Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Hm i love the album cover. The colours the message, the hint to what the genre is. I've never seen or listened to him ever, but based on the reviews I have hope it'll be good enough. Though I have no idea what to expect exactly. First song, I love this dam. It's so different from the usual songs. Afrobeat is really good with all these instruments. His voice is nice and fitting. I feel other songs will offer more and more as I go on. This is already so good too. Second song, jazz is really everywhere with this album I guess, good. I see how Janelle Monáe might have took some notes from this, not specifically this album, but as an inspiration these kind of songs and artists. Mm I enjoy his accent too, also the lyrics are actually worth reading through it seems, but I don't do that on the first listen. Third song, it smoothed over to this song like nothing. I realized when the preceding one ended, but this one was so good it made me dreamy about it. Fuck this is amazing, sonically, lyrically, vocally and production-wise, it's just too good. The jazz is so well put with the afrobeat and his voice joins all this together, creating this yummyness. The ending part is so well done, plus unexpected. 4th song, ohh fuck this is so upbeat and chaoticcc, but it's just the intro, the actual song better be fucking fire like this. I love transitions to the next song, in this case to the 5th song, mmm it is fire, less upbeat but still. I love powerful and loud songs that are actually what they were made to be. Instrumentally it's top tier, I just don't like that when he starts singing everything else becomes less active, as if he's making a message and instruments gotta lay low, that's usually how music works, yes, but mm here I want both of them simultaneously. 6th song, what an intro and then the real song starting, daam he really worked here, or whoever. Now this was fascinating sonically and even when he started singing it was the same equal goodness too. It's kinda progressive, gets better with the ordered chaos as it goes on. 7th song, first one where's he talking, and also the first where song starts with the voice (I think). I've thought a lot while listening to this, it's such a good album for walking, taking the song in and having a thought or two. 8th song, I forgot to say I love the chorus girls in these songs, they make things more lively and realistic. His lyrics and their accompaniment was just chef's kiss. 9th song, this sounded rock-ish, but it went away as the song went on. The same applies to this song tbh, it has everything my ears usually ask for. I'm confused, I have seen so many 4 and 5 star reviews, rarely any bad ones and even the bad ones see the talent just not their thing, I'm saying how does this not have more overall rating. The ending is groovy and soothing despite all the chaos happening before. 10th song, just as good of a start as ever, don't like that the album is ending, but my ears are getting tired kinda, because I'm wearing headphones ofc, otherwise I'm not even bored. Quite short, considering it's the finale too. The meaning of this song is deep too, like that he manages to get everything perfect somehow. I guess the song is ending and I'll write my final review along with it. I want to say so much, share this experience with someone or anything like it, but mhh. 5 star is more than well deserved for this album, I'm sure I'll come back to these songs. I also do want more from him or artists that have the same qualities in an album like Femi does. Dam I've enjoyed this a lot, I love jazz and afrobeat, there was a lot of genre bending too, which I am mostly satisfied with. This is a gem I hope I won't forget.
Jazzy, groovy, funky, infectious rhythms. I had never heard of this artist before and had no expectations going into this. I am blown away. This album is outstanding.
Flippin heck this is nice. Pops left massive shoes but Femi has done a nice job of filling them.
Really enjoyed this! No issues with track length but got a bit long/repetitive as it was full energy the entire time, which does hurt it a bit. Overall really great find from the project, 4.5/5
Feels a bit disrespectful to be giving a higher mark for Femi than Fela Kuti when without Fela there would be no Femi literally. I think I probably knocked Zombie down for being more ep than album but this fits more of a traditional album format and it's great to hear Femi and band in full flow.
Normally when I listen to albums — for this list or in general — I like to split them up into chunks, by record sides. For longer albums especially I figure it's better to go about things this way than risk getting burned out. I really only make exceptions for albums I can't easily queue up song by song (so really it's mostly the stuff where I'm forced to listen to "full album" uploads on YouTube). I didn't really plan to make an exception for this album also. This thing's a little over 70 minutes, by far the longest album in the little backlog I'd built up. Not to mention, it's streaming on Spotify! Why would I give it an exception? Well, yeah. I looked the thing up on Discogs and, oops! It turns out there was never a vinyl release for this album! Just wonderful. There **was** a cassette release that chopped this album in half, and I could have cut **those** in half to make this into fourths... But then I figured: "eh, screw it." I'd read such good things about this album's groove that I figured there shouldn't be a problem with just letting it run, right? If it was really **that good**... Oh, boy howdy is it ever. I'm frankly incredibly impressed by this. How in the world does someone make a 73 minute album, where nearly every song is nine minutes, and it's not boring? I guess it's like a fellow group member of mine said: like father, like son. Femi's got Fela's skills and then some, goodness. It really is just that it's such a nuts groove. If you find yourself not listening to the lyrics (like I ended up not doing), you'll be more than satisfied getting by on the percussion and the horns and the vocals... It's like your at this really great party where, yeah, there **is** a political reason behind why it's being held, but just as well no one would blame you for just dancing and having a great time. I honestly get the feeling Femi probably could have gone on **even longer** and I don't think I would have had an issue with it. With Afrobeat like this, how could you? I really don't even have any specifics I'd wanna bring up. And that goes for positives **or** negatives! Like, maybe it could have been trimmed down a little... But I don't think I woulda minded either way. I just had it on while reading some shit on the Internet and I was jamming out the whole time. Like another review said, it's one I can absolutely imagine pissing you off if it catches you at the right time... But I guess I found my right time for it? And I am so, so thankful I did. If you wanna thank hard about this album, go ahead, be my guest. It probably deserves it. For me, it was just 73 minutes of fun, and 73 minutes I'd easily return to. Jus', wowie wow.
