Immigrés

Ok background music in an African restaurant

I’ve enjoyed the vast majority of the world music on this list so far. This is no exception

Nice to have something a bit different even if occasionally, to my uncultured western ears, this sounds like the band are playing two different songs at the same time.

It was a pleasant enough diversion and a welcome bit of variety but it didn’t really take me melodically or rhythmically.

Not sure why but this doesn’t grab me in quite the same way as Fela Kuti did. Seems more chilled, but less funky as a result. All nice enough but the songs were that much more similar to one another and the lack of variety (to my ears) was not as interesting by the end. As an aside, I went down a rabbit hole about ‘7 seconds’ and wasn’t aware of quite how big a song that ended up being.

Not really my thing, a bit too chanty

Sparkling African soul - happy to give it a few listens

No idea what to expect from this. I didn't know about the Paul Simon connection until I read some other reviews. I try not to do that until after I've listened so my opinion isn't influenced. I like the music, the rhythm and his singing. I like the way the sound bounces between speakers giving it a lot of depth. I don't know enough of it to say it's ground breaking or influencial, but I know what I like. It will get more listens in the future 4/5

This is the kind of music I came here for. This album would be amazing live in a small outdoor venue at night with some drinks.

Jävligt nice men lite långdragen

Good music. It's always nice to hear something I wouldn't listen to otherwise.

reminds me of little big planet :)

This is definitely what I expected to hear more of when doing this project. I hope there is more variety like this coming forward.

Good vibes

Kan bara bedöma på vibes, och de är härliga ändå!

Trevligt, och slutade innan jag hann tröttna.

Ja men ett steg upp från den vanliga World-dyngan vi brukar få här, och framförallt kort och koncist.

Its like to so chill and then the trumpet comes out of nowhere to make this album one that is surprisingly alive. The best way to describe this album is it feels like it would fit well in a cinematic shot of a cowboy roaming through arid wastes. Its very expressive and homey even though i dont understand the language. Taaw is my personal favourite of this album 8.3 out of 10

Nope. This is not for me. For those of y'all who like this sort of authenticity, good for you. However, including this banal collection of whatever ethnic drumming/fluting/etc. on this list is yawn-yawn. Better than Paul Simon doing the same though. Still, only 2 "but somewhat better than Paul Simon" stars.

Buenos ritmos. Buena música. Nice.

It’s suprizanly not bad as a quiet background music during the work when needed.

7/10

Well I love Afropop, worldbeat, whatever you want to call it. This voice, guitar, drums, keys/synth melange is endlessly delightful. Quirky turns keep you on your toes with the beat as home bass, oops, meant home base.

This afropop world music vibe is great out of the gates, until the repetition starts to eat at my brain and I'm hearing the same guitar riff over and over and over and over and over until that's all I hear and then the next song starts and I still hear the riff, or is he playing it in this song too? Three, only if I get to stop the album midway.

Yeah, damn, this is some dope shit. that third tune nearly had me floating through the streets of Aix. All killer no filler.

Kul med skiva från en i Graceland-gänget. Fin röst och bra sväng, stark 3a

Stark trea!

Soft men lite basic

3/5. One of those albums that is a groove machine, especially on my personal highlight “Taaw.” The drums and bright horns give it a very joyful feel and the vocals are pleasant as well. That being said even in its short runtime it does start to get a bit samey so the four tracks here all slightly blend together in my mind. Not a new all-time favorite of mine but still a pleasant listen for a quiet morning.

nice enough

No me gusta nada su voz. Si fuese todo instrumental me gustaría mucho más, aún así fue muy interesante.

(obviously) came in with no context and liked this quite a bit. Musically it had me moving.

Not my thing... Too repetitive and droning. Points for keeping it short. Variety is important to me, within an album and especially within a song. At first you might think "oh this is interesting" but if you're really LISTENING to this, and not just having it on in the background, your brain might go a bit numb. Likely never listening to this again, it's a no from me.

Definitely in the category of "I'd never have listened to this otherwise". It was nice enough, not particularly memorable but pleasant as background music, and well outside the realms of what I'd normally listen to.

A fun little album. Took me a bit to get into it, but overall felt it was a pretty good jam. Would probably be better if I was fluent in the language though.

I can hear the potential here. The bass and drums throughout is really fun. It’s definitely got a good rhythm.

Yea this was a fun for Afropop. Short 34mins 4 songs.

fine, I preferred this to femi kuti

Different to what I’d usually listen to but won’t be listening again.

Mbalax Favorite Song: Immigrés/Bitim Rew Least Favorite Song: I guess Pitche Mi? Idk if I truly want to keep this album? While the album is produced nicely, it’s really more of I don’t think that I would see myself listen to them again. It’s okay. 6/10

Not as used to African music so don't have much of a baseline for how 'good' it is but it was such a joy to listen to. A really fun, interesting blend of instruments with some excellent (and catchy) melodies. Does very much feel like being taken on a musical journey, especially as the songs are quite long (always a fan of a longer runtime) Some genuinely killer guitar solos

I thought I'd like this but turned out to have too much westernized 80's influence

Youssou N’Dour has such a distinct voice and I love it. I prefer his collaborative work but a solo album is worth a listen. His name is almost impossible to write on a phone with autocorrect enabled Almost as comical is hearing my challenge buddy trying to pronounce it!

