of South Africa.

Afrikanisch, Folk Toptitel: Olilili

Good background music yk

Mama Africa. A delightful songbird even if I didn't understand a word (House of the Rising Son excluded). Short tunes. Nothing too special but I understand her influence bringing this music to the world.

Oscillated on this one. Ultimately can’t see myself listening again, though I do feel it’s important this is out there.

Not my jam, but strong voice.

not for me

old school, lovely, fun

Interesting

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.

This was good for what it was and she is very talented. Unfortunately I could not stand the thing she was talented at.

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

I can’t give it 1 star cause she’s clearly talented with a nice voice, but this ain’t for me. House of the rising sun was cool though.

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

Disney def stole from Mbube for The Lion Sleeps Tonight Curious how much of this is straight up African stuff versus a blend of culture once more colonizing started affecting it. Really beautiful stuff tho

The music put me in a great mood straight away, I even enjoyed giggling at a women 'mourning' her dead husband

Warmth and charismatic voice. Loved some songs. I don’t think I’ll come back to it anytime soon, though, but I fulfilled my duty to listen to it before dying.

3+ Mbube One More Dance!

Odd selection for the list. Twee African music. Why not include Polka or some other regional ethnic shit as well. This album's lame.

Sadly, Graceland will appear higher on this list, I have no doubt.

I am in a dilemma again. Another of those super important albums of a super important artist - but I cannot get my ears to listen to it. 5 stars for the album due to its relevance, or two for it's musical content? I don't know, but I tend for two this time, as this is a list for music and hot about history. As it is not genre defining or particularly interesting musically, two stars. Nevertheless, I acknowledge the album's social and political significance.

p51. 1960. 3 stars. Fantastic voice, let down by dated production and a peculiar choice of material. Bonus point for the children's classic One More Dance.

Nicht meine Richtung

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.

A charming debut that brought Makeba's distinctive South African voice to the global stage.

I loved this!

Soulful and beautiful voice.

Nice to hear something different for a change, but I can’t see myself going back to this.

The click song was all I knew. Nice to know world music has a godmother. This album is nicely varied. Her lilting voice fully exploited. Pure magic. And her activism, I'm reading, makes it worth even more attention.

Lovely voice and interesting to hear The Lion Sleeps Tonight in its original language. I quite liked the mix of styles and languages. It was obviously done to show her versatility. Although I don’t think she needed to do House of the Rising Sun. And why they chose to include Charles Coleman corpsing I don’t know. It doesn’t enhance the satire of that song. The version with MM and Harry Belafonte is gentler but allows the words to mean more rather than be lost in laughter. Vacillating between Okay and Fine!

This was fun, and certainly not something I would have come across on my own. The laughing dude on track 13 was not a welcome addition, IMO, but other than that, I'm going down the middle because what do I know about '60s South African music? This is it.

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.

4.5/5 Makeba's exceptional voice transcends language and culture in a both beautifully sweet and fantastically powerful performance. If only the quality stretched to the very end of the record, then the album would be something special. Charles Colman's bizarre, goofy laughing feature is something I won't be able to get out of my head any time soon though. The Retreat Song 5/5 Suliram 5/5 The Click Song 5/5 (FAV) Umhome 4/5 Holilili 4/5 Lakutshon' Ilanga 5/5 Mbube 4.5/5 The Naughty Little Flea 5/5 Where Does It Lead 5/5 Nomeva 4/5 House of the Rising Sun 4/5 Saduva 3/5 One More Dance 2/5 (LEAST FAV) Iya Guduza 3/5

🎧Wonderful. The Naughty Little Flea and One More Dance are the only songs preventing me from giving this a 5. 🇿🇦

Nah

An absolute delight to have something like this for a change, but I lost interest and my appreciation faded a bit when ~Jazz Ballad~ and English came around. As in: I've kinda heard this before. And I'm sorry to use that word, but: generic. "Jazz/World" produced for the audience of its time. I'd love to have this on vinyl, to sometimes fill a room with this music, but listening to it, with intent, on headphones, it's not giving me what I would like it to.

