Search - Baaba Maal :: Nomad Soul

Not his best, but groovy

Christo | Vancouver, Canada | 11/26/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like his fellow Senegalese countryman Youssou N'Dour, Baaba Maal has become one of the most important African musicians in the world today. I have been a Baaba Maal fan for a long time now, and have followed his career over the years. The first album I bought was "Baayo", which was released in 1991. Then came "Firin' In Fouta" in 1994. "Nomad Soul" was first released in 1997. His long time companion, Mansour Seck, who has launched his own solo career in the last few years, seems less prominent on this CD. Over the years Baaba Maal's music has become progressively more "mainstream", no doubt opening more markets to his music. "Nomad Soul" is no exception, though the tradisional sound is still strongly evident in tracks such as Mbolo, Cherie. Other songs, like Souka Nayo and Fanta have a much stronger pop influence, while tracks like Guelel and Yiriyaro have that strong traditional and dance blend which has become characteristic of Baaba Maal's music. The last track, Lam Lam, which is a religious song about what the future might hold, is my favourite on this album. It's interesting combination of sounds along with its devotional melody/voice line does it for me. In a way I prefer Baaba Maal's older recordings. Don't get me wrong. I am not a purist when it comes to "ethnic" music. If music stays closed to outside influences, it may end up in a museum, after all. Music is there to be listened to. But "Baayo" is still my personal favourite Baaba Maal CD. I especially like the track Diahowo in which the tension is built up to a climatic and finally inspirational release. "Firin' In Fouta" was more dancy, and features a few tracks through which it is impossible to sit still."

A few really good tracks; Otherwise disappointing

Tom B | Westport, CT USA | 09/05/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Baaba Maal is one of Africa's, and the world's, most amazing and spellbinding talents. I own and have played his previous albums many times, and have captivated friends and guests with the surging rhythms and soaring vocals of his music. But I'm afraid that on this disc some record company execs got wind of his talent and said, "Let's make him commercial." How else to explain the syrupy sound of the opener, "I Will Follow You," or the poppy beats and production of "Africans Unite," "Fanta," and "Douwayra?" The good news is that five of the other tracks are pure, undiluted brilliance, Baaba Maal at his usual best. The closer, "Lam Lam," was produced by Brian Eno, and has lots of droning synths and horn-like sounds, meant I guess to sound like nomads in the desert. It's interesting, but at twelve minutes is way too long and in parts lacks energy. Buy it or not? Certainly get Baaba Maal records and enjoy his phenomenal work, but get his great earlier discs, like Missing You and Baayo, first. Then if you're hungry for more, like me, get this one too, and listen to it selectively."

Okay

Tom B | 05/04/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Baaba Maal is arguably one of the greatest African vocalists ever to acheive international renown. Here on this collaborative album of bland pop and Celtic fusions. His distinct brilliance becomes submerged to lesser singers and you want to throw the CD against the wall in frustration. This does not mean the album is bad compared to lesser mortals this would be a great album and you still get the incredible Fulani melodies flowing through especially with his more successful reggae fusions. It is just that this album has allowed the other performers rather mediocre sound to dominate Baaba Maals on several songs. I would still recommend this CD because it has diversity but for Baaba Maal purists this will be a thorn in the side"