Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche

I talked to my Congolese friend about this album and he gave some interesting insights. I informed him while why I didn’t hate this album, it all kind of blended together for me with the exception of Elixir. And he informed me that it’s meant to be that way as these albums are meant to be a continuous story. He also informed me that they get money most of the time from donors to sing songs about them or their situation and then the artist will throw in a couple of songs that are personal to them but still fit within the narrative. I just thought that was interesting to share.

I was sort of enjoying this mix of slightly cheesy ballads and danceable African beats by this Congolese singer, and then I started reading his wikipedia page. There's certainly a lot on there, but then I got to the sections on Feuds and Legal Issues, and hoo boy - turns out that he's something of a nasty piece of work with a vindictive streak and numerous assaults to his name, and a charge of statutory rape of a 15 year old child in France. Yikes. I switched off at that point.

Fun after some real clunkers lately. Didn't understand a word, but a happy vibe.

I suppose it’s adecuate to incorporate non english albums to this list. My french, while good enough to make out what the titles of the songs mean, is not as good to make out what he was singing. That, combined with the similar beats throughout, gave it a very “samey” feeling to the album. Still, it cheered me up a little because of how joyful it sounds. The “vibes” were amazing - like the perfect album to put on for a chill day in a tropical beach. PS: but please don’t look up the wikipedia page for this guy.

One strength of this album is that the first 3 tracks vary in style from each other. But there remains the through line of Olomide’s joyful enthusiasm. A fun party with a soul.

This has to be the most undocumented project I've ever gotten on this generator, I was able to find a barely put-together Wikipedia page in French, but that's about it. It's almost freaky how accessible it is, there's even a full album stream on YouTube, and even there, not a single comment. I wanted to understand why this is special to its public, or what historic context helps make this album important. The logical side of me is saying this is an album putting on display the African influence a few other artists incorporate into their sound, like Paul Simon. It's a complete record, no notes no flaws, a solid listen all the way through with no musical or production flubs as far as my untrained ear can hear. I've heard similar music from island genres like soca from the west Indies, and I've heard individual songs that surpass my appreciation for this quick guitar with solid percussion, but I've never expected an entire album of the stuff to be an acceptable listen. Credit where it's due. Otherwise, I can't lie myself that I'll ever listen to this again, I just appreciate it. I don't find it to have enough pull. 3.1/5

Cool instrumentals but then tuned out partially due to the language barrier. Started to sound kinda samey

I got into afropop and world beat music for a while in the early 2000's, and a lot of music sounded like this. I have to assume Olomide was a progenitor of the sound, since this came out in '92. It's joyful music, with good rhythms, though after a while it can tend to blend together for me. I appreciate this project breaking out of the pop-rock rut though, and enjoyed several playthroughs of this album.

Interesting change of pace. It's got that classic beat and ongoing feel, which finds its groove and stays there. Some don't like that. I enjoy it. I have to assume this guy influenced the big push of afrofusions like Peter Gabriel. Good stuff. Not my daily listening, but I appreciate the music.

It's pleasant and upbeat African pop from the early 90s. the production and cover art demonstrate the aspiration to a level of sophistication, even if the budget clearly didn't extend that far. Personally, I find that kind of fun and charming. But, not speaking French or knowing anything about Mr Koffi, I looked him up on wikipedia. The lengthy sections under 'Feuds' and 'Legal issues' have turned me off. Is his behavior much worse than any number of higher profile Western artists? Well, Koffi's crimes (most notably statutory rape, then fleeing the country to avoid imprisonment) are comparable to Roman Polanski. I think Polanski is irremediable too. The cognitive dissonance between the light and breezy cruise-liner pop (3 stars, I could dance to that) and the terrible actions of the man (no stars, would not recommend) leave me feeling queasy.

The music sounds joyous and energetic. But its keyboard sounds and drum machines also sound dated

When the guitarist goes off on a stroll, “Qui cherche trouve” the example that got me, you get something special if you’re listening. But the repetition wad too hypnotic for me. The rhythms are buouyant, but not memorable, and I found myself clawing at the synthetic touches for some sort of traction to keep me from dropping off. Not enough movement for my taste.

Catchy and fun, but repetitive

Didn't leave much of a mark, as bright and featureless as his trousers. I do really like West African electric guitar music in general, its clear tone and intricate style very pleasing to these simple ears, all the way from Bamako to Soweto

A breath of fresh air in a sea of anglo-saxon guitar rock. A very pleasant album to listen to, but very difficult to properly rate.

I don't really mind it, pretty neutral African music, but it's a bit too cheesy and toxically positive for me, not something I would seek out or voluntary listen to, by all accounts the artist is a bit of a scum bag but just judging the music here ⭐⭐

Ik hou er gewoon niet zo van

It was good stuff but it got quite repetitive

Realistically, it was unlikely I’d like this. But particularly poor compared to some of the other foreign language albums to appear on this list

No entendí ni media palabra, pero la música me gustó. Bastante movido.

