Search - Johnny Clegg, Savuka :: Shadow Man

Five Stars Isn't Enough

The Orange Duke | Cupertino, Ca United States | 12/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is world music at it's best, Johnny Clegg is brilliant. His music is an appealing mix of Rock, Reggae and Traditional African singing. His lyrics focus both on the everyday trials of average people and deep political and spiritual questions. The political message, though rooted in the problems of South Africa is never didactic, in fact it is universal. Sample lyrics: `You've learned to live inside the space, that connects each link of chain, and you say you've got some peace of mind now, but I know your waiting all the same, with an ache that has no name, for the fresh breath of invisible wind'. Any album is worth buying, including several excellent albums released under the name Juluka. You need not be a world music fan to enjoy this album, I have recommended Johnny Clegg to many people since I first learned of him in the 80's, and almost every one was thrilled. Enchanting, uplifting and mesmerizing you will instantly become a fan. If you have a chance, see Johnny live, especially in a small venue, his live concerts are a religious experience, especially exciting when he performs the traditional Zulu war dance. All tracks are excellent, pay special attention to `The Waiting", "Too Early For The Sky" and "Take My Heart Away"."

"Dance A Living Memory"

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 11/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Right about the time every western pop star was playing with "world-beat," Johnny Clegg and Savuka made their strongest bid for an American audience with this CD. It took the indecisive sound of "Third World Child" and glossed it up so strikingly that they almost sounded more Southern Californian than South African. Try to imagine Huey Lewis recording "Graceland" instead of Paul Simon. That was how powerful the lead single, "Take My Heart Away," was. But once the mix of Zulu and English lyrics begin hypnotizing you along with the rhythms, it's impossible to not realize that this is an extremely individualistic sound. The keyboards figured more prominently on "Shadow Man" than before, which added to the danceable nature of the songs. And if you were ever lucky enough to see Johnny and Savuka live, you know how physical the dances are. Johnny and his partner Dudu could step to the front of the stage and exhaust YOU with the energy they exerted in their traditional dances, which had them leaping into the air with an almost superhuman exuberance. Given that the formation of a mixed race band in the highly charged atmosphere of South Africa of the 80's was a dangerous political statement (Clegg was frequently arrested and harassed), seeing these two men on stage move with such power and grace was truly inspiring! (Tragically, Dudu was murdered in 1992.)I was lucky enough to meet them after a show in Philadelphia when they opened for Tracy Chapman (they signed a poster for me), but never got to see them again live. It doesn't mean I have forgotten this music. "Shadow Man" is a CD that has aged strikingly well."

The Greatest, Ever...

benji720 | Colfax, CA United States | 12/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johhny Clegg... Need I say more? This album is probably one of his greatest, although they're all great. His Zulu-Pop style has a totally moving and wonderful message, but aside from that, it's just great listening! Buy this no matter what."