Reviews (page 6 of 8)
4/5. She has a rich, passionate voice. Some african songs and some english songs. African folk music + jazz/blues.
Only listened this morning and I can't remember. African. 3.5
Interesting
She’s got a great sound
Musical storytelling in a foreign language. Interesting
3.5
Would I listen to it again: no Is it a no-skip album: no Do I like it: yes* * Beautyful voice. I'm glad I listened to it. It's not for me though, so I don't think I will revisit the album.
Wow, I'd never heard of Miriam Makeba, but this is really great stuff. Nice mix of '60s jazz and traditional African music. Some very catchy tunes on here. My favorites are "The Click Song" and "Iya Guduza".
Best Song: Suliram. This song really shows off the angelic quality of her voice. Honorable mention to "The Click Song", which was just pure fun. Worst Song: Where Does It Lead. I find these kind of long, painfully slow songs unenjoyable. Overall: A really fun album. She clearly has an extraordinary voice. The songs are short and varied, so it feels fresh through the entirety of its short runtime. The only downside is some of the slower songs, which drag down the mood of the album considerably. Also, even though I usually love most covers of "House of the Rising Sun", I felt the cover on this album was really lacking.
This album was pretty solid, especially for 1960. One More Dance was an absolute vibe with Charles Coleman cracking up on the track. It was a cool mix of African music with traditional folk music, definitely a good unique inclusion on this list
Very unique soothing album. I was vibing while working to this one for sure
Sounds like a 1940s movie musical. African music seems not be something I will revisit.
amazing voice
There's some kind of magic in this album. Mbube track was an interesting surpise. 4+
I can't say I liked it very much, but it's still worth listening to
Interesting, unique album. Worth listening
There a couple fun and a couple really interesting tracks on here - great voice and a skilled singer, but a long way from music I'd choose to listen to.
Lovely. Such a strong voice, it seems like studio recordings just don't capture her power. Very accessible, firmly grounded in popular formats - I swear I can hear samba, some calypso, jazz, and everyone will recognize Mbube - The Lion Sleeps Tonight, but the roots version. One More Dance is one of the absolute most bizarre recordings I've ever heard, I think.
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.
Such a powerful voice, so dynamic in expression and control as she goes from belting with such intensity to a smooth soft delivery in a matter of seconds, quite impressive. The first thing I thought about stylistically was Harry Belafonte, then a short search and I see they’ve collaborated together on many occasions. I should know a lot more about Miriam Makeba, I’m ashamed to say I don’t, especially as I read of all her accomplishments and struggles. As I listen to her sing I’m reminded of the power of music and performance over lyrics, even the songs that I don’t know the language I’m still moved and understand the emotions being conveyed for the most part thanks to Miriam’s insane vocal abilities. For me this is a perfect end of the day wind down album. I give it a solid 4.
Interesting album. I'm not familiar with any music from South Africa, so this is new to me. Well, Mbube sounds familiar, so I guess I am familiar, lol. I get a Harry Belafonte vibe on The Naughty Little Flea, my favorite on here. Miriam has a good voice, but I probably won't be playing this one again. Glad I listened, though.
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 was excited to see this album today. Of course I know about the legendary Miriam Makeba but never sat down to listen to an album front to back. The tracks were mostly traditional songs; I was somewhat familiar with a few, but with most I was not. Since presumably she didn't write these songs, I won't evaluate the songs themselves as works of art, only her vocal performance of them, and the production. I find no fault with either. I feel this album’s aim was to simply showcase the voice of a gifted singer. The instrumentation and production simply had to give her a platform and not get in her way, let her do her thing and shine. Compared to some of the other albums on this list using a lot of ambitious songwriting and sonic experimentation, this is was a simpler goal to achieve (though no less worthwhile) and I think they did achieve it. The instrumentation was so spare, sometimes non-existent, and the recording was so simple and clear, giving Miriam nowhere to hide, not that she needed to, showing easy virtuosity with her beautiful, dynamic voice. I can't remember the last time I listened to an a cappella recording, and I found it to be an interesting and rewarding experience, just experiencing the excellency of a lovely human voice singing a traditional song. I often like to ponder musical family trees, and how various musical influences get passed down through time. I thought it was neat to hear so many shades of American music in some of these songs, like some of the melodies sounded so bluesy, or some of the arrangements evoked doo-wop style, stuff like the Four Seasons. American music clearly owes so much to African music. Miriam is one of those generational and cultural icons, like Edith Piaf, who both represent and transcend their time and place. My kids enjoyed listening to this with me and I could see having this type of music on as a pleasant backdrop for daily life.