This was ok. Would I listen to it again? No.

Sick name I like that

not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue

1.5/10

Celkom príjemné, na občasné počúvanie.

Ledsen men det är vansinnigt tråkigt och urvattnat. Saknar all form av temperment och tuffar på i ett stort ingenting av billig 80tals produktion.

Det finns något intressant i rösten. Men musiken gör min likgiltig.

Småtrevligt afrosväng. Går att ha och mista på samma gång. Räcker till en svag tvåa men absolut inte mer.

Lågbudgetproduktionen och omslaget har en viss charm. Men musiken är urtrist. Kongolesisk karaoke.

Objectively good album, but not my thing

never heard of it but wonderful upbeat music

I guess it was ok. Saw the dude was sex perv. Kinda thought the music would be better if they were going to include him on this list. This shit was no Ignition Remix 😒

There's some grooves in there but I don't really know what is going on...nothing I would seek out again, but definitely see this album included before The Triffids or Brutal Youth (by Elvis Costello)

Trini sounds at times 🇹🇹

+: Koweït, rive gauche +-: Papa Bonheur, Désespoir, Elixir, Porte Monnaie, Conte de fées, Obrigado, Dit Jeannot -: Qui cherche trouve 3,2/10

mi piace molto

No matter the genre, there is a certain style of music production from the 70s-90s that I just can't get past. And this album had that.

This is devoid of any interesting qualities. It's like the most commercialised form of this genre.

Had high hopes based on his choice of artwork for his album covers but hard to find the redeeming features in this mid-90s sludge. Also, he appears to be a real piece of shit.

can we all agree that we're very happy paul simon invented this kind of music? some of it is great. production weighs in down in a quite a few spots. at times, excellent. at times, disney cruise line.

I enjoyed it but got a little repetitive

A nice blend between African traditional and 90s pop sounds. Not the most compelling album you'll listen to, but more than decent. Very light and energetic. Top tracks: Désespoir, Qui Cheche Trouve, Conte De Fées

I didn't enjoy it. I might have liked it more without the annoying sound samples of phones ringing, engines revving, glass smashing etc. They really take you out of the rhythm.

Interesting!

Started out sounding like easy listening world music and it wasn’t pleasing at all. But then it picks up and starts to have its own feel. Vocals are lovely. It’s got good moments, but some of it is still easy listening and a little irritating.

slowly but surely catching up I liked the beat of some but wouldn't listen to it again SOWYYYY

New to me and very nice. This is worth your time.

African—specifically Congolese—music. It’s a mix of sound samples, like a car starting up, and shifting vocal styles. It is music that sounds unusual to our ears; at times, it resembles rumba or samba. The songs have a pop feel and offer great variety. Fortunately, through attending the Rudolstadt Festival (the largest world music festival) for nearly 30 years, we’ve been exposed to all kinds of music. Otherwise, I wouldn't have listened to this today, as it really isn't suited to Central European ears. The production quality is top-notch, which is why I’m giving it three stars.

Like a riverboat casino on the Congo. A pleasant cruise, but I'd have liked a few unexpected rapids. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Papa Bonheur - Désespoir - Koweït, rive gauche

Fela Kuti is able to make long songs work, because his music evolves, is catchy and doesn't all sound the same, this guy's music is the opposite. His criminal record also doesn't make me want to enjoy his music. Someone else here said that this sounds like discount Disney music, and they really hit nail on the head. Mid 2.

Front loads the good songs. And they are good.

soulful, upbeat and fun

African, like the beats, can hear how it is important. Might be better for me in smaller doses. I really do like a lot of the rhythms.

muy cerca de las 5 eh

I liked it and could hear the influence of African music on Vampire Weekend.

Euh ok

This gets a 1, just like the Bee Gees got a 1 for "Trafalgar". Shit people don't deserve a 5.

A beautiful expression of a genre I was unfamiliar works. The sound of the happiest man in Senegal

If I was outside somewhere in the summer, preferably by water, and this was playing in the background I wouldn’t complain. But sitting here listening to it in my landlocked home was kind of a chore.

In 2019, he was found guilty by a French court of statutory rape of one of his former dancers, when she was 15 years old. He was handed a two-year suspended jail sentence in absentia, as he did not attend court in France.

didnt care for it

groovy African sounds

Exotic stuff to my ears.

easy listening, non-challenging or threatening.

Just seeing the cover I was expecting some good Afropop, I was not let down.

I feel like I’m on a vacation island adventure. Personally, I’m not a fan.

Didn't excite me. It had a nice rhythm but I wouldn't listen to it again.

