Egypt

N’Dour combines the rhythms and melodies of his native Senagal with Egyptian and Arabic influences in a release that celebrates Islamic Sufism. According to the promo material “the lyrics demonstrate a distinctly Senegalese way of Islam, and of Sufi thought and practice, with references to venerated caliphs, saints, and sages.” The music is lush, rich, and glorious w/strong orchestration and amazing vocals. One star each track.

*1. Light & melodic w/beautiful strings/perc/flute & vocals.
2. Uptempo w/wonderful orchestration/chorus/vocals.
3. Slow and soaring. Dramatic and haunting. Wonderful.
*4. Fast perc/strings. Great flutes & call/response w/chorus.
*5. Warm and lyrical w/a fluid rhythm and wonderful melody.
6. Midtempo w/lots of strings, a light rhythm & a happy feeling.
7. Big orchestration. Strings, nice backing vocals. Bright & warm.
8. Starts lively, gets slower, dramatic, then back. Good chorus/perc.
6/2004