Like father, like son. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 5. Not much to say; just a fucking vibe, really. I came in without expectations and I have emerged from it a much groovier man. Femi Kuti has proven himself as good as his dad to my ears; just some great big band energy, with some keyboard & sax thrown in for good measure to create 73 minutes of pure, unadulterated Afrobeat funk. Pretty good vocals, some politically active lyrics, and perfect instrumentation. In terms of the overall vibes, no complaints from me. In terms of the actual pacing, structure & track order… very few complaints, but they’re there. 73 minutes *is* a bit long, and there are some musically stagnant moments on a handful of tracks that could’ve been trimmed down to keep the album a bit more concise. Structurally, I think some of these tracks are a little too similar to each other, in terms of the tempo & instrumental progression, but it’s never actively an issue while you’re in the moment, so it doesn’t matter that much. In terms of the track order, I just would’ve flipped the last two; I think “Live For Today” would’ve been a nicer ending. Those are all nitpicks, though – this album is one where words cannot explain the energy or the vibes, and I highly encourage just listening to it, headphones in or not. It’s really fucking good; a little long, sure, but it doesn’t matter when you’re just grooving along. A super fun 5 for me, a well-needed energy boost, and an album that’s definitely worth being on the list. Great stuff.
Total surprise. Loved it!
This is very reminiscent of his father's work, perhaps with more lyrics per song. I loved it! Liked Songs Added: Wonder Wonder Frustrations Nawa Plenty Nonsense Stubbor Problems No Shame Live For Today
LET'S GO I LOVE AFROBEAT 5 STAR
Even protoafro beat goes hard. Immaculate vibes.
Phenomenal Album. Absolutely Slapped.
Like father like son
5/5
Herlig musikk og energi. Aldri i tvil.
holy balls. aivoja on järistetty ja tärähtelty. you go laff laff laaaaaafff.. miksi tällä ei ole biljoonia näyttökertoja mutta jistin bieber saa miljoonia? harvemmin näissä albumituokioissa nostan siitä yleisestä äänenvoimakkuudesta tähän ylempään jonka korvat juuri ja juuri kestää.. uskomattoman racist arvostelu tuli sieltä puolelta jassoo.. no heh en vitsistä rupee PERUMAAN URAASI.. urasi ei ole peruttu.. olufela olufemi anikulapo heittää semmonlaista settiä että oksat pois! aika helppo päätös leimata vitosta seinään en tiedä mitä muualla kävi mutta yksi parhaista tähän mennessä. nawa
Favorite songs: Nawa, Survival, Live for Today, Frustrations, Wonder Wonder, No Shame Least favorite songs: none 5/5
This man knows his way around a saxophone!
Great album! Good lyrics and amazing beats.
Excelente álbum. Creo que uno de los aspectos que hace que la experiencia de álbum sea muy positiva es que la obra sea una experiencia consistente. Este disco cumple con esa espectativa. La musicalidad es muy buena. Es música repetitiva, esa es la intención. Sin embargo, a diferencia de lo discos de música electrónica que he tenido que escuchar, la ejecución instrumental humana hace que por más repetitiva y larga sea la música, hay pequeñas variaciones (incluso imperceptibles concientemente) que hacen que la música se sienta siempre fresca incluso en temas de 8 minutos de duración. Además tiene el plus de tratar contenidos políticos y sociales en las letras.
I love African music, so when this popped up it had me quite excited. Should be right up my alley as long as the musicianship is at least halfway decent. Wonder Wonder Love the rhythm provided by the percussion. Great variety. Lovely energy. Love the groove. The lyrics are really typical of the Afrobeat genre. Singing about unity for the continent is at least an honourable sentiment. Fun track. Fantastic. 5/5 Survival Great groove and rhythm. Love the paralells between the sax and horns. Awesome solo from the percussion instrument I don't know the name of. Awesome mood. Infectious and fun. Actually has some really thought out lyrics. Great. 4.5/5 Frustrations Wow thosw horns truly are magnetic. Absolute cinema. Love the jazziness of the instrumental. Lyrics seem to recount or at least be inspired by some sort of personal experience. As always awesome drumming. Good. 4/5 Nawa - Intro A wild ride with an infectious tempo. Unrated/5 Nawa Feels almost triumphant or celebratory in a way. Lovely texture from the keys. Solid bassline. Really like how the keys get a more active role to contrast with the vocals. Passionate vocal delivery. Dancable and fun. Good. 4/5 Plenty Nonsense Great energy, love the drum pattern. Fun group vocals. I like the subtle guitar. Really like the direct lyricism. Love the chorus. Catchy and fun. Great. 4.5/5 Stubborn Problems Large and dynamic. Love how the dynamic sax performance contrasts against the rigid and consistent bassline. Nice horns peaking through as well. Super fun lyrics, really infectious. Fantastic. 5/5 No Shame Impossibly fun groove. Love the opening vocals. Extremely catchy sax riff. Very political. Awesome keyboard solo. Fantastic. 5/5 Live For Today Funky guitar riff. Awesome bass. Love the vocal delivery. Really fun sax. I know I'm repeating myself but every song on this album is great and has very similar qualities. This is no exception. Amazing chorus. Lovely message. Fantastic. 5/5 Changes Layered and danceable. Great groove, with some quality funkiness. Infectious chorus. Gonna go with the benefit of the doubt and assume some of the lyrics aren't meant in a regressive way. Good atmosphere none the less. Great. 4.5/5 I am floored. Very few albums leave such an instant impression as this one did. It's over an hour of the most fun and infectious grooves you'll ever hear. Topped with some ridiculously slick saxophone playing and passionate and catchy vocal deliveries. It's an absolute party, where you'll be barraged with banger after banger full of African spirit and thoughtful messages that could resonate with an entire continent. Rarely does an album make me want to get up and dance as much as this one does. I feel refreshed and enlightened. Empowered and full of energy. There's not a single boring moment on this, making the hour run by. 5/5
Funk! Life! Energy! Music! Africa! Incredible record that makes me want to live and truly enjoy my life and people around me. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!!
It's really hard to play bad jazz funk in the first place, but when your father is considered the mind behind Afrobeat itself... this might be the first album on this list that is actually something you need to hear before you die. Endlessly talented, extremely fun listen.
The very best Afrobeat since Houmous & Chutneys controversial 82nd studio album ‘We’ll Afrobeat You At Your Own Game’ 4.8
Femi Kuti toma el relevo de su padre creando su propio estilo de Afrobeat, aún más enérgico y con los instrumentos de viento tomando el protagonismo. Las canciones son más cortas y algo más comerciales, más cercanas al ska y menos al jazz, pero manteniendo la esencia del Afrobeat clásico. La voz no es gran cosa, siguiendo siempre la misma fórmula de decir una frase que es repetida por el coro justo después. Pero la instrumentación es increíble: las líneas de bajo, el saxofón y el resto de vientos, y, sobre todo, la percusión, demuestran una calidad técnica impresionante y rebosan energía. Hasta ahora solo había escuchado a Fela, y me ha encantado descubrir a su hijo. Precisamente por descubrir álbumes como este es que estoy haciendo este challenge.