Really enjoyable album - especially when I have a guests over!

Nice African journey. Liked the vibes but didn't understand a single lyric.

Fun

No thanks Youssou. It's happy, but very annoying. I wasn't able to N'Dour this music for 32 minutes.

I love this scratchy-guitar rock sound with its positive vibes and irresistible rhythms. But this album can’t compare to some other albums I’ve heard in this challenge (Fela Kuti, for instance). It seems a bit aimless and tepid. A 3 — but I’m hoping to hear more from Mr. N’Dour.

muy buenas vibras, muy buenos ritmos

80's African beats

You could pull some evil samples from this. 4? 3 for now

Never heard of this artist before. Album is alright.

Gorgeous album. Fun from start to finish. Absolute gem of a find.

Lots of fun. Not really my thing personally, but it would be difficult not to have a good time listening to this music.

Not really my jam, but glad to hear new sounds to me. Would be happy to come across this while sunning boat side, but I can't recall exactly what I've heard only just a few hours ago. 2-3 rats.

Was it kinda interesting? yes. Was it something I'll ever listen to again, probs not bitches.

I can see how this album would be amazing for some listeners but it’s is not for me personally.

On the plus side, the rhythmic interplay on this record is interesting and the musicianship is excellent. On the minus side, the vocals sound like they are just drifting over the music without any organic connection and the songs have little harmonic movement, making them seem like they are going in circles.

Language barrier does get in the way for me but I did enjoy this Playlist add: "Badou"

I first came to love Youssou N'Dour when he was featured on the song "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel. This album is prime Afropop with great drumming and N'Dour owning the spotlight. Some of it gets a bit repetitive but it lays down great grooves and I'm glad an artist like N'Dour is featured on this list.

Unique, hypnotic rhythms and I love the horns and the noodly fluid sound of the guitars. Songs felt less lengthy than they really were. Taaw was my favorite here (just dont ask me to pronounce it)

I like this but can't see going back to it very often. Youssou's voice really is a force of nature. Very curious how salsa/etc made its way to Senegal and the Sahel such that it became The template for popular music for a while there. When I was younger this all sounded Sui generis to my western ears, like it just came out of (almost literally) nowhere, not recognizing at all that it is the same genre interplay and give/take the world round...

Retro listen

Great

Meh

pretty good vibe

I think I really dig Senegalese music. No clue what the songs were about but highly listenable

What a cool album. The songs was so cool that I kept listening to Spotify after the album ended and the algorithm took over since it was so interesting.

dece

Great vibes

This was great! The instrumentation is really diverse and the rhythms are so funky. Curious to dive into the meaning

Exactly the kind of record I was hoping to discover with this project!

Really enjoyed this Afro-pop

Zero idea. Always fun when it’s not 80’s Britpop or random detritus from the 60’s. Yeah. Happy to hear. 4 Boolean: True

Background elevator music. Enjoyable listen, not on par with Buena Vista Social Club.

African Santana. Quite interesting 7/10

An interesting album, never heard something like this

1984 world music, always fun, peter gabriel, Senegal Immigres

Overall: 6/10 Not the type of music I usually go for, but there was interesting instrumentation here that I enjoyed. I was actually at a multicultural festival this weekend and there was music similar to this being played there. Fav Song: Pitche Mi

Pretty sure these drums were used in the Black Panther soundtrack. Makes sense!

It’s hard for me to fully appreciate these albums from other cultures. I’m sure the locals love it though.

I thought I didn't know who Youssou N'Dour is, until I looked him up. In fact, not only do I know who he is and have heard him sing many times, he sang on the song my husband and I did our first dance to when we got married. N'Dour collaborated quite frequently with Peter Gabriel and performed on his "So" tour. We used the version of "In Your Eyes" for our first dance that N'Dour sang on. I had no idea about his background or knew anything about his own solo work, but I really liked this album. The music is so beautiful and joyful. Even though I couldn't understand any of the lyrics, they just had a joyfulness to them. The album is very well produced and sounds like it could have been made today rather than in 1984. This album is exactly why I'm doing this whole project. I never would have listened to it or realized who N'Dour was without this album popping up today.

This has a nice dance-able rhythm to it. Africa rhythm's are like no other, no wonder some Europeans like Ginger Baker, in the late 60s and early 70s were fascinated with the sound. It's a bit jazzy here and there, mainly in the luscious horns . My favourite song on the album "Pitche Mi" takes you on a journey and a half, the song has a good structure to it. This one wasn't too bad, not sure if I'd re-vist, but it was a fun one. Highlight Song/s: "Pitche Mi"

More less.

Great beats.

Sopi mukavasti tähän kesälomateemaan. Mukava nähdä Youssou N'Dourista tämä "oikea" puoli. Saa nähdä kuullaanko vielä myöhemmin hänestä tällä listauksella

Ei tää hoilaus nyt oikeen vakuuttanu.

Sen verran eksotik ettei tästä kauheesti saa irti.

