St. Germain

St. Germain, a.k.a. Ludovic Navarre, is back after a 15-year hiatus with this self-titled album. The looping, electronica-influenced tracks are calm, soothing, jazzy, smooth. Navarre collaborated with Malian artist Guimba Kouyate, giving the record a distinctive Malian/African feel. Elements of samba also creep in. RIYL Amadou and Mariam, Cinematic Orchestra. Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 6. No FCCs.

1. (5:17) Soulful male vocals, upbeat acoustic guitar, groovy percussion.
2. (6:24) Smooth clubby groove featuring female vocals.
3. (7:06) Jazzy drums, piano, guitar. Instrumental head-bobber.
4. (6:31) Twangy guitar with female vocals.
5. (7:55) Piano, sax, twinkly. Most traditional jazz-lounge sounding track. Male vocals. Nice long dancey groove.
6. (6:44) English/Malian male vocals. Bluesy. Twangy guitar.
7. (5:22) Breezy instrumental featuring guitar, drums, keys.
8. (5:45) Plucky guitar with a heavy beat that gently carries you away.