This one I'm probably going to be pretty biased on. The first time I listened to this album I was about 6 years old. I was a child in Trinidad always looking through my parents music cassettes and vinyls. Among the names I would come across were Neil Diamond, Charlie Pride, Oscar De Leon, Abba, Roger Whittiker, Stevie Wonder large assortments.of classical music like Berlioz, Brahms, and Chopin and in there in the mix was Miriam Makeba. I grew up hearing her voice on vinyl a lot. The house would fill up with her voice. I was really glad to see her pop up on here as I have not listened to her music in quite some time. My dad.was a huge fan of hers, I can imagine not just because of her incredible voice but probably because of her background of digging her heals in against apartheid. Most of the songs on here brought back nostalgia. I can't tell you how many times I listened to the 'Click Song' and tried so hard to imitate the Xhosa language and get the click sound on the right word or vowel. It was impossible! I don't think there was really a miss on any of the songs. Listening to this stuff as an adult I am amazed at how powerful Miriam's voice is, it cuts through like an axe then at the same time she can restrain herself to sing quietly but still with a great tone. I remember laughing really hard at the One More Dance song because of the guy laughing in the song. The Retreat Song may actually be one of my favorites along with The Click Song. With it being released in 1960 I imagine this had to have been the first time many people throughout the world would have been exposed to indigenous South African language and culture. A great album.
This was ok. The first note that she hit was fire.
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
Very enjoyable. Just judging by my ears and musical experience, I am giving this 3 stars. But for all I know, it might be ground breaking. And, I can at least recognize that it was probably significant in the history of African music in the Western world.
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
Estuvo muy cool, lleno de sentimiento BUT its just not my type of music. I'll give it a light 5/10.
No lo volvería a escuchar solo, pero me gustó bastante. Le pongo un 4 y le doy la última estrella por el cool african bonus.
Click singing is pretty awesome!
Don’t know much else like it but it made me want to listen to the lion king soundtrack. Different but I don’t really see myself going back to it.
Respect the impact and cultural importance but not something I’ll come back to
An enjoyable listen but not the kind that will cause me to come back
Felt like the music you would hear in Animal Kingdom. Interesting and decent, but like most world music I’m not going to actually listen to this outside of the novelty. Recognized the precursors to “the lion sleeps tonight” in Mbube
man, like. I'm sure there are people who listen to this! And she's got a great voice. Just not for me!
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.
Good background music
She has a cool voice and sings with great passion. There still just isn't enough here for me to really sink into
Not really into this style but it’s not bad
Quite enjoyed this. Relaxing, happy and chilled out. Surprised myself 👍
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.
Wonderful find on here.
Beautiful voice. I enjoyed hearing some music with African influence for a change. Miriam was an amazing person who fought for what she believed in. A couple songs were quite irritating, but enjoyed the rest.
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.
Not something I would listen to but some nice singing
Really enjoyed this, lively harmonies funky sounds. Ace
Great voice, very pleasant easy listening apart from that track about her husband which was just creepy
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.
Nice, easy listening, all very pleasant.
Mama Africa at her very best. What a voice!