Tässä oli ihan kivoja biittejä ja muutenkin ihan hauskaa kuunneltavaa. Jostain syystä luulin että Youssou N'Dour on semmosta imelän siirappista radioystävällistä ysäripoppia painava kaveri, mutta tässä oikeastaan oli vaan yhdessä biisissä semmosia kaikuja, mutta sekin oli pitkä kuin nälkävuosi, ja aika kaukana radioystävällisyydestä.

That was really interesting. Very vibe-y.

The only thing I knew N'Dour from was his work as a background singer for Peter Gabriel. I enjoyed listening to this, but it didn't rise up to the level of a classic for me. Songs were long, and I felt that length a couple times.

I like it a lot, but any album with the audacity to publish a near 12 minute track should come with a warning label.

Evidently very complex and groovy! The first song was actually my least favorite so I wasn’t sure about the record but Pitche Me and Taaw were both so in-the-pocket I could listen to them forever. I like those 10min jam songs more than the faster-paced tracks with a more pop structure. Obviously serves an important role on this list — the only thing I could compare it to that I’ve heard in the past two months is Papa Was a Rolling Stone by the temptations. I have a hard time connecting with the vocals but the group seemingly functions as a jam band so it was overall a really rad listening experience.

Interesting music from someone I've never heard of. Didn't appeal to me, but nothing to complain about

sympa. je réécouterai pas

Incroyable.

it's a good listen for me one time Will I listen to again: 3%

It’s always interesting to hear music from a different country and culture but this does nothing for me. Listening to Desi Arnez playing Babaloo has the same impact.

it was not bad, i liked the start but it started better than it finished

Ik sta hier normaalgesproken op geen enkele manier om te springen maar zo tijdens het werk is dit best een prima album om een keer aan te hebben staan. Zeker na die onzin van zojuist (Kapitein Rundshart). Moet ik er een cijfer op plakken (en zoals we inmiddels weten is dat wel onderdeel van het bijna dagelijkse luisterritueel) dan zit dit voor mij ergens tussen de 2 en 3. Ik denk eigenlijk dat een 2 dan toch het meest realistisch is.

Important stuff. Good stuff.

I really like Mr N'Dour's hat.

A fun romp through Senegelese culture. While long, each track is quite lively and keeps the dance party going.

Yo quiero a Peret y a la Trinca

An okay album, i liked Immigtres/Bitim Ree the most.

Very niche. Listened only to a couple of tracks, which I found inaccessible. I’m sure it has its audience. I’m just not part of it.

Didn't understand the lyrics but liked the music

An amazing album building on African music. An absolute joy to listening to, using amazing african rythms, it is calming and chill, but never truly in the background either. Definitely an album I'll listen to again.

The world music just doesn't do it for me.

sorry prince but no

It was very fun! A wonderful change of sound and pace from other albums in this list. Not necessarily my thing but it was a good listen. It does get a little tiring as the album progresses tho.

Nothing to say. Summer hit just destroys me

We've gotten a good few albums under the banner of world music, and while they can be hit or miss, this one is certainly in the former category. 4.5 bumped down to 4.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump down to a 4. Great grooves across the board here, & some rather high highs among the 4 tracks present. Without any translated lyrics in front of me, I was forced to go off of a vibe for most of these, and thankfully, these all have great vibes for being recorded in 1984. Seriously, some of the layering in the production feels ahead of schedule by a few years. Since most of these tracks are a bit longer, there is a staleness that inevitably comes with them, especially since the percussion doesn’t move much. It’s not really an issue until “Badou”, which is just sort of a flat closing track to my ears, at least compared to the first 3. Other than that, the rest of this is really nice, and I found myself especially grooving to the music around the midway points of both “Pitche Mi” & “Taaw”. There’s not too much else to say; I’m bumping it down to 4 just because of the slight staleness & “Badou” falling just a bit flat, but if anything hits just a bit more on a future relisten, this could easily go up to a 5. I think it’s a great representation of Senegalese music, a great pick for the list, and a really breezy 34 minutes that can’t hurt to listen to. I enjoyed it.

i absolutely love this. 5/5

Ricura y no es blanca. Nota: 3.7

Mmmm World!

this was fun

(Listened to this alum on 7/1) I just finished this incredibly fun album from a talented Senegalese artist; truly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I am currently working through a book about King Leopold II and the terrors he authorized and carried out on the people of Africa. Later this afternoon, Senegal takes on Belgium in the World Cup's Round of 32. Take a guess on who I'm rooting for.#LionsDeLaTeranga

today we are all Senegalese...

fun, nicht ganz meins

A fun and bouncy album. I like the extended instrumental sections.

De base j’aime pas trop les musiques à rallonge mais en vrai c’était good vibes et Youssou N’Dour !!

Generally, dig it. The horns and keyboards sometimes give this an American/New Orleans polish that kinda puts me off, but not always (I like the sax on 'Taaw'). That said, the vocals and percussion is really fantastic, and I absolutely LOVE the guitar work, totally new sound and style, a different thing from the Ali Farka Toure & desert blues stuff that I'm familiar with. On the basis of the guitar style alone, I'd list this as something to hear more of in a recording that was maybe a little less dressed up with production. Overall, it grew on me a lot. First listen I though this was a 3.5/5, but now I'd say 4.5/5.