Femi can jam just like his father. This album is so good and fun, it was easy to just get lost in the music. My favorite is definitely Plenty Nonsense. It's so upbeat and esch part gets to shine. Most of the songs are similar, especially the singing which has Femi doing a call and response for large parts around the title of the song, but that didn't really bother me. Seems like a staple of world music from this area and the instruments are just so good that it gets a free pass. The sax and percussion are the highlights for me here.
Discovering bangers like this album are why I continue through all the middling and garbage picks. I put this on at work and I was just in my seat grooving right along. From start to finish it just gets you moving. Fantastic!
Very fun listen
This is the 92nd album I’m rating. I’ve listened to his dad and it was pretty good. Adding to my Playlist - Wonder, Wonder, Survival, Frustrations, Nawa (Intro), Nawa, Plenty Nonsense, Stubborn Problems, No Shame, Live for Today, and Changes. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. Nawa (Intro) - Why isn’t this combined? All in all I liked 10/10 songs. Arguably better than his dad.
*****
Papa was beter maar wel 5/5
Fav: Stubbor Problems Least Fav: No Shame Incredible, really surprised by this one. Not a single song was anything less than amazing. Currently searching for afrobeat playlists rn
Just as good as his dad. Strong lyrics with amazing instrumentals. Just an amazing album! Also the opening to Stubbor Problems was crazy especially considering that it's what really happened to Fela Kuti.
A really fantastic and fun album. Vibrant musical colors and styles throughout each song, with a wide breadth of lyrical topics. A great album to either dance to, or sit and listen to. The longer runtimes for the songs aren't an issue either, as every second is equally engaging. Great listen
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Can I start dancing now?
Number 1000! and its Afrobeat! Funky jazz. yes. Was a little worried of a dated sound when I saw the year but the production is fine. Nawa is a joyous banger. Plenty Nonsense also a joyous banger somehow while furiously railing against corruption in Nigerian and African politics, one of his dad's favourite pastimes (the railing, not the corruption). Oh and Stubbor Problems. the same. They just keep on coming. Soooo good. and I'd never heard it before, even better. Fantastic from start to finish for over 70 minutes. That's some achievement.
One of those completely unexpectedly awesome albums that just come out of no where. I remember listening to his father's album Fela Kuti and really liking it. This one was a lot more groovy I believe with some long drawn out jams that hit me perfectly. The singing that went with the horns and drums was just such a fun aspect I was really bouncing around. The guitar parts in Survival were so awesome I could listen to that song all day long. Live for Today was also really dope with the energy that it brought and the build up. This wouldn't normally be a 5 type of album for me but this just really hit nicely in all of the best ways. This style was right up my alley and I am such a sucker for awesome horns.
This was an absolute banger, put me in a great mood. Definitely going to be listening to this again. Must be great live.
I had never heard of Femi Kuti until I heard this album. But I didn't need much information because everything I needed to know I heard in this album. The Nigerian's album brings Afrobeats in a fun and sincere way. Even though each song is long, time passes smoothly. Kuti gave Afrobeats the recognition that the genre needed and today artists like Tyla, Tems and other artists carry the genre today with equal mastery.
Oh snap! This fabulous. Loved it all the way through.
Funky rhythms slaps, good listen
Fantastic!
That was great! They were jamming so hard, Femi didn't start singing until about 3 minutes in on almost every song. I love a good build-up.
Wow. This album is a blast.
Something I would have loved to have seen live. The music took me to a different place, I could close my eyes and the world around me would transform into a dimly lit club with the musicians on stage, everyone either dancing or sitting in leather club chairs with a whiskey in their hand and their feet tapping to the percussion. The energy is infectious.
Sensational jazz album
Really enjoyed this album! I love the whole Afrobeat genre in general and this was really great. I'll definitely throw this on and play it all the way through in the evening while enjoying a cocktail or making dinner. But I also really liked that you can pick it apart and listen to the actual musicians and what each one is doing. Sax is great, horns are great, fantastic bass, superb vocals. This is the kind of album that most people, especially in North America/Europe, which I would imagine is the majority of people going through this list, probably don't hear too much but absolutely should. Exactly what this list was made for. One of my favorite 'world' albums from this list so far. 5/5
This album fucking slaps.
This kept me moving and grooving for over an hour. Marvelous!
This is great fun. Let's dance!
Always up for something from Africa or Asia on this list since the pickin’s are slim. I loved those awesome rhythms and the presence of the choir of singers backing Femi Kuti. The band instruments were fantastic! While I wasn’t able to listen closely enough to catch everything, I detected a lot of activism in those lyrics. Fun with a purpose! I love this. Would love seeing this performed live. Terrific!
Wow, wow, wow - I loooooove this! I also then found his father's music, Fela Kuti.
This was fantastic!! A wonderful combination of funk, jazz, Afro-influence...really, really fun discovery. Favorite track: Stubbor Problems
um this was actually incredible? omg.... i had so much fun listening to this! i can't believe i haven't heard of him before! what a fun surprise!
Femi Kuti is so good, I could listen to his music for hours.
Same vibe I get from his father’s work.
A straight hour of horns and sax. This was made for me
This is listed as “pop” and “world” at the 1001albums site. Wikipedia calls it “afrobeat”. I dunno…. This seems very Jazzy to me, rather than pop. I rather like the Allmusic review which states the album is “Packed with contagious rhythms born of African, jazz, and funk melodies”. That seems to fit perfectly. I don’t know about labels, but this album is really good. It has GREAT rhythms, great songs. If you don’t groove to this it’s your own fault. All of the songs are 6-10 minutes long, I wouldn’t mind if they were all a hint more concise. But that’s a very minor complaint. This is what I came to this project to find, new and different (and good) music. It will absolutely get listened to again. 5/5
Fantastic album from beginning to end , difficult shoes for Femi to fill - but he slams it :)
Yes! this is exactly what I am.listening to a lot of right now. Polyrhythmic, funky and righteous. Continuing his father's rich legacy with more of the same.