She has a really great voice. Fun, but blends. Fav songs: Suliram, House of The Rising Sun
decent album with good vibes and a few good covers. best songs: lakutshon llanga, mbube
This is a strange album. I don’t think it was bad but it was definitely one dimensional and not my style 2.5/5.
On the one hand, it’s a powerful and unique voice set free in a brisk, tasteful album. On the other hand, I had to listen to all four minutes of “The Naughty Little Flea.”
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
Un-relatable
Don’t think I’ll revisit this one but it was a cool listen
El concepto de world music nació mucho después de este primer y homónimo disco de Miriam Makeba de 1960, pero en él ya se encuentra una leve mirada a la musica de otras latitudes aunque solo sea por las canciones cantadas en su lengua nativa sudafricana, el xhosa. Pero destacaría su versión del clásico "House of the Rising Sun" y todo el repertorio exótico acompañado de orquesta al más puro estilo Belafonte, al fin y al cabo su mentor.
African music from the 60's.
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!
Being exposed to albums and artists like this is why I’m doing this project. I had never heard of Miriam Makeba before but I am so glad that I have now. This is a really fun album and “Pata Pata” is an incredible song that I found after listening to this album and reading the artist’s Wikipedia page.
One of my favorite new discoveries. What a hell of a voice! 4.5/5
What a powerful voice
Wow. Incredible from front to back. Damn near a religious experience. This captures so many different sounds and sounds truly timeless. I feel touched by this album
música africana a la que se notan los años.
I learned about this one because of that craptastic Makeba song that was all over the internet last summer but this is a great one. Her life as an anti apartheid activist in South Africa is in itself incredible but as a singer she’s untouchable. First song hits out of nowhere and immediately you feel the power of her voice. What struck me right away was the non-drum percussive sounds that accompany her impressive vocals. The second track flips to a gentle lullaby which is just as good as the punchier track before it. I don’t speak Afrikaans but the music is beautiful enough to make me tear up. The Click Song starts with her introducing the story of the song and it’s like listening to your favorite teacher. The album is short with 14 tracks, but I think this is her debut so the songs are also short to fit them onto a vinyl record. Old ass RCA Victor shit lol. The production is very good for something that came out in 1960! Seriously just stop what you’re doing and treat yourself to this record and learn about her life. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Well, this is nice. Soothing. Peaceful. I don't know the language in some of the songs, but I'd hope Miriam wouldn't pull one over on me and sing about kicking rabbits or anything nefarious like that. Rabbits are cute, they don't deserve that. I'm not saying something's intrinsic cuteness is tied to whether it's kickable or not, because snakes freak me out, I wouldn't call them cute by and large, but I wouldn't want one to be kicked, either. This has some good beats, but, again, don't beat up animals. Unless it's a life or death thing. But even then, a bear wants to kill me, who am I to stop a bear? If I don't have my bear repellent on me, that's my fault and I'm just not fit to survive.
This is great! I love almost all music I've heard that originates from Africa. Miriam mixes traditional Afro beats with western jazz and pop to create something (at the time) wholly unique. Her voice is beautiful across all tracks. Even her rendition of House of the Rising Sun (a song I absolutely HATE!) is an incredible and moving interpretation. I can see why she is well known for making "world" music more accessible to the US.
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.
3.5
Cool and interesting
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.
Beautiful Voice, Boring Album
What a great album. Finding out the "Day-O" song was a South African song was a treat. Would 100% listen again. 4/5
Rating: 4/10 Nah.
Die weibliche Belafonte - gefällt mir gut!
Pretty good stuff
Notable tracks: Lakutshn, Ilanga, The Naughty Little Flea, House of the Rising Sun
Has obviously been influential, but not something to revisit in the 21st century
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.
African american singer with top hit patapata on it. Mandela liked it so you like it too.
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 was transported.
Enjoyed this today. Not every song was as exciting as the text on the album cover (from 1960) made it out to be, but it was good overall.