A solid world beat album. I've heard some Youssou N'Dour before - mostly thanks to his guesting on a couple of Peter Gabriel songs - but hadn't heard this album before. 3 1/2 stars

Something unique! I wish there were more songs that were shorter, instead of 4 long songs. Got a little repetitive. 7/10

Enjoyed more than I thought I would, interesting stuff. First track’s a lot of fun

Good

Immigres is just another world album in the sea of world albums. Apparently, N'Dour's Wikipedia page says that he helped create a genre known as mblax. Well, this new genre certainly sounds a lot like all the other genres I've heard from Africa. I am a bit sad that i have to be so harsh on it because the musicianship itself is alright and that is the big reason why i can't justify a 1 star review here. But this album was still just really boring. It was just that kind of music that goes in one ear and out the other and the one that i just forgot about once i finished. The album itself doesn't sound bad and i get why people would enjoy it but its just not something that was able to keep my interest. Best Song: Immigres / Bitim Rew Worst Song: Taaw

The music here is great. Groovy, funky and fun. No need for lyrics when the music is this good. Track 2 & 4 are a bit of a let down and track 4 ends abruptly. Some good times had here but didn’t blow me away

Fucking hell, that's one fat bass drum you got there mate. Jokes aside, I liked this a lot more than I was expecting. Lots of great grooves, wild percussions that I always like and some cool polyrhythmic stuff happening as well. Very interesting, indeed.

A very very fun time. No songs stood out, but great background music to have on while having fun with friends.

I definitely didn't expect to hear music from Senegal on a Saturday night. What a cool discovery! 4 stars.

Fun album but probably not listen again

Unsurprisingly I really liked this.

Some nice rhythms and soulful passages but this is a hard album to get into and some of the tracks are long even though the record running time short.

If this is your first dip into international music, quit sleeping on Western African artists. It's some of the best music period.

Cool music. Cool hat 👍

This is exactly the type of stuff I'm looking for on this list. There is no way I would have ever found this on my own. Really enjoyed it.

No, sorry. It's not to my taste. 1 star...

Hard for me to relate to, but quite an enjoyable listen while I tidied my room.

Eh. Not for me.

Immigrés by Youssou N’Dour is upbeat, pleasant, and genuinely fun, even if it’s not something I see myself returning to. Still, I’m glad it crossed my path.

Really enjoyed this one. A hidden gem!

In my humble opinion it was added just because of cultural diversity, I just really don't like the sound of this album

Not my vibe wouldn't listen to it again 1.7/10

Favorite Track: Taaw Least Favorite Track: Immigrés / Bitim Rew

I've listened to this record a couple times and its pretty good. The apparently controversial synthesizers aren't particularly intrusive and work well. N'Dour's vocals are very good and the songs are absorbing. The arrangements are fairly strong as well. There are a few moments where some of the more complicated rhythm patterns feel like they could have used a couple passes before recording, but that is largely not the case. Overall, a good album.

Damn, this album is beautiful. I don't know anything about Senegalese music and therefore am ignorant on whether this is indicative of the sounds coming from the region, but if it is, I'm very interested in hearing more. Lots of tight, inventive grooves - numerous different grooves in one song, that in an abstract way almost felt like African prog. Youssou's voice is warm and playful, which I hope is respectful to what he's singing about (I did not look up lyric translations). I knew of him from his appearances on a few Peter Gabriel tracks, and his voice sounds even more self-assured and expressive on his own songs. A truly wonderful album to listen to. I can see myself putting this on in a lot of different circumstances. Great work.

It's fun music to listen to while you work. Didn't get bored/tired of it.

Really great and upbeat music.

Legal, groovy, uma das faixas me pegou bastante, mas o resto do disco serviu mais como som de fundo. Mas é um som de fundo agradável e divertido. Nada a reclamar, mas também nada a ressaltar. 3/5

Love the horns.

Good.

Noce to listen from a great album from a different country. Really sharp and simply beautiful

What a fun album, amazing instrumental jazz funk vibes and good vocals too. Only 4 tracks but quite long and no filler. Solid 4 from 4 Fave track: pitche mi

Just not for me

exceptional african music

It's not really my thing. I dont think o am the right person to give a review. Interesting though

Сара 3 Марко 4

Listenable, but ultimately irrelevant and stock sounding record.

Another album that I'm not sure what to do with. Interesting listen but I don't plan to listen again anytime soon.

Interesting listen. I don't think I'll listen to it again, but this was fine.

nothing special imo

Quite fun and something I wouldn't have sought out myself.

I listened to this whole album and honestly don't have much to say about it at all. I'm thankful to hear new music from artists and cultures I've never heard music from, but this album left no positive or negative impression on me. It's a lukewarm 3/10. I will likely forget this by lunch today.

2.5

No va

I didn’t realize until after I listened that this was only 4 tracks. I love this kind of album.

Good shit. I enjoyed this.

a vibrant and fun listen

Ohhhhh shit yes that was very nice thank you random album generator for giving such a nice album to pair with such a sunny day!!