Afrobeat? Very is 5/5. Great album from start to finish, I loved everything about it. What a perfect combination of jazz, funk and African influence. Another record to look for in my vintage vinyl shops endeavours.
Saved. Great music
I was expecting strict Afro beats, but this is so much more! What a fun, exciting album!
Loved it
Welp, turns out I'm an Afrobeat fan.
So so good. As soon as the sax notes hit in the first track I was on board. Not a genre you get to hear very often and its executed so well. Gives great vibes of 70's car chases at some points.
Really enjoyable! Modern afrobeat
When I was a young whippersnapper, my buddy Deen from Nigeria turned me on to Femi's dad Fela Kuti. My first exposure to Afrobeat. Fast forward a few decades and here's his kid -- who may be a better musician than his father was. This is just a fun album...about revolution! Play it loud! Unexpected bangers: Wonder Wonder, Plenty Nonsense, Stubbor Problems
Like father, like son!
The sax sure is saxy. A real snarky puppy bug band jazz sound 5
Albums like this are why I wanted to to through this list in the first place. I don't think I would ever find this on my own, but I love it and can't wait to listen again. The energy and joyous performances hit you right in the face, but the vocals and lyrics also hit you in the face for a competent different reason. I'm sold and I want to drive more into Femi's stuff now.
This is an album I won't soon forget. Incredible music, just incredible. Time went by so fast as I worked with this album in my ears. I was grooving and dancing all the way through. I don't know when next I might listen to this again, but this has definitely been my favorite album in my music discovering journey so far. I think I'd prefer to give it a 4.5 but I can't so I'll let it be a close 5.
Loved the beats on this one!! I danced in the kitchen while I was cooking it was heaven!!
I like Femi Kuti but went in with middling expectations, was greatly exceeded
Great! You can hear the influence of his dad, but it doesn’t feel derivative.
Phenomenal record, had me grooving the whole time. Very much influenced by the sound of his father but elevated and updated with an incredibly heavy horn section and some great incorporations of synths/organs. Top tracks: Wonder Wonder, Survival, Frustrations, Nawa, No Shame, Live For Today
Wow
Absolute bop. I had never heard of this artist before but I will definitely be listening again!
loooved it. was such a surprise, i wasn't expecting this to be such a banger of an album.
I actually listen to this album frequently. I really enjoy it. I love those African beats.
10/10 I’ve been a fan of Fela Kuti’s Zombie album for a long time; it’s really cool knowing his son is just as talented
This is what I’m here for
Great rhythms and impossible not to bop your head to everything
Not just walking in his father's footsteps, but SPRINTING.
I had never heard of Femi Kuti before, but what a way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Hypnotic African beats with healthy doses of jazz and funk.
Got me dancin!
way too much fun
Greatest live show I've ever seen! The one song 30 minute encore covering his father's song Water No Get Enemy was magical! Looking forward to listening to this again, it's been too long! Great feel to this, a lot of energy and the right amount of political outrage! Doing his father proud! Band tight as hell songs just fucking go!
Dank as fuck
Never heard of this artist but a really great afrobeat album. Excellent.
Am a huge Fela Kuti fan so naturally loved this. Interesting to hear classic Afrobeat with signature 90s production, and Femi manages to mark his own style on his fathers legacy.
Have not ventured into Fela's son. I'm excited... Well very similar to Fela. 5/5
That was brilliant. So much joy and diversity in each song. The liberal use of horn sections was *chef's kiss*
Very nice record! I didn’t know him before but it’s simply feel good music.
This one took me by surprise. I was expecting some awful tribal world music but this is reminiscent of the best soul/funk of 70s America. Amazing album.
While slightly more vocal, Femi Kuti is clearly following in the footsteps of his father, Fela Kuti.
I liked it. Singer has a Harry Bellefonte vibe going for him. Would listen again
I don't actually know this album but it's Femi Kuti so I'd gonna be good!1
Excellent! Wow!
This is so different to anything I would normally listen to. But it's a party. Such a fun album, will definitely listen again.
Good stuff
Do you want to get up and smile and dance for an hour? Put this on.
Great Afro-pop. Had no idea he was Fela's son, totally thought I was being reductive by thinking they sounded very similar. I swear Gorillaz sampled the riff from Survival in one of the Demon Days songs (maybe La Manana?)
At femi kuti var så bra, like under nivået til sin egen far, er sjukt imponerende og fett!
Astounding. 5 stars. His dad weould be proud.
Great. Easily listen-to-able, band's tight, what could you dislike?
Surprisingky brilliant. What an album. An essential record.
So good. I love stumbling upon stuff like this that I'd never usually listen to, and Femi's family history is nothing short of incredible. It's an uplifting, energetic, politically switched-on and occasionally very funny album.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this album. Give it a listen, it's worth it
Love this! Gets me moving every time.
Perfekt für Julian
Jaaaaaa daar is ‘ie dan, m’n eerste 5 sterren!!!! Ik had alleen maar durven dromen dat er een afrobeat album tussen zou zitten en wat een banger!! Deze komt in de standaard rotatie
Fenomenaal lekker album, kan zo een paar keer op repeat en dan mag het nog wel doorgaan. Femi is de zoon van afrobeat legende Fela Kuti, en het duidelijk te horen dat die alles mee heeft gekregen. Voor de nieuwe leden in de groep echt een aanrader!
Amazing album with a lot of Soul/Funk/Jazz elements. Great use of the percussion and the album has a good energy!
terrific
Always here for Afrobeat. Fela Kuti A+ Femi Kuti A+
Do you like jams? Do you like bitching jams? Do you like bitching afro pop jams? Well...
Never heard of this before but I think it's brilliant
Decent lots of instruments reminds me of jazz idk good vocals but with ok lyrics I like changes and frustration
bom demais o sonzao
Hooked within first 5 seconds,.didn't let up
So awesome. A lot like his father's music, but more structured and more modern production.
Fun album
Wow! What a fun album to listen to! Each track was awesome and so different! I’ve never listened to anything like it.
This album is a real fun listen. I love the jazz and big band elements mixed with the Afrobeat
A great afrobeat, funky, jazzy af album. Great stuff!!
Afrobeat perfection
A great album.