This is the kind of stuff I want more of from this list. This isn't music I would listen to on a given day, but I love her voice. Its nice to be pushed out of my comfort zone
Fine
Awesome 60's singer! Loved the origin of Lion sings tonight, beautiful sound, top notch.
Afrikanische Musik mit sanfter Gitarrenbegleitung und großer Stimme dargeboten; auf Love Tastes Like Strawberries singt Miriam einer Sitar ähnlich; auf Can't Cross Over interpretiert sie einen beschwingten Calypso im 50er Jahre Stil, auf Thanayi klingt sie fast brasilianisch, faszinierend und rhythmisch sehr spannend
No
I liked it but I think there is better world music out there
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.
Not my cup of tea but that bass was great
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
hygge afrikansk musik, det kan jeg godt lide. tror det vil være virkelig hyggeligt på en sommerhustur hvor man sidder udenfor og chiller solid 3/5 eller 4/5 indtil videre
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 is what heaven sounds like.
Absolutely love this. It's just gorgeous in places, fun in others. Just makes me smile and feel warm. I know her a little from her Collab album with Harry Belafonte, which is also well worth checking out. An interesting life for sure, always an activist, married Stokely Carmichael of the black panthers, was also briefly married to Hugh Masakela another great South African musician. Tbh I want to hear 1001 albums from the 50s and 60s as it seems to force the editor into more interesting choices.
This is one that grows on you. Multiple listens, surely, unlock new subtleties, reveal nuances.
This is an excellent album by an artist I have never heard of before. THIS is what this list is for, not endless promotion of mediocre british musicians. 5/5
Surely for its time, this self-titled debut from Miriam Makeba must have set the music world on fire for its groundbreaking and revelatory glances towards cultures outside the limited purview but it kind of falls flat for this modern ear. Sure, Miriam sings beautifully but the sparse arrangements did her more harm did good, I believe and the less said and thought of the penultimate track (One More Dance), the better. Still, there wouldn't be a place for South African music were it not for this. Favorites: The Retreat Song, Suliram, The Click Song, Umhome, Olilili, The Naughty Little Flea, Nomeva, Iya Guduza.
It was a really nice album. The vocals and instrumentation were really good.
I appreciated this album. I probably wouldn't listen again but I'm glad to have heard it
Intéressant mais parfois pousse trop la note pis ça me gosse
African folk music. Beautiful voice, funny lyrics at times and some nice melodies, but not catchy enough that I would listen again.
Love this album! Had heard a couple of her songs before, but not a whole album. The flow is perfect!
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.
not my cup of tea
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.
Beautiful vocals, a unique and effective variety of song styles, and an amazing artist history to go with it. If you are unfamiliar with Miriam Makeba do yourself a favor and read up on her career and life in general.
I had never heard of this before. It was cool to hear different rhythms and instruments. Also, amazing to hear South African songs with click sounds. I can’t imagine choosing to listen to this, but I’m glad I did.
Some interesting parts. Some a bit samey. Interesting for a change, but I zoned out before we even got to house of the rising sun, which was a shame as I was interested to hear that!
BANGER BANGER BANGER BANGER BANGER
Naja. Geht so.
Uh. Kinda cool to be cultured I guess. The clicking song was pretty cool
This was a fun album to listen to- very different than my normal style, but really good vocals. The cover of House of a Rising Sun was cool
I absolutely appreciate her humanitarian efforts but her music is not my style.
I don't know what she's singing, but Miriam Makeba's eponymous album is sad, happy, kind and patient. I don't toss the word beautiful around too much, but there is no better way to describe the tune of this songbird. 5/5.
Not for me
Pretty easy listen. Short only 30 mins. Not really something I’d listen to again but pleasant enough.
Boo. This sounds like it's being transmitted to my headphones from the ISS. I get that it's from 1960 and predates both the crucifixion of our lord Jesus Christ and the hit album "The Greatest Speeches (Volume 1)" by artist "Ronald Reagan", but a substantial part of what I look for in my music is the fact that my brain won't get fried by ultra-high frequencies while listening to it.