It was alright. Kinda of forgettable

Fun but I doubt I'll return

Not quite as good as Osibisa, but some great vibes here.

Youssou D’Nour: Immigres THREE STARS After an uninteresting opening track, Immigres picks up with its next two songs. Pitche Mi is a slow boil built on a beautiful and moving guitar figure. The song circles back to the guitar on numerous occasions fusing parts of the song together. D’Nour’s vocals add to the angst and moving tone of the song. Taaw also utilizes a single riff to build a song, but on a much livelier basis. The bass leads here, but the percussion was what held my interest. The multiple drums and bell-like sounds picked up the song when it’s groove could have become tiresome. The album tests listeners who are programmed for 3-4 minute songs. The music often employs repetition. It is not trance enduring like the drones of Indian raga. There’s too much occurring to slide into that state of mind. Instead the songs seek some for of release. On my multiple listens, I was able to find enough of that feeling

Different, but in a good way.

Great to have this in the list of the best albums of all time !!! I like it !!

What in the Putamayo World Music is this token shizzle. 2/5

Great album by Youssou N'Dour. Love the syncopated drumming, and the instruments are great. Previous to this list I'd only had passing experience with N'Dour, so I'm glad to hear these highlighted albums.

I really enjoyed this! Funky but a bit melancholy too, my kind of jam. Best Song: Pitche Mi Worst Song: Badou (but it's still pretty good)

Solidly really enjoyable. I don’t have a ton to say about this one, it’s just a nice vibe, some really solid production and a fun fusion of traditional Senegalese music with those sweet ‘80s synths. Always fun to find an album I’d never have heard of outside of this project.

Immigres and Pitche Mi fantastic works, Taaw and Badou “merely” really good. Truly the only great problems with this album are it goes by too quickly and I don’t speak Wolof, neither of which are really Youssou N’Dour’s fault. I love this dense percussion-driven and guitar and sax supported soul-y sound so I should definitely look into more N’Dour and mbalax generally probably? Also no wonder everyone with an ear to African artists wanted to get this guy on their pop albums.

i've been waiting a while to get this one and i'm very happy i rolled it earlyish in the project. it's really genuine and raw in a way that most non-Western music to make it big is denied from being. wonderful grooves. mbalax and soukous and highlife and afrobeat etc etc etc all benefit from 10 minute long tracks. deserves to be one of the 1001? unlike most of the "world music" (disgusting, racist term) on this list, this one was originally released for a non-Western audience, and it shows. it's definitely here because of the reissue, but whatever, it's not easy for West African tapes to filter into the UK/US. i feel blessed to live in a world where obscure blogs from 15 years ago did all the hard work in ripping tapes like this. but yeah, it does deserve to be on here. i'm very happy this was the Youssou N'Dour pick rather than something more polished like Set.

Really good stuff. I've often thought that "world music" is a very reductive term for a genre that covers such a massive variety of cultures and nationalities. It is strange to lump together music from Pakistan and Madagascar and Ethiopia and Finland all under one umbrella. But in a way it feels very fitting for this album, which combines Senegalese music traditions with Islamic music and western synthesizers. The whole thing comes together into one package, rich with depth and wonderful to experience. Favorite track: "Immigrés/Bitim Rew"

enjoyable trip through african senegalese music

Can't really put my finger on what it is, but I really enjoyed this record. It's just very groovy! For some reason it made me think of the Grim Fandango game, which is really cool and I really like it. Maybe that gave the experience some extra positive vibes, who knows. The songs were distinct enough, and the runtime didn't ask much of you. Not much to dislike with this! Weak 4.

Something different! Really enjoyed it, felt a bit like Bombino or some other Turego music. Plenty of hooks and the 34 minute runtime was just enough to not overstay its welcome. Not much to say, just fun music. 4 stars.

É um álbum que representa a cultura de um país e apresenta elementos muitos ricos musicalmente. QoA Cloudscape.

Summer Barbecue with a cold cider type beat. Always appreciate getting more international music, and this one was a nice chill one. Love the drums, great brass, not huge on the vocals but it fit the vibe.

This is a great record. The African items on this list have all been pretty on point, and I love it. The synth's gave this an unexpected 80's element which I dig. This is very well mixed album and it was nice to hear such clear articulation from each instrument.I would spin this again.

It was decent fun, I wouldn’t mind coming back to. Rating: 2.5

this would make good hold music. actually I’m listening to it as I read the Wikipedia article for hold music, and it’s pretty good background for that too.

Good groves, well done, but not something I felt overly connected to. A little repetitive for my taste, though I appreciate the inclusion of Afro-pop on this list.

After several albums that were ambient or jazz, it's nice to get some joyful danceable music. I quite dig this but it wasn't transcendant

230726 23:01 3.5

Raro pero alegre

Fun album, didn’t suprise me

Wow ! Digging it !

All time classic

To echo what others said -- albums like this are why I started this project. Short, but nice and refreshing on a monday morning.