Het nette antwoord is dat dit ook hele toffe muziek is, maar m'n eerlijke antwoord is dat ik er weinig mee kan. Het is in ieder geval wel vrolijk, dat is al wat waard natuurlijk. Ik ben blij dat ik via deze lijst ook dit soort albums krijg want ik kan wel zeggen dat ik heel weinig weet van de Congolese muziekgeschiedenis, maar het heeft tot nu toe nog geen interne verandering bij me teweeg gebracht dat ik dit bijvoorbeeld echt heel gaaf ben gaan vinden. Ik had dat ook niet helemaal verwacht. Voor een keertje wel leuk en ik kan hier niet heel zuur over doen, maar meer dan een 3 kan ik het niet geven.

Nope

5/10 No es malo, pero es un estilo que no me convence la verdad. Para venir escuchando a la mañana una verga

Not the kind of music I usually listen to, but I liked a few songs, like Désespoir and Élixir. If you understand French it has got some touching lyrics. I'm neither bored neither hooked by this. Maybe the whole stuff is too repetitive to my taste. 2.5/5

This is the first Congolese album I've ever listened to. "HdGKRG" is also pretty good as the DRC's representation on the list. I think it should be a bit shorter; however, around 45 minutes rather than an hour. For some reason, "HdGKRG" doesn't have a Wikipedia article. Every 1001 albums entry should have one. 3 stars for "Haut de Gamme/ Koweit, Rive Gauche".

Maybe a bit too polished for me, it’s definitely pop music. But it’s fun and funky.

I quite enjoyed this while listening, but I'll admit it didn't stick in my mind after. Would be fun party music... unless the lyrics are really depressing, in which case, sounds like my kinda party! 3.5 stars?

I don’t know what to say. It exists. Parts of it are good. Parts aren’t. It doesn’t scream must-hear.

I lIke Congolese Soukous music! The 12/8 rhythms and French intonations - makes you smile and move, right? Party music. Play it and see the dancers get restless :-) its contagious stuff. Good for dancing around the kitchen while cooking, too, so its going right on my “cook world” playlist - I’ll be listening to other artists of this genre for sure. . The Congolese French mixes in languages like Lingala & Swahil, so not always understandable but always entertaining . * Soukous (from French secousse, "shock, jolt, jerk") is dance music from Congo with fast dance rhythms and bright, intricate guitar improv. Reminds me of World Music concerts typical of the Festival of Perth in the 80s and 90s. Note to self: listen to other artists in this style from the highly popular 80s periods try Abeti Masikini Mbilia Bel, Les Quatre Étoiles, Papa Wemba, and Tabu Ley. "Koweït, rive gauche" stood out. I'm giving it a 5 - I want to hear this whole genre more. I am wholly naive as to whether this album if worth a 5 compared to the best performers of the style

Low 3. I can't see myself listening often on headphones, but better for playing on speakers at a party.

A bit repetitive, terrible synths. Quite relaxing to zone out to, if it was a bit more raw I would go for this

Koffi Olomide’s music is tremendously fun. The picture of him on the front of this LP pointing towards the camera pretty much sums up this record, the sunniest record on Earth. However, it must be said that the closer it gets to its conclusion the more wearisome its optimism gets, as it’s essentially the same song 9 times over. Had it been half the length I would rated it higher.

And today's album is getting a high 3, i love this west african style of guitar playing and when they get in the groove its wonderful, but i don't love as much the longer vocal sections

up beat and sometimes fun, even if it took me ages to finish.

I feel like I am being marketed a cruise line or all inclusive resort. I don't know much about this genre and region of music. It's got some groovy songs and moments. An hour back to back of this was a lot though. Not sure I needed to hear this before I died.

Deep beats for a worldly appreciation

Cool vibes, finally something less dad rock.

I really disliked the production and how much this sounds like corny ‘90s R&B.

You'd be delighted sitting on a beach in Africa vibing to this. It gets a bit annoying walking around Edinburgh in the rain. Decent though, I appreciate the art, however not the person behind it.

White Pants? Hell no... plus it sounds like he's a bad dude (2 stars because the music was better than Bob Dylan's)

Wow. The Godfather of Ndombolo

This music is what I’d imagine would play in a cruise ship bar. Why this made it to the list idk

Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Gar nicht meins.

Nice

Realizing that I enjoy African beats. This is on the clean, light, easy listening side. Puts you in a good mood.

Pleasant.

Nothing in this for me.

It's...fine. Sounds like something you'd hear playing in a cruise ship with old people and families with young children. There are some decent musical moments, and some that haven't aged very well.

Wanted to like this, but just weren't my jam.

Like going back in time to the mid 90s and listening to Andy Kershaw again. Pleasant listening but nothing really stood out.

I am really really digging afrobeat now, more afrobeat please. 4/5.

Was a breeze to sit through and didnt sound half bad

3.5/5