Schöne World Music
Scarred by the original version of in the jungle by it playing repeatedly in a shit Netflix doc
35 mins in Nandos
Enjoyed listening to the entire album during my office hour!
pleasant musik
Good background music! I love the tone of her voice
Enjoyable but not something I think I will revisit. Solid 2.
This is absolutely exceptional. My first five star that I had never heard beforehand. What an amazing voice. Jesus.
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
Lovely. Lots to learn from this singer.
2*
Music. I have never heard before. I am glad I listened. The click song and the lion sleeps tonight prototype were interesting two stars.
New favorite that led me down an entire genre I knew nothing about. It was fun, eye opening, and wow she can sing. No skips, and a few repeats.
A little too folky to me.
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.
This all sounds good, but I didn't really connect with any of the songs. It's not in English, so this might be a me problem. But in addition to that, it feels a bit hokey / dated, like it should be playing in the lobby of a resort hotel.
1/5. This was the only album thus far that was unavailable to me through either Apple Music or YouTube.
Not my style but I do acknowledge the talent.
Blind album and artist. Not the worst thing on this list, and credit where it's due for her activism, but some of these songs did not click for me, and the Rising Sun cover made me cringe a little.
Nope
Beautiful voice. When you listen to a song in a different language you start regarding the voice as an instrument and hers is gorgeous. Don’t think i’d revisit except a few songs, but beautiful.
4 stars, groovy and soulful, she has a great voice.
Not my style but interesting
quite good. First few tracks a bit subdued. Better when she belts it out. The last song about the sick old husband was sort of upsetting. I like Voice of Africa better but this did inspire me to listen to it again
I wanted to give it a 2. But it's too good for that. And the "A lion sleeps tonight" song is really good.
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.
Cool, jazzy, maybe a little calypso. Enjoyed
Amazing voice, great songs.
This is a really cool album, and many of the songs are in African dialects, rather than English. "The Click Song" is really fun Also enjoyed Mbube, which is the original "Lion Sleeps Tonight," and a fantastic cover of "House of the Rising Sun."
A very important record. Not only did this bring South African music to prominence in other continents, but Makeba was an important South African civil rights activist, commonly adding anti-apartheid messages in her music. For this particular record, I enjoy how the instrumentals are more stripped-back. It really allows for her voice to shine. This isn't the most cohesive record, but really none of them were at the time (1960).
Wow. Albums like this are what make me glad to be participating in this list. This felt like a real discovery for me. I loved this album. It’s so full of heart and is just beautiful. Also, One More Dance is hilarious.
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.
Interesting. Cool to hear the African clicking language in song. 3/5
4+/5
Cultural significance 5
5/5. I'm usually disconnected from albums that are not in English, just due to nature of understanding, but I don't need to know what Makeba is saying to feel that emotion and power from her vocals. Instrumentation is simple, to let her shine. The songs in English are dark and brooding mostly, despite the lyrical content. The uplifting non-English songs are beautiful and calming, I feel welcome in her voice, I don't know how to describe it.
Doesn't have my favorite song of hers, Pata-Pata, but I really like this kind of music.
cheese burger
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.
Absolutely a gem. What a cool person and her music is lovely!
Full of sounds I am not familiar with, this self-named album by Miriam Makeba surprised for me good. Her voice is extraordinary and I completely fell in love with "Suliram". As tracks passed, my expectations got higher. I have to say the cover of "House of the Rising Sun" disappointed me a little bit, and that the second half of the album was not as much as I would have desired.
Zu anstrengend
I liked this change of pace. This music was soulful and pleasant.
Listening to this while commuting in a dense and freezing Seattle fog was surreal. And anything that establishes Timon and Pumba as frauds halfway through the record gets an automatic five stars from me.