I loved this. The rhythm is so incredibly engaging and layered throughout. The horns are a really enjoyable addition as well. I'm definitely going to do a deeper dive through Youssou N'Dour's discography, this was a really fun listen. Favourite track: Taaw

Short n' sweet. Easy listening. 2.75 rounded down to a 2.

Interesting album. I didn't even notice how long the songs were because I was enjoying the music.

I didn't connect with this at all, but it didn't seem bad for what it was. Just wasn't for me.

Genuinely a joy to listen to.

Some fine music playing and singing on this album. I enjoyed listening to this on a relaxing afternoon.

Really beautiful album. It was so intriguing to me, I love all the different drum sounds, and N'Dour has quite a voice. Another of those beauties of the generator because I would have never discovered this on my own

The synth sound was distracting.

Fint avbrekk fra Gubberock.

Some interesting sounds, but a lot of repetition.

Quite a pretty album. A pure voice, and a laid back funky vibe courtesy of some lovely bass lines and fluid improvised African percussion. A few bangers like Pitche Me, which takes a while to get going, but is irrestible when it does. The 7 seconds guy just found a new fan.

Fun exciting and quick listen with great groves

Favorite songs: Immigrés/Bitim Rew, Pitche Mi (Kabou Gueye)

So this had some interesting moments, and at only 34 minutes doesn't outstay its welcome, but probably not enough here for me to listen again. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ ★★★☆☆ (6/10) Total reviewed : 308 Already owned : 69 Purchased : 15 To buy : 4 Nope : 220

For a second I thought this was the first dreaded Indian album of the list, but the text at the bottom of the album cover fortunately confirmed that this is yet another African album. I'm assuming this is another Afrobeat album a la Fela Kuti due to the prominent cultural elements on the album cover. Here's hoping I'm correct. "Mbalax", apparently. You can put me down as dead wrong with my prediction. I should have expected a dance-oriented album given the year of release, but I am sadly a FOOL. Anyways, this was fine. Just a perfectly okay listen, and I have no qualms with the runtime. The music isn't particularly varied or ambitious, but it succeeds at being a competent listen on the whole. The warm sound is the most stark component of the music and is elevated by the nice, stray piano notes and explosive saxes which occasionally jolt the music. Unfortunately, the vocals suck. The wailing vocal style doesn't fit with this brand of music, and even then it isn't particularly good. Moreover, while I do commend the runtime, I think the gambit of having four tracks over 35 minutes was a little too overambitious, especially since the album maintains a constant sound throughout. My attention span kind of dipped in and out while listening to this music as a result, especially down the center with those two ten-minute tracks. Overall, I'm middle of the road on this album. It's solid, though it's appeal with me is limited. Book time. Inspired by N'Dour's time in France after touring with his band. The success of this album allowed him to tour in America alongside Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel. The rest of this entry is a little aggrandising, truth be told. Wikipedia verifies that this album brought international attention to N'Dour, though it didn't chart anywhere. The synths of this album were dragged by a few critics, though the vocals received unanimous praise. Guess I had the opposite reaction to these critics, huh? As a decently unique world music album, I like to think this is in here on good authority, though it admittedly occupies more of a gimmick slot as opposed to a merit-based one. In any case, I cosign this inclusion.

I had no idea what to expect. This album has a place, and I wouldn't mind being in that place from time to time. I bet the food is delicious.

Senegalese Frank Zappa

This is ok - a bit backgroundy, but perfectly listenable.

Overall Rating - 3.75/5 (7.50/10). Lots of fun. I'm really liking African and Latin music. It's definitely a jam I didn't know I had.

world music yay :(

no es mi estilo

Stellar! Enjoyed this thoroughly!

week of out there music... this might be the winner though! Super fun vibes, and great guitar music. a high 3 for me

No comment. Solid 3/5

I don't know what language this is so I can't really judge the song as a whole, but musically it was pleasant.

Never really listened to world music straight from the source before. There's a relaxed, sunset social vibe here, especially with the drum beats. The rhythms resemble something out of what Paul Simon would later do in his Graceland album. The songs themselves, despite their length, didn't feel too long.

This project keeps making it clear that you can really only fairly evaluate albums whose cultural context you’re sufficiently familiar with. If that’s not the case (because the recordings are simply too old or aimed at a completely different audience), the only thing left to go on is the vibe. “Immigrés” by Youssou N'Dour is such a case for me; here, I’m giving it a neutral rating based on the positive energy of his music.

4/10

Good to see an African album. I'm more of a fan of people like Ali and Vieux Farka Touré, Sir Victor Uwaifo, and Amadou & Mariam, who I think are all more interesting than this. Nothing wrong with it, but not the most exciting option

Interesting. A part of me wants to score lower for that super 80s sound with those live sounding drums and the pingy studio bass sound. I struggle to get past that, especially on the ballad. But then the uptempo songs have something really cool about them. Afrobeat is my access point to African music. This feels like it shares some of the rhythmic sophistication of afrobeat, but then there's something else very cool happening too. Would like to listen more to try figure out where it sits for me (if I'm honest I don't know when ill get to it)

Fun and upbeat. It would be good for a backyard bbq or outdoor chill.

Really enjoyed this. 4.2.