04/18/22
9/10
Das hat mir ziemlich gut gefallen, ich war auch überrascht wie konsistent das über die lauflänge ist. Aber das hat einfach richtig schön sommerliche vibes und macht brutal gute Laune obwohl die Texte teilweise nen ganz anderen Ton anschlagen. Gerade in einer so volatilen Situation wie Nigeria in den 90ern ist das Album aber total symptomatisch, also bzgl der zeitlichen Distanz zum Bürgerkrieg, anhaltenden ethnischen Konflikten, aber auch Aufbruchsstimmung und Hoffnung für die Zukunft. Genau das findet sich hier alles wieder, also es wird nicht explizit ausgesprochen aber gerade in dem tollen „Frustrations“ kommt dieser Spirit total zur Geltung. Super Album!
Great album. What I always imagined afro jazz could be at its best.
No expectations and found it very enjoyable. Always enjoyed having a horn section. Ended up listening to a lot of his other stuff. I’m glad I’m listening to these
Amazing album and body of work
Afrobeat realness - inject it into my veins
tipo fela kuti?
Great, relaxing album
Erg dansbare muziek, leuk met de saxofoon ertussen. Heel hard van genoten
Loved it
🙂 Very very good 🙂
This should be good.
Very fun album! "Afrobeat" I believe is the correct term. Cool African jazz. Loved it!
Gran álbum, aunque no sé si es legit musica 'africana' (etiqueta abarcadora) o como entendemos a veces desde otros polos la música africana. De cualqueir forma, canciones largas, pero nunca aburridas. Bien hechas, amé todo. Mis favoritas: "Nawa" y "Stubbor Problems". 10/10
I thought this was older, but it still was funky as fuck
Sin miedo al éxito.
Another 0 to 5-star album.
lovely beats and valuable story telling
cool & confident
Really fun jazz jam rock. This guy has something to say and combines it with music that really rocks the party. This album sweetened my work day and it definitely will do so again.
Great songs, great music, great lyrics, great message!
--Wonder, Wonder...funky and fun --Survival...excellent xylophone (marimba?) work. nice horns, too --Frustrations...alto sax? killer solo. here comes the trumpet. too long but another good one --Nawa (Intro)...intro --Nawa...another fun groove but things are starting to sound samey --Plenty Nonsense...this feels a little more Latin-influenced? whatever the influence, it kicks --Stubborn Problems...I don't think my head has stopped moving this entire LP. percussion shines here --No Shame...now you're throwing some keyboard wizardry at me?! --Live for Today...LP is too long but it's full of surprises. having a real good time --Changes...first one I'm not totally grooving to. something about this feels forced? It's fine but probably unnecessary on this already overlong album
Loved it.
Solid feel-good West African music right here. Happy to have listened, would gladly spin again.
I like music from outside the anglosphere because actually they just want to dance. music should be fun. you should be happy listening to it and i vibe with that
I saw Femi play way back in about 1998 or so, around when Shoki Shoki came out. I remember an about 10-piece band and about 10 dancers all on stage, everyone smiling and having a great time. The crowd was ecstatic. Very memorable and joyful communal experience. This album is very fine. Not a 5-star masterpiece, but generally highly-likeable.
I’m behind so I’m going to drunkenly review a bunch of albums #3. I actually thought this was fckn sick, carries the energy my ideal live album (live albums are awful)
I enjoyed this one! Some fun rhythms.
fucking groovy. i dont usually like jam, but i like that its political and energetic for the whole hour and fifteen. thanks for including bands not british and not new wave. not classic rock. this shit bangs.
Great album
An African album sung almost entirely in English. Great vocals and instrumentals. The subject matter for a few of the songs was actually interesting. Not really my genre, not sure what you call this? But still enjoyable. 7/10
Better than Coldplay
The afrobeat is strong with this one.
I enjoyed Fela Kuti's albums on this list, and that was a huge mantle to take over, but Femi manages it with aplomb. While the undeniable DNA of Fela’s pioneering Afrobeat is still the beating heart of this record, Femi manages to carve out his own distinct, highly accessible space by blending in vibrant, funky jazz vibes. The saxophone solos are fire, and those basslines are so tight they hook you from the first second. It’s such an uplifting listen that manages to be a total dance party while still hitting hard with the political lyrics. Between tracks like "Wonder Wonder" and "Plenty Nonsense," it’s clear Femi isn’t just living off his family name, he’s a proving he's an artist in his own right.
Man, I can't believe nepo babies are a thing in afrobeat too. Nah, I'm just kidding. Femi Kuti may perhaps have his fame mostly due to being the son of the greatest afrobeat artist to ever live, Fela Kuti, but he manages to succeed his father pretty well on this album of his. Granted, this album isn't better than Fela's album that I've heard, Zombie, but it's still a good time. I like afrobeat as a genre, okay? It appeals to me in all the right ways. The bouncy fun energy combined with the uplifting political lyrics work perfectly together and are the exact kind of thing that I like about music as a whole. Although, I will say that this album actually has a problem that is the exact opposite of Zombie. My one and only complaint that I had with Zombie was that there wasn't more of it. That album was like, what, 25 minutes or something? I was just getting into it when the album ended! Femi Kuti's album, however, has the exact opposite issue of being really long. 25 minutes may have been too little for me, but 74 minutes is a bit too long for my liking. Granted, I still really enjoyed the music, but the complaint is there. Other than that, I had a fun time. The writing is thoughtful and the songs are good. This might not be a masterpiece, but I liked it nonetheless. Femi Kuti may not have surpassed his father in terms of album quality, but I think Fela would be pretty proud of this. Low 4/5.
Another example of the kind of stuff I'm here for. I never works have gone looking for African 90s jazz, but I'm super glad I found it
Lovely sounds, nice vocal. A little long but I enjoyed it.
now this is gold, piekne i organiczne, fela must be proud lol, daje czwórkę bo trochę brakowało mi jakiegoś pazura żeby lepiej zapamiętać ten album jako arcydzieło, ale jest super
African Unite!
Pretty unique. 4/5
wonderful assemble of energic afro-jazz tunes. Really upbeat and grooving. Super fun listen. Does anything stand out that makes this a classic, not really.
lowk vibe
This exactly what I have been waiting for. I love Femi’s dad Fela’s music so much. This is energetic, feels exciting to listen to and makes you want to move. I would give this a 4.5 if I could.