Strong no
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.
Found this quite ordinary, nothing that would make me listen again
Talented but not my vibe
This is the first album/artist that I have not recognized. Beautiful style of music that I need to expand my horizons on.
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
It’s a warm music journey into a genre I that I haven’t really explored
¿Y ésta quién es?
Highlights: Suliram, The Click Song, Lakutsh'n Ilanga, Mbube, House of the Rising Sun. Overall: *click* (thumbs up) A delightful fusion of jazz, African melodies and blues. Makeba's voice is one you won't forget. Overall: 6/10
Gewoon vrolijke Afrikaanse muziek, geen knallers.
Not as many African harmonies as I was expecting, but this was still a very nice listen. She has a great, soulful, voice that would have fit in very well in many American nightclubs. This brought about hints of Sarah Vaughn's recording "At Mr. Kelly's". Despite all that, there wasn't much that really reached out and grabbed me.
Miriam Makeba is the debut album by South African singer-songwriter Miriam Makeba. This Afropop / world music album did not perform as well as the record label thought it would, but it still made Makeba famous in the US. For her second album, they would focus more on her African heritage and its music to make her albums stand out better. Although I liked Makeba's voice, this album did not stand out to me as anything special. Besides "The Click Song," the tracks are forgettable and could be any song with African style. This is also a historically important album from a South African native during the anti-apartheid movement, but that doesn't give any points to the musical review. Overall, great Afropop album with a talented singer.
She has a great voice. I did not like the English language tracks. I would rather hear her native language. The last track with the guy laughing seemed entirely inappropriate. It could have been a good song if the guy didn't spoil it.
Legit African music. The was a little blend of Eastern music in some songs though. All in all, not terrible, but it's not getting you going in the morning.
I've never listened to African music, let alone a blues-inspired variation of it. This was a pleasant surprise.
After listening to Miriam Makeba's self titled album. I have decided that its not really for me. I liked her singing but my main issue with the album was the music or rather, the lack thereof. Some songs were just Miriam singing with no background music which only made the songs feel hollow and empty. I can see why others would like it, but its not for me. Best Song: One More Dance Worst Song: Olilili
Something wildly out of my normal choices and I dug it. She was an insane talent. Vocal range is fantastic. Songs are beautiful set up. Not my normal cup of tea, but wow. Also, I learned that she was revolutionary as all hell, was on the Paul Simon Graceland tour, has a huge discography and wow... I'm _into it_
Suliram may be the most beautiful song ever. Incredible voice. Otherwise sort of ladysmith black mambazo sounding. Some xhosa clicks. 4.5
Amazing.
Beautiful!
Not for me
Was okay. At least I hope I listened to the right one as there were a couple on Spotify with the same name. Beautiful voice and neat cover of Rising Sun
Tykkäsin. Ei välttämättä lenkille, mutta muuten ehdottomasti kuuntelulistalle.
This was really cool! Got a little samey sound wise as it went on but the real joy was reading about what an absolutely inspiring individual Miriam Makeba was, highly recommend looking into her story.
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
The thing I love about this website is the exposure to music I otherwise might not ever hear
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.
Hmmm.. another album I did not need to hear before I die. So boring and dated
Glorious
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.
Kinda loved it. Would listen to this album more
Absolutely stunning. She has such power and control and her emotive range is so freaking wide. Didn't take notes on individual tracks but just really enjoyed relaxing into her voice.
What an incredible album! I really wish the Europeans weren't such dickheads to Africa so that their music and culture could flourish a lot more, it's so unique and beautiful. The rhythms are so fun it feels like it was made to be danced to. And to me the harmonies sound very spiritual, not sure if they're meant to be or if that's just how I perceive them based on my cultural experiences but either way they're fire.
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
Ok
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.
Not my usual kind of music but I like the singing. She has a good voice. I really liked the Click Song. The track with the male singer constantly laughing was weird.
