7 [Original recording reissued]

Zap Mama | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 8, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Luaka Bop
• ASIN: B0000CC83E
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,546 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #71 in Music > World Music > Europe > Continental Europe > Belgium

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fine Introduction, September 5, 2000

By 

Ibochild (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seven (Audio CD)

For those who have never experienced the aural pleasures of Zap Mama, this CD is a fine introduction. Unlike their earlier CD's (which are also very good), this set has much more instrumentation and is more accessible to a general audience. Combining elements of many different styles of music, this CD is also beyond simple categorization. "Belgo Zairoise," the first track on the CD, is a good example. This rousing recording, takes you on a musical journey of three continents. The song ends with a self-affirming re-working of a classic Bob Marley & the Wailers lyric, with the women singing "No Man, No Cry." Open-minded fans of hip-hop will like the funky, "Baba Hooker," which features group leader Marie Daulne's sensual vocals with Spearhead's Michael Franti. Other cuts that immediately come to mind are "African Sunset," "Warmth" and "Damn Your Eyes." Zap Mama also offers a distinctive rendition of Phoebe Snow's classic, "Poetry Man." [For those fortunate to see Zap Mama's Marie Daulne sing a duet of the song with Ms. Snow on public television's "Sessions at West 54th Street," witnessed something very special. Hopefully, that episode will soon be available on video and/or CD soon]. In short, all of the tracks on the CD are first-rate. For me, this is the most purchased CD in recent memory -- either as gifts or because people I've loaned the CD, refuse to give it up! If you like music with rich multi-layered vocals and highly imaginative arrangements, this is definitely worth a listen. If, after purchasing the CD, you like the a cappella material the best, check out one of their earlier CD's next. If the funky side is what appeals to you, check out A MA ZONE next.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Zap Mama, July 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Seven (Audio CD)

Seven has a bit more of an R & B feel than A Ma Zone. It is a consistently incredible mix of Afropean rock and American Hip Hop, R & B, and Funk. I was very impressed by the compilations with Spearhead, although Michael Franti is depoliticized in his Zap Mama work (and vice versa). The understanding, blend, and use of such a variety of musical styles makes Zap Mama the most innovative artists today. And sheer talent!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite album for years, September 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: 7 (Audio CD)

I first enjoyed Zap Mama's "Adventures in Afropea", their a capella album, about 9 years ago. When I heard their album "7" a few years ago, however, my mind was blown many times over and continues to be every time I listen to it (which is often). This album retains the beauty and intricacy of their a capella vocal work, but melds their gorgeous vocals with elements from many styles of music. If I had to classify this album I'd have to call it "world music", but it defies classification - it is completely original, funky, energetic, beautiful, surprising, and passionate. I love it, and I think it's Zap Mama's best work to date.