Finally a bit of fun on here. Enjoyed this, some interesting meanings as well as some fun. Very danceable.
Great background music for work. 3.7.
Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5
This album started off excellent. Unlike his father's albums, which were also very good but somewhat repetitive, there's more diversity built into these songs. Just layer after layer which all fits together extremely well. The beats drive so well, whether it is bongos, other drums, the brass section, or even a syncopated solo sax. By the end of this, though, it felt a bit repetitive across songs. Generally liked it though. Wonder Wonder and Frustrations were the best tracks on this. 4 stars.
Solid
First time listen and really enjoyed it. I could see this being added to the regular rotation for sure. Lots of energy.
I loved how celebratory and festive this felt with its deeper messages mixed throughout. Also loved the sax! Great new discovery.
Unexpected bop. It could’ve been like 20 mins shorter but honestly it was so groovy that half the time I didn’t even realize the songs were like 9 minutes long.
Lot of joy here
All new to me and really liked it
this ruled tbh. so energetic and fun. a wee bit long for my tastes but still a great time and worthy inclusion!
Der musikalische Ausdruck und die Innovation sind nicht so elementar wie bei seinem Vater Fela Kuti - aber definitiv ein Album, das man gehört haben sollte!
Half started this yesterday but relistened this morning. Very much a Saturday morning album. Fun, funky record, a bit chaotic and different to what's been on recently. Liked it a lot
Really good surprise. Had a lot of fun with this album. This is why I use this generator, to make discoveries I would never normally, I would've gone my whole life without hearing this but I'm so glad I didn't
not as compelling as his dad but still pretty good
So powerful, so colorful, so alive. Made me dance and sing and feel so much. Exudes joy and beauty. Was unsure at the start of the album but by the end I was a Femi Kuti truther. Plenty Nonsense was a fan favorite for me. Might be a hot take but gives me a Metallica meets big brass band meets afro beats in the most awesome way. Love, love, love.
Søn til Fela Kuti. Han var tidligere en del af Fela Kutis band Egypt 80 og startede så sit eget projekt. Han udvider på den genre hans far lavede ved udvide det med mere jazzet lyde end Fela selv. Jeg synes det var groovy og godt og kunne godt tænke mig at mixe nogle af sangene så det blev endnu mere danceable. Jeg kunne forestille mig der var en masse nice at sample her. Jeg kunne godt lide mange af teksterne osv og det er generelt bare rigtig good vibes at lytte til. Der er meget call and response i teksterne jeg rigtig godt kan lide. Ellers er det jo bare afrobeats og afrobeats er fede. Er glad for jeg har fået så meget fra world genren på det seneste, det er virkelig fedt og inspirerende. Jeg skal på date i dag og er lidt nervøs, men tror det kommer til at blive godt at lytte til når jeg cykler igennem byen i godt vejr og lige fået en enkelt bajer
Mostly good
Great!
Leuk zo'n cd'tje, maar 74 minuten is natuurlijk eigenlijk een ouderwets dubbelalbum. En in Afrika nemen ze graag de tijd voor dingen, zoveel is wel duidelijk. Het is hoe dan ook fijne, energieke muziek, maar het duurt wel lang, de nummers duren algauw 8 à 9 minuten. Mijn westerse oortjes willen graag dat het iets meer 'to the point' komt en iets minder herhaling. Verder is het aangenaam luisteren, en in feite zijn de bevindingen dus dezelfde als die bij zijn vader, die we al twee keer hoorden langskomen.
Bij de openingstonen dacht ik bijna Dog Eat Dog met No Fronts te horen. Zo ruw en hard is het zeker niet, want we krijgen net als papa Kuti vrolijke afromuziek te horen. Ik weet niet of het typerend is voor dit soort wereldmuziek dat de nummers aan de lange kant zijn, ondanks dat het niet van ritme verandert. Het stoort me niet per se, maar het valt wel op. Er zat bij mij een lunch halverwege dit album, dat zal best gescheeld hebben. En dat het zonnetje schijnt en we de eerste echte lentedagen te pakken hebben, helpt ongetwijfeld ook mee. Maar ik word hier wederom vrolijk van, net als bij zijn vader. Ik luister het met plezier uit, ondanks dat het meer dan een uur is. Vermakelijk, prima albumpje.
I prefer his dad, but this was so joyous, and it happens to be an unbelievably beautiful day here. Live For Today is so great. 4 1/2 really.
He had some big shoes to fill and while he doesn't quite measure up this was very good.
Good fun.
Put me in a wonderful mood! The kutis are a talented bunch.
Extremely surprised by this album. Had no idea who Femi Kuti was before this and I still don't. But I know that he rips.
# Playlist Track - Live for Today # Notes - A superb example of excellent afrobeat. This entire thing (except for the cover) is filled to the brim with energy and personality. - I'd love to see this live. - I think it's really funny that on the chorus of "Live for Today" his heavy accent really make "you must enjoy your life today" sound like "you must end your life today"
This is politically charged music that will also get your ass shaking. The songs are all very long, but you won't notice as they are so funky and you will get lost within the rhythm. Fela sounds so impassioned here about his country's struggles. The album is rather one note, but it creates such a joyful and vibrant vibe that its tough to fault it. I was initially concerned that I was got this album before experiencing his more famous father or any afrobeat in general, but Femi more than stands out on his own. I immediately put on a Fela Kuti record after finishing with this one. Maybe nepotism isn't all bad, eh?
Cool to get Fela Kuti's son on the list so after a few of his Dad's albums. I really enjoyed this, it was a more modern afrobeat than Fela but still had a lot of character. I do like the repetitive rhythms and energy, think it probably didn't have that more live feeling of Fela but that's probably just the improvement in recording techniques. This jazzy afrobeat is much more up my street than the more poppy stuff which I've admittedly had limited exposure too but seemed to rely on autotune a fair bit. Will listen again I think.