She has a powerful voice and I enjoyed a few tracks. Sounded like strong inspiration for Elton John's Lion King soundtrack, and I was reminded of Harry Belafonte calypso music in parts. My high was ended when the weird duet track came around with a giggling man.
Beautiful. Had me hooked from the start.
A classic, but has not aged well.
She has a beautiful voice and the music is good as well. I struggled to connect with the music and the song with the guy laughing all the way through just irritated me. I'm sure it was a fun take, but I tend not appreciate goofs that get in the way of the music. I'm sure others appreciate it. Is this album essential? Eh, maybe, but not for me.
Yeah sure, it’s different, but I don’t like this kind of different and don’t plan on revisiting it
Interesting. Great vocals. Guy laughing through the duet was...odd.
Sono tutte cover? Bella voce, ma canzoni ok.
Beautiful voice. Smooth sounding music, sounding culturally African. Excellent album for what it is, just not my regular listening style. High 3.
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 is what needs to be on the list despite it not being for me. (M)iri(A)(M) M(A)keba
first half is better 2.5 suliram
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)
This is probably going to be my shortest review yet. Because I don't have much to say. If any more of her albums get generated for me in the future, I would love to hear them. I think there is potential for something great here, but I also think this isn't the greatest debut record. This album is very vocal based. And when there is instrumentation, it is sparse, and not very evoking. I understand that is the point, but there isn't much for me to latch onto when listening to this. I think she has a beautiful voice, and it's interesting to hear something sung in a dialect I have no knowledge of. Also the Charles Coleman feature is really strange, because he is laughing the entire time he is singing. Overall I can't ever envision myself coming back to this or recommending this to anyone. Not because it's bad, but because I don't really "enjoy" listening to it per se.
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.
B- The Retreat Song 3 Suliram 3 The Click Song (Qongqothwane) 4 Umhome* 3 Olilili 3 Lakutshn Ilanga 3 Mbube 4 The Naughty Little Flea 3 Where Does it Lead? 3 Nomeva 4 House of the Rising Sun 3 Saduva 3 One More Dance 1 Iya Guduza 4 This was actually really good. I guess Elon Musk's native music is better than I imagined.
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.
Overall I enjoyed listening to this album, new one for me. I really like 3-4 songs and couple I really didn't. So somewhere in the middle.
Wow some of the vocals recording was really harsh and hard to listen to. Which is a shame because she has a really good voice. I enjoyed this more than expected, and happy to have listened, but probably not on the list to put on again. A cover of House of the Rising Sun that I actually liked! She has a beautiful voice and the jazz guitar worked well.
Interesting. I don't think I'd listen to it again.
I didn't really like this much. Couple of the songs were interesting and listenable. And I never wanted to turn it off, so that's good (and I liked the runtime.) But I can't say I liked any of it.
Mais uma opção extremamente interessante para escutar música africana. Vocal envolvente e instrumental magnético.
Great singer and cool instrumentals but just not really my thing, hard for me to get into
What a voice. Beautiful. I saw there was a collaboration between her and Harry Belafonte - think I’ll have to check that out. Also nice bit of “lion sleeps tonight” action - unexpected but welcome!
so far im loving it the vocals of makeba wow
Miriam has a very lovely voice, and the arrangements here were very simplistic but complemented her well. It's nice to hear artists like this that are very left field from what I usually listen to.
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?
A solid little album. I read a bit about her from the Wikipedia entry and I had no idea she was such an influential figure in apartheid South Africa. It wasn't all my cup of tea (especially the House of the Rising Sun cover, bleh) but she has a powerful voice and put her all into each of the tracks. Also I liked the silly little flea song.
I can appreciate the music and the voice, and the importance of the record at the time, but it’s not for me. Listen again: no Purchase for my collection: no Favourite Song:
This shaped up big st the end
I admit I'm probably rushing to a 5 because something different, but I really enjoyed this start to finish. Sounds great all round.