Decent 3,5

incredible

I really genuinely loved this album. I had a hard time deciding on this review for a long time. The main issue for me was just the disconnect from the lyrics and language. I obviously speak English so the entirety of the messaging and lyricism was lost on me. Which does hold the music back slightly, it feels like I can’t accurately review the music cause I don’t fully understand it. But what I DID understand is that the instrumentals are awesome. They are so creative and fun, they even have a real joyous nature to them. Which again, if I knew what the songs were about I could make a comment on whether or not the message and the music are contrasting or complimentary. But at the end of the day I loved this album and I saved every song on the album. So close to a perfect score. (For the record, the album is a love letter to his home from his new home in Paris, as well as being about the immigration experience. The more you know).

In a nutshell: wherever you may roam, you are always part of home. If you are tempted to look up the lyrics, I recommend waiting until after your first listen. Embrace the bass, the percussion, the brass, the beat. The backing band - Le Super Etoile de Dakar - are incredible!! Overall: 8/10

Interesante. Voz muy etnica. Me gustan más sus colaboraciones con Peter Gabriel y Neneh Cherry.

what’s better than drums Would like to learn more about this man. I wish I hadn’t listened while stuck in traffic on the LIE But it helped me not lose my mind? Which speaks volumes really. Will re-listen under better circumstances because I imagine it’s magic. Sir seems like a badass too. Listening months after completing the Fela Kuti pod, I’m thinking about how music and politics and revolution intersect. And generally what a shame to know so few African artists. Read a bit more; badass to refuse to come to the US after we invaded Iraq

Er dette bare en bedre versjon av Under the Sea? Jeg støtter det!

Youssou N'Dour er et navn man ikke kommer utenom, men jeg har ikke kommet så langt at jeg har hørt noe. På tide, for dette var kult!

Handful of songs with very long run times is not my favourite format, but the last tune caught my ear I suppose. 2.5

Surprisingly well made for my style of music, it fits quite well

As someone who listens to quite a bit of artists influenced by "world music" I could appreciate this but I probably won't listen again.

2.25. There are some cool or interesting musical moments, but the language barrier makes it hard for me to really appreciate the songs.

As I was listening to this I knew it sounded familiar but couldn't place it. Then, I was transported to "location planet earth, time and date 1999, December 31st" and remembered the song "How Come" by Canibus and Wyclef Jean that I was obsessed with for a short time a quarter century ago. And, lo and behold Youssou N'Dour sang the chorus.

4 - It was a vibe. I loved it.

Wow, what a nice album. The layering of drums and percussion is excellent. If only all 80s productions sounded like this.

According to Rolling Stone this is the most famous singer alive in Senegal. Interesting factoid. Much more interesting and enjoyable album. My favorite part of listening to music in a language that I don't understand is the emotion that is delivered to me through the music. Great quick collection of feel-good tunes. (The lyrics could be about the exact opposite for all I know)

I love albums that takes you places.

Not really something I'm interested in listening to very often, but I do enjoy it and this is a good example of it.

4 songs, 10 min each, did i listen the whole thing? no. was it good? meh

Very fun

Nice album. Good rhythm and vibes.

Kinda fun, not what I'd usually listen to but it has its place

Great as background music, I really enjoyed the west African vibe. Cool rhythms, jazzy horns, and N’Dour’s exotic vocals create an atmosphere that entices you to listen and feel the music, maybe even dance along. Only issues I have are the length of the individual songs- they can get repetitive, and I feel like the language barrier might make me less willing to listen regularly. A solid 3 abd a half stars.

This was way more interesting and dynamic than I expected, nice!

I really liked the sound and beats of this album. Up beat, rhythmically interesting, and cool instrumentation. Nice surprise.

8/10 Best songs: Pitche Mi Finally, interesting music! Youssou N'Dour is a Senegalese drummer and, while his drumming serves as the centerpiece of the album, it is by no means the only thing of note. The guitar and bass are excellent, with lovely horns and strings occasionally punctuating yet never overwhelming the songs. The vocals (sung in Wolof) are a great accompaniment - acting more like a minor instrument than the most significant thing. I'm glad this album is on the list.

I love the smooth feel and the passionate vocals. The complex timing and the driving rhythms.

Interesting, first ever Senegalese music I have listened to. Did not blow my mind though

Alright, didn't understand a damn word but the rhythms were cool. Sometimes it sounded like two songs were playing at once though, a little disorienting

It was interesting to have the opportunity to listen to some non-western music. I was, however, glad it was only half an hour…

Thoughts before listening: I don't know a ton about Youssou N'Dour, but I do recognize his name. From the cover of this album it seems this will be traditional African music, likely with lots of drums and polyrhythms. Should be interesting. Review: Definitely based in traditional African styles, but the influences of more varied 80s world and pop music styles are also prevalent here. Synthesizers and guitar solos can be found throughout this release. This is ultimately pop music that is made more interesting and enjoyable thanks to the African sounds. There are only 4-songs here, but they are long and varied which makes for a pleasant listening experience. I'll give this 4-stars for being something new and different on this list.