Nice album, and finally some variety again in this list. Which it should definitely have more of. Not 5 Tom Waits albums for example, but more of this, music from around the world represented. 4/5
Never heard of album or band. Better be good because 1 and 15 mins is insane for an album I’ve never heard of. Really good sax on wondering wonder. Drums are a little choppy. Good vocals too. This is a fun song. Really good horns again on survival. Kind of hate the xylophone but it is impressive. Good songwriting. And really cool guitar riff, I like this song a lot. Frustrations is more of the same. Really cool sounds going on, it’s like an orchestra. Great songwriting on frusrations. I’m liking the 4 mins of music followed by 4 mins of singing. Super catchy chorus. More of the same with nawa. Great music again. Never felt like this one needed any lyrics. Plenty nonsense has Latino vibes. Great trumpet. A lot going on behind that tho. A little too much imo. Really good lyrics on this one. Really good bass line on stubborn problems. More great horns. No shame is cool again. The production on this album has been fantastic. Extremely relaxing listen as well. Again great production on live for today. Horns are awesome. In the end this album didn’t feel like an hour and 15 mins which is a great sign. Honestly blew away my expectations. This is why I started doing this, never in a million years do I listen to this album if not go the suggestion. It’s not a perfect album by any means, and there’s not a ton of variety but it’s a good listen. 3.6 stars.
Maybe not as amazing as his father, but Femi Kuti proves he's more than worth a listen with this album. After all, it's Afrobeat, hard to go wrong.
This was nice to listen to. It's one of those albums that just puts you in a good mood.
Maybe it's just benefitting from comparison to my previous album from Def Leppard. But this album kicks ass.
4, pretty good
Femi Kuti - Femi Kuti Sort of like a bag of fun sized Fela Kuti bars for folks who can't eat a full king-size at once. Let's get this out of the way first: I do not prefer the very early 90s pop flash production here. But i do like that this blends more jazz elements into the Kuti style. I guess that is the nature of the younger generation, eh? There is something to be said for being able to open the gateway for folks who might be uncertain otherwise. I like this a lot, though. 4*, will relisten.
Fema is of Fela so of course I love this
Party jazz with some fun lyrical stuff mixed in. Could listen to this again.
Frenetically awesome and real diverse in its sound. Mind opener for sure.
Song length really hurt this album. Easily 4+ stars if each song was just shorter. Fantastic music with an incredible rhythm section. This is exactly the kind of album I was hoping to hear from this site. Giving it 4 stars because of that.
This being 10 songs and 74 minutes was a LITTLE daunting but ended up being mostly pretty rewarding!
good a tony but long enjoyable !
Favorite Track: Nawa
Lot of talent in the Kuti family. Favorite track: Plenty Nonsense 3.5/5
4.5
*Solid afrobeat saxophone jazz
Fun Album. Afropop from the 60s, 70s, and 80s is great
More grooves than ....................... corduroy trousers baby.
Going into this with only a vague understanding of his father Fela's music is a little hilarious to me but I'm going to try my best here. This album is just...a ton of fun. My only real problem with it is that, again like a few other albums I've been given lately, a lot of these songs take way too long to wrap up. Several songs approach 10 minutes and while it's nice that they use that time to cultivate a pretty free, celebratory musical atmosphere, I feel like they could be halved. The length would be more justified in a live setting where there is a dynamic between the performer and the listener(s) in regard to energy and response.
Great album! Thoroughly enjoy this. Nice fusion of African influence, blues, jazz and funk
Keeps the pace going and shakes it up pretty regularly. Had to stop adding highlights, most of the album could make the list. Highlights: "Wonder Wonder", "Survival", "Plenty Nonsense"
Pretty good, a very nice synthesis of different genres an sounds.
Fun! Really re-sparked my revolutionary spirit w/ the first one. Overall im not a hater, its fun and jazzy and has a good vibes. Its a bit harder to have as background music, but I would be more than happy to stumble on it. The lengths of the songs dont bother me really, and I think its great for work music, maybe not as much for at home.
Receiving this after I've already had both Fela Kuti albums on the list and the successor is worthy, very similar musically but with around two decades' passing and a new individual vision, this album is more full and lush and able to capture the ears, especially early on For being over an hour long, the music can become a little "I-get-it-already" by the end but the adventure is not invalidated
Fun music. The lyrics were a bit simplistic at times but the vibe was there.
I think a good rule of thumb on this list is if the artist isn't white it's usually gonna be a banger, and that still stands. I feel like the standards on this list for white artists were much lower than for artists of colour. Tell me why every coked up 70s rock album ever is on this list. Big fan of the instrumentals and the vibes. Fuh yeah. Save me afrobeats save me 🙏🙏 I am wondering bruh. Speak on it. Makes you wonder. Bruh will Africa ever unite?? A girl can only dream. Wait that's crazy I have Fela Kuti in like two albums. Father and son duo goes crazy. Inshallah we will survive. Is this an instrumental track?? See this is a good instrumental track I don't want 8 minutes of your dick stroking an electric guitar the same way every other white rockers did. This is interesting dynamic fun different new I would listen to this on repeat. I would not skip it at the least. I don't think this is instrumental actually but his voice blends really well with the instruments. I do have a tendency of liking the beginning songs of an album better, especially ones with longer songs like this one. Favourite: Wonder Wonder Least favourite: Nawa - Intro
I'd previously listened to a few albums by Femi Kuti, but this one had somehow escaped my attention. It's a seriously chilled Afrobeat/Jazz album that shows why Kuti is so well-respected in the music world, and I'd say it deserves a strong four and a half stars.
Very clean jazzy brass leading exactly the sort of percussive party you'd expect
This was cool. Upbeat, funky and groovy. Wikipedia tells me it was a key album in afrobeat's exposure to a wider audience, I thought it might be classified as 'jazz' on here as well, the sax is really key to the sound. I also really like the bass playing on this album, it's bouncy and creates the perfect bed. The vocals are cool as well, not always the star attraction but always worth noting. This was fun
4/5
Familiar with and love his father’s work but never heard anything from Femi before. Super solid Afro-beat record. Had me moving and grooving the entire length of the album. 8/10 Favorite tracks-“Nawa” “No Shame” “Changes”
Enjoyable album with chunky jams
Afrobeat with a little NOLA and ska sound in there? Love it
Overall just kind of a joyful album. Wouldn’t have come across this on my own, and I’m glad I listened. You’d have to be a bit of a Scrooge to hate it
Actual found a gem from this list from someone I have never heard of. Very enjoyable afrobeat album.
Solid.
Nonsense tings plenty for Nigeria AND Africa!!!