Album 504 of 1001 Miriam Makeba - Miriam Makeba (1960) Rating : 3 / 5 I like getting these albums that would have never normally crossed my path. Classified as Jazz/World, it can't really compare to most others offered in the list. One of those that got some attention back in the day but would get lost in today's offerings. Really enjoyed this. Won't make it to my list of top favorites but I'm glad I listened and it just might find its way in the queue again, one day. Wikipedia: Zenzile Miriam Makeba (4 March 1932 – 9 November 2008), nicknamed Mama Africa, was a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. Associated with musical genres including Afropop, jazz, and world music, she was an advocate against apartheid and white-minority government in South Africa. Makeba was among the first African musicians to receive worldwide recognition. She brought African music to a Western audience, and popularized the world music and Afropop genres. She also made popular several songs critical of apartheid, and became a symbol of opposition to the system, particularly after her right to return was revoked. Upon her death, former South African President Nelson Mandela said that "her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us."

Ok

Nice, track 1 was the best I think

lots of fun, not for everyday.

This is why I got involved in this, something so extraordinary that I'd never normally listen to. Break the cycle of westernized anglicized music and melt away with this. The only sad part is it was far too short...

Had never heard of Miriam, but this record was a breath of fresh air. Just lovely all around. Great inclusion.

Very nice voice. Some of this is very good for what it is, but not my type of music.

Ny genre for mig. Hyggeligt at lytte til, men kunne have været bedre. Jeg nød i sær a naughty little flea

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

Fullt godkänd. Och då var inte Pata Pata med.

This was pleasant to listen to. Liked hearing the origins of the lion sleeps tonight. Glad the writer of this song here got a credit on that hit. Same with House of the Rising Sun. Incredible voice and control by this woman. Glad I listened. This is the kind of stuff I am here for. Not Hole.

She sang during my high school years so I'm not familiar with her songs, though I recognize the name. The song Mbube has parts that aver similar to Whimaway.

Hmm different in a semi good way - 3 stars

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.

A little of this went a long way.

Her voice is great and I’ll never listen to this again.

This was great, the only issue i ever really have with these albums of soul (sort of) singers from african nations that were granted funding and platforms for albums throughout the 60s and 70s is that they had to pander to a western audience through inclusions of western canon standards. It's not always a bad thing because usually the singer is a big fan of this music themselves, but there is definitely something lacking in most of the non-African tunes on this album, maybe a passion or personal connection that doesn't feel as strong and I think the album suffers for it unfortunately. That being said this doesn't apply to all of the performances and majority of the record was a joy to listen to. But also was the laughing song supposed to sound so sinister because that was SCARY.

Americana blues / rock. Easy listening for a saturday morning.

Fallegt... nema textinn í einu lagi.

pretty cool, wouldn't otherwise hear, thank you 1001

Correcto aunque no demasiado de mi agrado

Ok..pleasant background

Really neat record. Would love to check out some more vintage African albums 👍

What a voice. Thoroughly enjoyable 50's Afropop.

3-

Maybe good but could not listen. Oh well

Great album, beautiful voice. Interesting rendition of House of the Rising Sun and a couple of fun songs at the end.

Mbube

Very relaxing

Very good vibes

Unique vibe, very enjoyable.

"The Click Song." Something about a flea. A dead husband. Many things distracted from a great voice.

At least interesting. Did I hear the Lion King?

Great voice, enjoyed this album until “The naughty little flea” and “One more dance” which were utterly terrible.

Not my thing.

I liked her voice and the vibes.

I really liked this. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it’s fun. More albums on here should be fun

Another nice MM album

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.

Some songs are great, others just ok. Later albums from. Miriam Makeba are much better (from my point of view). As the music does not hurt, 3 stars ;-)

Completely new to me, a cultural education for sure! Actually enjoyed it more than I expected. Miriam’s voice is very smooth and soothing, but that had a negative in that it was almost lullaby-esque and I was almost becoming drowsy listening to it! Probably not one I’ll revisit but it wasn’t unpleasant

It's pretty but doesn't pluck any of my heart strings. Sorry Lady.

pretty sure mrs bessisera made us sing these in primary school

Enjoyed this

I know of this artist for the song Pata Pata, but never listened to any of her other work. Overall this was an interesting listen with a few standout tracks, but I don't think I'll find myself returning to it. Glad to have listened to it though, it is definitely unique on this list.

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.

She's got a great voice. I liked how simple the accompaniment was. Just let her sing.

Listened to this three times in a row. First time it wasn't grabbing me and I got distracted then part way through I realised I was really enjoying it in the background so when it finished I have it another go from the start. Later I was telling my wife about it and she thought it sounded interesting so we listened to it together.

A nice change from what I normally listen to

Very nice to listen to. Amazing voice.

Fine