I still want to do a bit more research pertaining to this album’s release history, the original track listing, etc. But going off what seems to be the commonly accepted album, I dig this well enough. With music I’m not inherently versed in, I always struggle to gauge my enjoyment of songs in the album format. I want to say that I was much bigger on the title track and “Pitche Mi” than I was on “Taaw” and “Badou”, but I don’t know if that’s just a case of the genre “wearing off” on me as the album continues. Whatever the case, I’ll definitely return to this and try to refine my opinions a bit more on it. Cool stuff. 3.5/5

Zzz música de ascensor

Quite enjoyed it - relaxing music - nice beats and rhythm, pleasant voice

Best Song: Taaw. Nicely upbeat, positive, energetic music. Worst Song: Pitche Mi. Too slow, so it lacked the few qualities of what I liked from the rest of the album. Overall: It was alright. Loved the energy of the instrumentals, but wasn't always the biggest fan of the vocals. Not sure when I would return to this album. Warm weather music.

Lekker als achtergrondmuziek. Afrikaans met spaanse tinten

This is really cool. The African percussion is just infectious! One thing I really like is the blurred lines between what music is previously composed vs. what is improvised on the spot. There was one moment in the second track that sounds very improvisatory, yet the guitar and bass are playing the same line. Are the players just that in sync with each other to improvise the same thing? Probably not, but its cool to think about.

This project was especially welcome after a couple of fantastic international releases and my first real exposure to music beyond our borders this past year. Joyful and expressive, the listening experience here is just simply a good time. So much musicality to go with passionate performances. Some of the string and drum lines are incredibly infectious, especially that melody in Pitche Mi, which was pure bliss to my ears. 1 listen Favorite Track: Pitche Mi

Expectation: -> A percussion album. Keeping an open mind. After listening: -> This could have unlocked a new genre for me but did not. Appreciate the music, the talent. Track ranking: Pitche Immigres Badou Taaw

It's fine, just not something I'm ever going to listen to again or really appreciate.

I enjoyed listening to this. I love being exposed to new types of music. I didn't save any tracks, and wont listen to him again, but I appreciate it.

Adding a star based on atmospheric groovyness!

Fine

These types of albums are why I enjoy doing this generator. Would've never heard this and enjoyed it though I may not revisit.

i like the vibe

Incredibly catchy and hooks you right away, introduces some ideas I haven't heard before, really lends itself to sampling. Will revisit this one sooner rather than later

Familiar enough to groove with, but different enough to sound unique, especially that voice. Very brief, more of an EP than an LP...

Would listen to this at a music venue, not an album for me.

No idea what they were saying but it was fun

Phenomenal album by Mr N'Dour. Short but sweet, never a dull moment.

Was this my thing? Not really. Did I enjoy it? Yes somewhat. So 3 stars

aardig

The vibes were good, but the repetition made for a somewhat boring listen IMO.

4 tracks and 34 minutes. Not quite variations on a theme, but there's a cohesion to the sounds here. I really like the melody on the title track, I can't tell what the instrument is but it sounds like maybe a steel guitar, lots of bend and everything is really tropical sounding and lively with the horns supporting. Lots going on with the percussion and bass, interesting song structure. The vocal suit it. Pitche Mi starts much slower, the guitar riffs delicate and pretty now. There's complexity in the backing instruments, the transitions, the drumming. I really like this one. I think some western prog rock bands would have been happy with this. Taaw is the longest piece, and even more proggy (or jazzy) to my ears, built more around rhythmic riffing instead of melodies. The bass starts to shine in the middle section and it's a bit trance inducing. The last track, Badou, is the shortest, more in the vein of the opener but with the horns carrying the melody now. Very chill, palms swaying in the breeze. Definitely enjoyed this and would listen to more of his work.

wow . thought I'd really like this. Not the case. 2 stars for effort and for what I know came after

This one is vacation morning! Waking up before the alarm goes off and jumping out of bed ready to play. The intensity increases while packing last minute items and getting everyone organized. It's time to leave NOW! Things quiet down during the car ride. But, they explode at the airport. It's a spastic dodging and weaving of people, lines and long corridors feeling like chaos, but also somehow choreographed and doable., until finally reaching the gate. The rhythm slows again on the plane only to build sporadically as the excitement of what's to come returns.

First off - let's give it up for the band. These are some tasty grooves. They lock in and and let it ride. And ride...and ride. They may still be riding even now.

Love this and wish I could pay for a bonus star for it.

Interesting! Enjoyable! Great listening music. Really liked all the layers and how everything flowed together. So so easy to groove to.

Vibes. This was fun

(60/100)

It’s ok but it didn’t really grab me and I won’t be listening again. And yes it all sounded samey to my ears

My rating 3.2. More World music. Appreciate the exposure but most of it is lost on me.

I often feel bad reviewing foreign language/foreign culture albums because I so rarely have a frame of reference for what “good” would sound like in these contexts. However, the horns and instruments are excellent here. I don’t love the vocals but I think they at least complement the instrumentals.

This is cool! I’m glad this exists! But I probably won’t have any recollection on the norm, or occasion outside of it, to play this again.

Bof pas mon style mais c'est pas nui non plus

definitely not my style not really into World Music, but its good background music