Femi is clearly following in his great father's, Fela Kuti's footsteps. It is very good stuff, something old, something new, however it doesn't really hit as strong, doesn't seem to have that magical quality of Fela Kuti. Still some great moments here, at least 3, maybe 4 stars, need more time!
Really groovy, fun. You can hear the Fela Kuti influence but it’s a push, a thread, not a carbon copy.
uhhh freumii HMMM ich frög mich, wies lied heisst? echli lang aber sicher en coole ahfang vom album uhhh d perkussion und de bass am ahfang vo survival seehr geil nawa isch ja au soo geil! en fast scho punkige ahfang und denn de flowend rhythmus mit verschiedene instrument okeee jz fangts sich ah zieh leider jaa die letschte paar lieder sind denn doch chli tough gsi. aber s album het e energie und freud verbreitet woni mega gern gha han. natürlich au super perkussion!
A lot of fun.
Excellent stuff from the son of the guy who had 27 wives (Femi even mentions this in the intro of one of the album's songs). An enjoyable way to spend 74 minutes.
I have come to love Femi’s father Fela’s music through this project and now I appreciate his too! Afrobeat is just great. The opening track Wonder Wonder was my favourite but the whole thing just put me in a good mood.
This was great. Both a real bop, and with some bite in the lyrics.
Wish there are more afrobeat recommendations on this list. I am not an expert on the genre but the music just feels so sunny.
I liked the groove but after a while the sax got to me a bit
wish i could give it 3.5 - maybe on this occasion i will round up
Интересная и богатая музыка.
A bit on the long side, but another really great world music album.
Afrobeat king setting the stage for what was to come.
Okay so. This is fun to listen to. I'm having a strange issue where I'm sort of hearing things backwards through time where having heard *Bitches Brew* and some of Miles' later stuff these feels so tame and like I keep waiting for it to explode open and do something else. I keep having to remind myself this is from 1957. Very cool, as advertised. Could easily see myself putting this on when I want to write or just need to have something in my ears. Cannot stress enough how strong of an opener "Move" is. From the first thirty seconds Miles tells us exactly what he's going to give us; 32 minutes of swanky and technically impressive playing. Other highlights include "Venus de Milo," "Godchild," and "Rouge," which feels like a nice closing credits number for the whole thing.
This was a great surprise. I liked the rhythms and vocals. Very listenable
I guess making good music that goes on for too long runs in the family
Had no idea what to expect but it was so groovy and fun lol
He was lowkey spittin the whole time
I've been diving into a lot of Afro-beat lately, so this suggestion hit at the right time. It's good, but I do enjoy his dad's work a wee bit more.
So much fun - maybe just a tad long
This is joyous and good. Worth another listen for sure.
Really enjoyed this.
yesssssssssssss
Muito bem arranjado e extremamente groovy. Da pra ver claramente que influenciou muitas bandas atuais, inclusive Ezra Collective que eu gosto bastante
Really enjoyed this. Liked the mix of shorter songs and the more traditional long format afrobeat songs. It is a bit overproduced and loses some of the raw energy that makes his fathers music so captivating. Still a really great record. 4/5 Will listen again
Groovy!
Simply beast
Has a nice mix of instrumentation
Great
It's like a revolution in album form! This very influential Nigerian-Jazz album was a lot of fun, even if it did seem to overstay its welcome a bit. Favorite Track: "Plenty Nonsense".
this is like if reggae had variety and sounded good
Wait this is pretty good
At first I felt this was a bit monotonous Afro beat but it really grew on me and came back to re listen to a few tracks.
3,9 - Mal wieder ein Album und ein Künstler, von dem ich noch nie gehört habe. Das Album macht einfach Spaß mit tollen Genre-Mixes und einer großartigen Grundstimmung. Highlights: Nawa, No Shame
Something I would not normally listen to. This one surprised me how good it was, good album 👏
me encantó, super bailable, mil capas y luego escuchas la letra y es desgarradora
Uh
Did not know Nigerian nationalist music could hit so hard
This is somewhat obscure to my own experience, but damn it’s cool.
Loved this!!
very unique album I would not have heard otherwise. Some CRAZY mallet solos, good vibes all around. Strong 3.5 rounding up for how cool it is
Of the 250+ albums I have reviewed on here over the last several months, Zombie by Fela Kuti, is one of the most memorable ones. The music on that album was so outside of other albums I had listened too that it made a strong impact on me. I was excited to listen to this album, Femi Kuti's debut to see how he carried on his fathers legacy. Femi Kuti is super ambitious on his arrangements, using horn sections that almost felt like big band music, and layer after layer of rhythms and instruments. I actually thought at times there was too much going on and too much production on this album and that I might enjoy it a bit more if It was just a bit more subdued, but I did enjoy this quite a bit.
Not quite as magical as his father's work, but still an absolutely fun listen! I am always down for a little bit of afrobeat!
stor fest
It took me a moment to get into it, but when I did it was a really smooth experience. A lot of rhythm and energy in these songs.
Although this is not really my genre of choice, I found myself bopping along to the music, getting things done. Some sad lyrics
Good beats and it kept me interested
Was expecting African beats, but got so much more on top. While the lyrics make him sound justifiably irritated with things going on in his world, he still comes across as a joyous, fun and optimistic singer and song writer and this album has had me swinging my hips for a few days - it's very catchy. And even though the songs are long, they dont outstay their welcome. Another reminder of why I wanted to check out the albums on this list. Solid 4☆
I always love to discover albums from other countries and continents other than Europe & America on this challenge. Fela Kuti is obviously very famous, but I didn't know his son also had an album here. He is also a fantastic musician and this upbeat, energetic Afrobeat album was tons of fun and went by really quickly despite is being more than 70 minutes long. It was a bit busy here and there but overall it was a very enjoyable experience.
Put it on, pour a drink, accidentally become cooler than planned.
Gran descubrimiento, ahora soy fan del afrobeat
Surprisingly fun. Great energy for cleaning around the house. Occasionally I’d understand more of the message and was generally happy with the sentiments.
Maybe a little too long, but a viiibe. Need to revisit
This was pleasantly surprising.
African music. Jazz, funk, soul, ska/reggae elements in there. Pretty good! Nothing absolutely grabs the attention, but great hooks, riffs and basslines throughout with a great danceable energy. Best track - Survival, Nawa 4 stars
Heel fijn dit
8.5
Joyous
Nice!