3. It's good, but also just not really my cup of tea?
The best kind of throw back.
Lovely album and if nothing else took me down a fascinating rabbit hole on "Mbube/The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
An interesting listen. Joyous and melodic. Glad to have heard, but not something I'd revisit.
I was anticipating this one. This project has revealed a fondness for African music I was not aware that I carried, and this project only solidified my love for Paul Simon. So imagine my delight upon finding an African musician who has toured with Simon! I was immediately captivated. Makeba's voice is delightful, powerful, and passionate. There's a quiet intimacy, but unlike many other albums with sparse use of instruments, this doesn't feel cold, but warm. So very warm. There's many other albums that feel more impressive on a technical scale, larger in scope, but Makeba's voice quite literally carries you through fourteen lovely little songs. It helps that this album isn't a beefy one. Many of these songs are short and sweet, breezing from one to the next onto its conclusion. When I opened this album, I intended to save it for later, only for me to realise that my plan had failed seven songs in.
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.
The music wasn't my favorite, but reading about her, she lived a hard life and was a complete badass.
Interesting music talented musician some of it was ok and other was just not my taste
Not sure what half the songs were saying, but they weren't bad.
Meh. It's OK but I prefer Ladysmith Black Mambazo every time.
Simply not my style.
lindo
One of the more unique records I’ve listened to in this experiment. This South African legend even gives us a fantastic cover to go with solid originals. Her voice is spectacular even if the music around it isn’t really something I’m too into.
Well that was interesting enough to listen to but that's as far as it goes.
Ok album - great singer. A little too dreary for my taste.
Top 3 Songs: 1 - House of the Rising Sun (11) 2 - The Click Song (3) 3 - Mbube (7)
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
Rich and joyful. Miriam Makeba's voice is delightful, containing a depth of emotion that transcends any language barriers. Musically, this is a really nice blend of traditional songs with a polished pop sound. Fave Songs: Mbube; Lakutshn, Ilanga; Iya Guduza; The Click Song; Where Does It Lead?
Fantastic record.
It was alright
It’s fine
Langweilig.
Wonderful voice, wholesome vibes album, and beautiful languages. I don’t think I ever would’ve listened to this if not for this gen, and I’m so glad I got the chance to.
very good, beautiful singing and harmonies.
This was going really well, until the second half of the album which just felt like it was there because they’d run out of material.
Nice enough in the background.
Fun South African album, very easy listening. Except for "One More Dance", I liked just about every track.
I can't say it was something I'd ever reach for but I hope I remember I've listened to it for a long time. It was lovely to have on whilst I was writing and listening to it again in that context would really work! I wish there was a bit more subtelty in the scoring, this is much more a 3.7 or something than a 3 but I'm leaning 3 so there we are.
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".
Well now. This is EXACTLY why I joined this project! Hearing an album I would never have normally even thought about but this was AWESOME! Beautiful voice and the music is just excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed this one! It obviously won’t be for everyone, as many will hate it but if you allow yourself to open up to it, it’s really rewarding this one!
Miriam Makeba was incredibly influential in the spheres of music and social activism. Her music walks the line between South African and Western forms without truly fitting into either. She is happy to sing in Xhosa or Zulu with western backing band creating a more overtly African music than later western musicians who were influenced by African music would go on to do. This is appealing because here, the control is being given to the African musician instead of the western musician. Makeba's voice is smooth, controlled, and expressive. This was truly a great album to be exposed to.
4.0
Väl värd att lyssna på
This was good, some of it better than other parts I guess. Waffling between a 4 and a 3 here... Not sure I like it enough to come back repeatedly though, so... 3.5 rounded down for now.
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.
Okay, so she's got a good voice and all, but this does nothing for me and I don't have the appropriate cultural contextual background to understand it's significance. Overall, it's fine, but I'm completely disinterested in it as a musical offering.
Enjoyable global music